Expanded Metal
Expanded metal is a type of metal sheet that has been cut and stretched to create a regular pattern of diamond-shaped openings in the material. It is commonly used in fencing and gates, as well as for other industrial, architectural and decorative applications.
- Increased pattern size improves cost-effectiveness.
- Standard expanded metal provides strength and rigidity.
- Exceptionally long life
| Materials | Titanium, Mild Steel, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminium |
|---|---|
| Hole Patterns | Diamond, Ribbon, Circle, Squares, Custom Fabricated |
Details about Expanded Metal
Product Details
Size & Application
How to order
Video
Product Details
Expanded Metal Mesh: Versatility, Strength, and Aesthetic Appeal
Discover our extensive range of expanded metal products, crafted from steel, nickel, titanium, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Available in various sizes, widths, and mesh patterns, these sheets provide both functionality and aesthetic appeal. 🌟
Expanded metal is a sheet metal that has been slit and stretched to form a regular pattern of diamond-shaped openings. Unlike perforated metal, the material is not completely cut through, maintaining its structural integrity. This process results in a lightweight yet strong material with excellent airflow and drainage properties.
Expanded Metal Advantages
- Cost-effective alternative to perforated metal, especially when using high-value raw materials 💰
- Outstanding mechanical strength – anti-ravel and flexible, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Corrosion-resistant and suitable for indoor or outdoor use 🌧️
- Lightweight and easy to handle, enabling effortless installation and customization
- Versatile design possibilities for both functional and decorative projects ✨
Expanded Metal Production Process
Applications of Expanded Metal
Expanded metal is widely used across multiple industries due to its strength and adaptability:
- Air and Fluid Filters 🍃
- Battery Cells 🔋
- Dipping/Degreasing Baskets
- Drying Trays
- Decorative Mesh for Architecture & Interior Design ✨
- EMI/RFI Shielding
- Enclosures and Protective Guards
- Fan Guards
- Fencing and Security Panels 🚧
- Flatbed Truck Decking
- Grain Dryers
- Intake Grilles
- Machine and Window Guards
- Outdoor Furniture
- Partitions
- Satellite and Radar Antenna Screens and Filters 🛰️
- Security Walls, Ceilings, Floors, and Doors
- Shelving, Trays & Racks
- Speaker Grills 🔊
- Stair Treads
- Trailer Ramps
- Ventilation Systems
- Walkways and Stair Treads 🚶♂️
Expanded Metal Terminology
Click to expand all terminology 📖
- Bond
- The solid intersection of two strands.
- Camber
- The bow of a side or edge from end to end from a straight line.
- Diamonds
- Open area of metal after expanding. Patterns are usually diamond-shaped, but may also be hexagonal, louvered, asymmetric, square, or combinations thereof.
- Edge Configuration
- Refers to the edge condition of a sheet. May be closed diamonds (bonded) or open diamonds (random) produced by shearing.
- Flattened
- Expanded metal that has been cold rolled after expansion.
- Grating
- Expanded metal that is produced from heavier sheets.
- Levelness
- Flatness of sheet; sheets shall be free from waves or buckets more than 1–1/2 inches from a plane surface.
- Strand Thickness
- Thickness of the base metal.
- Strand Width
- Width of the strand; can be varied to create different expanded metal products.
- Taper
- Edges of a sheet that deviate from parallel.
Specifications for Different Applications
🏛️ Architectural Exterior Panels
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWD × LWD (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 20 × 40 | 1000 × 2000 | Polished / Powder Coated | Suitable for facades & decorative panels |
| Aluminium 3003 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 25 × 50 | 1200 × 2400 | Anodized / Powder Coated | Lightweight & corrosion-resistant |
| Titanium Gr1 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 30 × 60 | 1000 × 2000 | Brushed / Mill Finish | High-end architectural finish |
🛠️ Filtration Applications
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWO × LWO (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Open Area (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 316 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 5 × 10 | 500 × 1000 | 60% | Air & fluid filters |
| Nickel | 0.6 | 1.0 | 6 × 12 | 500 × 1000 | 55% | Chemical resistant filters |
| Mild Steel (Galvanized) | 0.8 | 1.2 | 8 × 16 | 1000 × 2000 | 50% | Water filtration & coarse separation |
🏭 Industrial & Other Applications
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWD × LWD (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 1.5 | 3.0 | 30 × 60 | 1200 × 2400 | Hot-dip Galvanized | Fencing, walkways, stair treads |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 25 × 50 | 1000 × 2000 | Polished / Brushed | Protective guards, machine panels |
| Copper | 1.0 | 2.0 | 20 × 40 | 1000 × 2000 | Mill Finish | EMI/RFI shielding & decorative elements |
| Aluminium | 1.2 | 2.5 | 30 × 60 | 1200 × 2400 | Anodized | Drying trays, lightweight structural components |
How to Calculate the Weight of Expanded Metal?
Please check our special expanded metal weight calculator for precise calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click to expand FAQ 📖
- What is expanded metal mesh?
Expanded metal mesh is sheet metal that has been slit and stretched to form a diamond-shaped pattern, providing strength, airflow, and drainage. - What materials are commonly used?
Common materials include steel, aluminum, stainless steel, copper, titanium, and nickel, each offering different strength, corrosion resistance, or aesthetic properties. - What are the benefits?
High strength-to-weight ratio, durability, corrosion resistance, cost-effectiveness, and versatility for industrial, architectural, and decorative applications. - Can it be customized?
Yes. Expanded metal can be tailored in material, strand thickness, width, opening size, and sheet dimensions to meet specific project requirements. - Is it suitable for outdoor use?
Absolutely. Corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and aluminum are ideal for harsh outdoor environments. - What industries commonly use expanded metal?
Construction, architecture, industrial filtration, automotive, aerospace, electrical shielding, and agricultural applications. - How to select the right mesh?
Consider factors such as material, strand thickness, opening size, load-bearing requirements, and environmental exposure to choose the most appropriate expanded metal product.
Download Catalog
Size & Application
Specifications for Different Applications
🏛️ Architectural Exterior Panels
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWD × LWD (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304 | 1.2 | 2.0 | 20 × 40 | 1000 × 2000 | Polished / Powder Coated | Suitable for facades & decorative panels |
| Aluminium 3003 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 25 × 50 | 1200 × 2400 | Anodized / Powder Coated | Lightweight & corrosion-resistant |
| Titanium Gr1 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 30 × 60 | 1000 × 2000 | Brushed / Mill Finish | High-end architectural finish |
🛠️ Filtration Applications
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWO × LWO (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Open Area (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 316 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 5 × 10 | 500 × 1000 | 60% | Air & fluid filters |
| Nickel | 0.6 | 1.0 | 6 × 12 | 500 × 1000 | 55% | Chemical resistant filters |
| Mild Steel (Galvanized) | 0.8 | 1.2 | 8 × 16 | 1000 × 2000 | 50% | Water filtration & coarse separation |
🏭 Industrial & Other Applications
| Material | Strand Thickness (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | SWD × LWD (mm) | Sheet Size (mm) | Finish | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Steel | 1.5 | 3.0 | 30 × 60 | 1200 × 2400 | Hot-dip Galvanized | Fencing, walkways, stair treads |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 25 × 50 | 1000 × 2000 | Polished / Brushed | Protective guards, machine panels |
| Copper | 1.0 | 2.0 | 20 × 40 | 1000 × 2000 | Mill Finish | EMI/RFI shielding & decorative elements |
| Aluminium | 1.2 | 2.5 | 30 × 60 | 1200 × 2400 | Anodized | Drying trays, lightweight structural components |
Application Field
- Air and Fluid Filters
- Battery Cells
- Dipping/Degreasing Baskets
- Drying Trays
- Decorative Mesh
- EMI/RFI Shielding
- Enclosures
- Fan Guards
- Fencing
- Flatbed Truck Decking
- Grain Dryers
- Intake Grilles
- Machine and Window Guards
- Outdoor Furniture
- Partitions
- Satellite and Radar AntennaScreens and Filters
- Security Walls, Ceilings, Floors, and Doors
- Shelving, Trays & Racks
- Speaker Grills
- Stair Treads
- Trailer Ramps
- Ventilation Systems
- Walkways and Stair Treads
Download Catalog
How to order
How to order Expanded Metal?
Please Specify:
- Material: Titanium, Nickel, Carbon Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel 304 Or 316, etc.
- Type: Standard/Raised, Flattened, Expanded Metal Grating
- Quantity: number of pieces – full size or cut pieces required
- Piece Size: width (SWD) x length (LWD)
- Shearing: bond or random. Please check the below photo for reference
- Finish: hot-dipped galvanized, PVC coating, PVDF coating, Pt coating, special, if any
Item No.: typically, expanded metal is specified like the following examples:
3/4 #18 S 3′ SWD x 6′ LWD Aluminum
- – 1/2inch= Short Way Of Diamond Dimension
- – #18 = Gauge (Usually not AWG, BWG, SWG, should be Washburn & Moen)
- – “S” = Standard (“F” would indicate flattened)
- – 3′ SWD x 6′ LWD = size of sheet width x length
- – Aluminum = material
The Best Wire Gauge Chart
| Gauge | American Wire Gauge(AWG) mm | Washburn & Moen mm | Birmingham Wire Gauge(BWG) mm | Standard Wire Gauge(SWG) mm | United States Standard mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/0 | 12.446 | 12.7 | |||
| 6/0 | 14.732 | 11.722 | 11.786 | ||
| 5/0 | 13.119 | 10.935 | 10.973 | 11.113 | |
| 4/0 | 11.684 | 10.003 | 10.16 | 10.319 | |
| 3/0 | 10.404 | 9.208 | 9.449 | 9.525 | |
| 2/0 | 9.266 | 8.407 | 8.839 | 8.731 | |
| 1/0 | 8.252 | 7.785 | 8.23 | 7.938 | |
| 1 | 7.348 | 7.188 | 7.62 | 7.62 | 7.144 |
| 2 | 6.543 | 6.668 | 7.213 | 7.01 | 6.747 |
| 3 | 5.827 | 6.19 | 6.579 | 6.401 | 6.35 |
| 4 | 5.189 | 5.723 | 6.045 | 5.893 | 5.953 |
| 5 | 4.62 | 5.258 | 5.588 | 5.385 | 5.556 |
| 6 | 4.115 | 4.877 | 5.156 | 4.877 | 5.159 |
| 7 | 3.663 | 4.496 | 4.572 | 4.47 | 4.763 |
| 8 | 3.261 | 4.115 | 4.191 | 4.064 | 4.366 |
| 9 | 2.906 | 3.767 | 3.759 | 3.658 | 3.969 |
| 10 | 2.586 | 3.429 | 3.404 | 3.251 | 3.572 |
| 11 | 2.304 | 3.061 | 3.048 | 2.946 | 3.175 |
| 12 | 2.052 | 2.68 | 2.769 | 2.642 | 2.778 |
| 13 | 1.826 | 2.324 | 2.413 | 2.337 | 2.381 |
| 14 | 1.626 | 2.032 | 2.108 | 2.032 | 1.984 |
| 15 | 1.448 | 1.829 | 1.829 | 1.829 | 1.786 |
| 16 | 1.29 | 1.588 | 1.651 | 1.626 | 1.588 |
| 17 | 1.148 | 1.372 | 1.473 | 1.422 | 1.429 |
| 18 | 1.024 | 1.207 | 1.245 | 1.219 | 1.27 |
| 19 | 0.909 | 1.041 | 1.067 | 1.016 | 1.111 |
| 20 | 0.81 | 0.884 | 0.888 | 0.914 | 0.953 |
| 21 | 0.721 | 0.805 | 0.813 | 0.813 | 0.873 |
| 22 | 0.643 | 0.726 | 0.711 | 0.711 | 0.794 |
| 23 | 0.572 | 0.655 | 0.635 | 0.61 | 0.714 |
| 24 | 0.511 | 0.584 | 0.559 | 0.559 | 0.635 |
| 25 | 0.455 | 0.518 | 0.508 | 0.508 | 0.556 |
| 26 | 0.404 | 0.46 | 0.457 | 0.457 | 0.476 |
| 27 | 0.358 | 0.439 | 0.406 | 0.417 | 0.437 |
| 28 | 0.32 | 0.411 | 0.356 | 0.376 | 0.397 |
| 29 | 0.284 | 0.381 | 0.33 | 0.345 | 0.357 |
| 30 | 0.254 | 0.356 | 0.305 | 0.315 | 0.318 |
| 31 | 0.226 | 0.335 | 0.254 | 0.295 | 0.278 |
| 32 | 0.201 | 0.325 | 0.229 | 0.274 | 0.258 |
| 33 | 0.178 | 0.3 | 0.203 | 0.254 | 0.238 |
| 34 | 0.16 | 0.264 | 0.178 | 0.234 | 0.218 |
| 35 | 0.142 | 0.241 | 0.127 | 0.213 | 0.198 |
| 36 | 0.127 | 0.229 | 0.102 | 0.193 | 0.179 |
| 37 | 0.112 | 0.216 | 0.173 | 0.169 | |
| 38 | 0.099 | 0.203 | 0.152 | 0.159 | |
| 39 | 0.089 | 0.191 | 0.132 | ||
| 40 | 0.079 | 0.178 | 0.122 | ||
| 41 | 0.071 | 0.168 | 0.112 | ||
| 42 | 0.063 | 0.157 | 0.102 | ||
| 43 | 0.056 | 0.152 | 0.091 | ||
| 44 | 0.05 | 0.147 | 0.081 | ||
| 45 | 0.045 | 0.14 | 0.071 | ||
| 46 | 0.04 | 0.132 | 0.061 | ||
| 47 | 0.036 | 0.127 | 0.051 | ||
| 48 | 0.031 | 0.122 | 0.041 | ||
| 49 | 0.028 | 0.117 | 0.03 | ||
| 50 | 0.025 | 0.112 | 0.025 |
Shearing Type
Expanded Metal Mesh Direction
Video
