If you need to use a meshed metal, say to build new fences, walkways or cages, then you need to choose between a perforated or expanded product. While perforated metal has its advantages, an expanded metal may be a better fit for your needs.
Expanded metal is a type of mesh metal sheeting. During the manufacturing process, a regular sheet of malleable metal goes into an expanding machine. This machine stretches the metal to make it thinner. It also simultaneously makes slit cuts in the sheet.
As the metal expands, the cuts stretch out and open up. This creates a uniform mesh design. The slits turn into holes in the sheet as the metal thins out.
Depending on your application and preference, you can use this process to create different shapes of mesh. While diamond cuts are perhaps the most common option here, you can also use shapes like circles, ovals, squares, and hexagons, for example.
With innovative manufacturing facilities, techniques and capabilities, The Expanded Metal Company manufactures a wide range of expanded metal mesh products suitable for a variety of applications.
Our product is available in a wide array of colours, materials and designs, and can be used to stunning effect. Contact us for a sample and you can get a closer look at its aesthetic properties.
Our process involves slitting and stretching material to create holes rather than punching it out. This provides immediate cost savings, especially when compared to other metal processing methods, such as perforation, which results in wasted raw material.
The knuckles formed by expanding mesh give the material a strong grip: this is particularly beneficial when building stair treads, ramps and walkways. We have also developed a range of specialist anti-slip walkway meshes.
By expanding metal from a solid sheet form, a strong yet lightweight material is created. The uncut ‘knuckles’ of expanded metal mesh withstand pressure better than welds or joints.
Expanded metal mesh can be combined with other materials to give products added strength and flexibility. For example, glass, plastics and other composites can be either incorporated into, or attached to, meshes for increased strength and security, or for aesthetic properties.
Electricity, magnetic flux and heat can all flow through expanded metal mesh, as there is a continuous connection throughout each sheet. There are no breaks or welds because the mesh has been formed from a single piece of metal.
If you're interested in learning more about expanded metals, contact us. We can help you find the right pre-cut or made-to-order supplies for any project, big or small.
