What is the benefit of using sheet metal that has been rolled?

Using sheet metal that has been rolled offers improved dimensional accuracy primarily due to the precise control during the rolling process. Rolling sheet metal involves passing it through a set of rollers which reduces its thickness while increasing its length, providing a uniform thickness across the sheet. This ensures that the dimensions of the metal meet specific tolerances required in manufacturing and assembly processes, which is essential in aerospace applications where accuracy is critical for safety and performance.

The manufacturing techniques involved in rolling also minimize variations in thickness, allowing for consistent material properties across the surface of the sheet. This level of dimensional accuracy can lead to greater ease of fabrication, better fitting of components, and overall enhanced performance of the aircraft structures being assembled.

In contrast, while lower cost, enhanced ductility, and better fatigue resistance may be benefits of specific types of metals or processing methods, rolling particularly highlights the advantage of achieving uniform and precise dimensions necessary for aircraft structural integrity.