What Are Metal Filing Cabinets Made From?

Metal filing cabinets are a staple in offices and organizations around the world. They provide secure and organized storage for important documents and records. But what exactly are traditional metal filing cabinets made from? Let’s take a closer look at the materials and manufacturing process.

Steel is the Primary Material

The majority of metal filing cabinets are constructed using steel. Steel provides strength, durability, and security – important features for protecting sensitive contents. Most filing cabinets are made from cold-rolled steel which is smooth, sturdy, and resistant to wear and tear.

The gauge or thickness of the steel can vary. Lower gauge steel, such as 22 or 24 gauge, is lighter but more prone to dents. Higher gauge steel, like 18 or 20 gauge, is heavier and more resilient. Important components like drawers are often reinforced with thicker gauge steel for added sturdiness.

Painting and Finishing

Raw steel has a grey metallic tone, so filing cabinets are typically treated with different finishing processes:

• Painting – Powder coating or wet paint is applied to give color and protect against scratches. Popular colors are neutral tones like black, grey, beige or white.
• Laminating – A plastic laminate layer can be bonded to the steel for a smooth surface resistant to wear. Common laminate colors are wood grain patterns.
• Enameling – An enamel coating is baked onto the steel at high heat for a glossy and durable finish. Enamel can come in various colors from bold tones to wooden looks.

These finishes not only make the filing cabinets more attractive but also help protect the steel from corrosion over time.

Drawer Construction

The drawers are one of the most complex components in a filing cabinet’s design. Each drawer is constructed from steel sides, a steel front panel, and a steel back panel. The bottom is often made from a thinner metal material or wood.

The drawer sides utilize bent steel construction. The front and back panels are welded or riveted together through the bent sides to create a rigid box framework. Steel ball bearing slides are attached to smoothly extend the drawer.

Reinforced drawers can hold up to 100 lbs of weight when fully loaded. Heavier duty models for legal and government use may be rated for up to 200 lbs capacity per drawer.

Locks for Security

Locks are installed on most filing cabinets to restrict access and provide confidentiality. Entry-level cabinets may have simple key locks on each drawer. More advanced locks include:

• Interlocking – Locking one drawer automatically locks the others.
• Central locking – A master lock secures every drawer.
• Digital – Electronic keypad or fingerprint locks provide keyless access.
• Combination – Multi-digit combination locks offer keyless convenience.

Fire-rated cabinets designed to protect documents from fire damage have more complex multi-point latching systems.

Assembly and Manufacturing

Metal filing cabinets are mass-produced in large quantities through efficient manufacturing processes:

• Computer-guided machines cut, bend, and punch steel sheet metal into specific shapes.
• Automated welding systems join steel components together for sturdy construction.
• Painting and finishing is done through high-volume robotic systems or conveyor lines.
• Components come together on assembly lines where workers efficiently construct the final product.
• Quality testing ensures each cabinet meets stringent standards and tolerances before packaging.

Continual improvements in manufacturing technology have made metal filing cabinets inexpensive to mass produce while maintaining consistent quality.

Choosing the Right Metal Filing Cabinet

When selecting a metal filing cabinet, consider factors like:

• Gauge – Heavier steel provides more durability and security.
• Drawer Slides – Smooth ball bearing slides allow easy access.
• Lock Type – Match the lock to your security needs.
• Drawer Size – Accommodate your specific document sizes.
• Certifications – Look for UL, Fire, or other ratings for safety.
• Manufacturer – Established brands like Hon, Hirsh, or FireKing offer reliable quality.

While models vary, strong all-steel construction is the norm across quality metal filing cabinets. Proper materials and manufacturing is what makes them a sturdy storage solution built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gauge steel is best for filing cabinets?

20 gauge steel provides a good balance of sturdiness and cost-effectiveness for general office use. Heavy duty 18 gauge is recommended for legal, healthcare or government organizations that store highly sensitive documents.

Are cheaper filing cabinets less secure?

Generally yes – lower priced cabinets tend to have thinner steel, lower weight ratings, and less robust locks. Investing in better quality materials provides more reliable security.

Can fire damage documents inside a metal cabinet?

Regular metal cabinets provide limited fire protection. True fire-rated cabinets are designed to withstand minimum 1 hour of extreme heat up to 1700°F to protect contents.

Does paint finish affect the steel thickness?

No, the paint coatings are applied after the underlying steel components are fabricated. The gauge of the steel is determined first before any enameling, powder coating or other finishing.

Can wood or plastic provide the same durability?

Wood and plastic filing cabinets are lighter options but cannot match the strength of all-steel construction. Metal provides the most structural rigidity and ability to withstand high weight capacities.

Are older metal cabinets as strong as new ones?

Vintage steel filing cabinets from reputable brands can be just as robust as new models. Look for signs of wear but quality mid-century cabinets often have thicker steel than modern versions.

Conclusion

Metal filing cabinets remain a staple of organization thanks to the inherent strength and security of steel. Cold-rolled steel in a range of thicknesses forms the core structure. Painting, laminating and enameling provides attractive and protective finishes. Precision manufacturing makes mass production efficient and cost-effective. When shopping for a filing cabinet, be sure to check the gauge of steel used, capacity rating, drawer construction and type of lock to find the right balance of quality and cost to meet your needs. While styles may evolve, steel itself continues to deliver the durability filing cabinets are relied on for.