Expanded metal is a type of metal that has been cut and stretched to form regular patterns (usually diamond shapes). It is usually made from materials such as steel, stainless steel or aluminium.
It is able to distribute loads evenly over a wide surface area due to the lack of welds or joints. It is also one of the most versatile materials that can be used for commercial, industrial, interior design or architectural purposes.
As a supplier of expanded metal mesh in Singapore, Progress Abms offer customisations (size, thickness, width etc.) to suit all your business needs.
Benefits of Expanded Metal Mesh
Expanded mesh metal may be seen by some as an alternative to wire mesh and sheet metal due to the benefits it offers. This includes:
- Strong and durable
Expanded metal mesh is made by flattening the material into a single, solid piece of metal and stretching it. As it is not held together by welds or joints, it is stronger and able to withstand a heavier load.
- Allows for ventilation
The mesh design of expanded metal allows for better ventilation. Air and water are able to pass through the openings easily, facilitating drying and preventing the formation of rust and accumulation of residue.
- Versatile
The material can be shaped easily for a variety of purposes and can be used in many different industries.
- Anti-slip surface
The anti-skid property of expanded mesh provides a strong and safe grip, preventing accidents from occurring. This is especially crucial for ramps and walkways.
- Provides good visibility
Due to its open mesh design, light is able to filter through and provide visibility into the enclosed area. This is important for areas such as walkways or maintenance platforms where visibility is crucial.
- Affordable
Instead of punching out the excess material, the openings in these aluminium and steel mesh sheets are made by slitting and stretching the metal. Thus, wastage is kept to a minimum in the production process, making it a more cost-efficient alternative to other solutions.
Types of Expanded Metal Mesh
There are 4 main types of expanded metals:
- Standard: Used in warehouse enclosures and lockers as it is extremely strong and durable
- Flattened: Smooth, levelled surface that is suitable to be used for floors and fences
- Mesh: Usually used for decorative and architectural purposes like room dividers and grills
- Grating: Heavy-duty uses such as stairs and areas with high pedestrian traffic
Applications of Expanded Metal Mesh
Expanded metal is commonly used as metallic lath to support plaster or stucco. It can also be used for:
- Walkways
- Grates
- Fences
- Mesh covers
- Drainage covers
- Roads
- Exhibition stands
- Enclosures
- Safety barricades
- Outer layer of filters and grilles
Common Expanded Metal Terminology
- Grating: An expanded metal pattern that is made from heavier gauge low carbon steel plates. It is a strong, lightweight material that is mostly used for pedestrian traffic.
- Short way of design (SWD): Height of an expanded metal strand.
- Long way of design (LWD): Length of an expanded metal strand.
- Thickness: Thickness of the expanded metal mesh strand.
- Strand width: Width of the expanded metal mesh strand.
Product Specifications
SWM X LWM (mm) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+-10% | + -10% | (kg/m2) +-10% | ||||||
SWM X LWM (mm) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(kg/m2) ±10% | ||||||||
FAQs About Expanded Metal Mesh
1. Knife is placed in the machine
The expanding machine is fitted with a knife that determines the pattern of the material.
2. Sheet is placed in the machine
The metal sheet used to make expanded metal is then passed through the machine.
3. Pattern is formed on the material
The machine cuts and stretches the material to form an even diamond-shaped pattern that is of uniform size and thickness.
4. Material is cut into sheets
The finished product is wounded into coils or cut into sheets.
Expanded metal may rust in harsh environmental conditions. However, the possibility of this happening is still rather low.
If it does rust, simply remove the rust and the material can still be used.
Some methods to remove rust include
- sandblasting
- shot blasting using mechanical equipment
- pickling / chemical removal
- manual removal