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Understanding the precise measurements required for different types of expanded metal is essential for selecting the right mesh pattern. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to accurately measure and specify expanded metal.
Raised or flattened mesh, what is the difference?
When measuring expanded metal mesh, the first thing to consider is whether the mesh is raised or flattened. Each type has its own set of terminologies for measurement.
Expanded metal starts in a raised form due to the unique ‘slit and stretch’ manufacturing process, which creates angular strands inclined from the plane of the sheet.
Raised mesh is notable for its angular appearance, which not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides practical benefits: it offers grip underfoot, directs air, liquid, and light, and serves as a key when used as a substrate.
Common applications for raised mesh include walkway ramps, security fencing, interior and exterior decorative building cladding, and laths for render and plaster.
A secondary process often flattens the raised mesh using heavy rolls, resulting in a completely two-dimensional sheet where all strands lie in the same plane. Flattened mesh is preferred when a smooth finish is desired.
Common applications for flattened mesh include security partition meshes, conical air filters, and machine guards.
How to Measure a Raised Mesh?
Key terminology for raised mesh is Longway Pitch (LWP), Shortway Pitch (SWP), Strand Width (SWDT) and Strand Thickness (STK).
LWP: Measured horizontally from either knuckle to knuckle or centre to centre, is derived from the size of tooling used within the production process.
SWP: Measured vertically from either knuckle to knuckle or centre to centre, is manifested through the overall expansion applied during manufacture.
SWDT: A measurement of the width of the resulting angular strand created during manufacture.
STK: A measurement of starting raw material thickness. Contrary to belief, the expanding process does not directly alter material thickness. Strand Thickness should not be confused with the overall height or depth of expanded metal. Typically, mesh height can be as much as 1-2 times the measurement of SWDT.
How to Measure a Flattened Mesh
Key terminology for flattened mesh is Longway Aperture (LWA), Shortway Aperture (SWA), Strand Width (SWDT) and Strand Thickness (STK).
LWA: Measured horizontally from one internal aperture point to the next.
SWA: Measured vertically from one internal aperture point to the next.
SWDT: The width of the angular strand created during manufacturing.
STK: The thickness of the raw material before processing.
The expanding process does not alter the material thickness, but the flattening process does. You can expect a 10-20% reduction in material thickness after flattening.
After flattening, the mesh becomes completely two-dimensional. Therefore, the overall height measurement of the mesh will be similar to the starting material thickness, with an additional 10-20% reduction.
How do I specify sheet size and orientation?
Expanded metal mesh exhibits different mechanical and aesthetic properties depending on the sheet's orientation.
When specifying sheet dimensions, it is important to consider the orientation of the diamonds in relation to the sheet size. The terms used to describe this orientation are Longway Mesh (LWM) and Shortway Mesh (SWM).
For example, when raised mesh is used as a walkway ramp platform, the surface grip is strongest when the diamonds run left-to-right underfoot. Conversely, in the security fencing industry, expanded metal fencing panels are commonly mounted with the diamonds pointing upwards. This creates narrower openings and makes it more difficult to climb and scale the fence.
The illustration below shows how a mm (LWM) x mm (SWM) differs from a mm (LWM) x mm (SWM), despite having the same overall dimensions.
In conclusion, this article has provided a comprehensive guide on measuring and specifying expanded metal, covering both raised and flattened mesh types. It delves into the unique characteristics and applications of each, highlighting key measurements.
These measurements are essential for selecting the right mesh pattern for various purposes, from walkway ramps and security fencing to decorative cladding and industrial applications.
By understanding these metrics and considering the orientation of the mesh, readers can confidently choose expanded metal that best suits their specific needs. For visual clarity, refer to the accompanying illustration to understand the differences in mesh orientation.
View an example of our F flattened steel mesh at a horizontal orientation here and view the same mesh at a vertical orientation here. You can also view our raised steel mesh at a horizontal orientation here and at a vertical orientation here.
Expanded metal would most likely be the right product choice for your next project due to its strength and durability. It outranks its competitors, like chicken wire, as it is cost-effective and comes in multiple sizes and weights.
Examples of metals used to make expanded metal include aluminum, stainless and galvanized steel, copper, and titanium. There are several types of expanded metal. Each type is made in different ways that provide various functions. Let’s figure out which one suits your needs the best.
The process of creating expanded metal was first developed and copyrighted in the s in Hartlepool, UK. Despite advancements in technology, the modern process of expanding metal remains similar to the original technique.
Expanded metal is a metal produced from a solid metal sheet. Stainless steel, aluminum, steel, titanium, and copper sheets are used. The sheet goes through a process of cutting and stretching using industrial machinery. Stretching and cutting result in a mesh with diamond-shaped spaces. Many other patterns can also be created.
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The ratio of open to closed mesh area specifies the amount of space for the passage of light, air, and water. The ratio can be changed according to the mesh usage. As the process starts with a small sheet of steel and results in the production of a large mesh, it is lightweight and cost-effective, making it the best pocket-friendly option to choose among others.
The versatility of expanded metal widens the opportunity for usage. It can be used for a variety of applications. While still allowing airflow and light in, expanded metal is very strong and durable.
The diamond shape does the best at absorbing energy and deforms the least after being installed. Other design variants consider the size and angles of the shapes and how well they can absorb energy.
The manufacturing of expanded metal begins with a metal sheet. The sheet is cut and stretched. This procedure expands the cuts uniformly into diamond-shaped openings. There is no metal wastage during the expanding procedure, making expanded metal a green product. As mentioned, expanded metal comes from a single sheet of any metal. An industrial cutting machine moves back and forth to cut the sheet in alternating cuts for a specific shape. Several different knife patterns can be used to cut the sheet into different shapes and sizes. The purpose of creating expanded metal is to stretch it. You only need a small piece of metal for this process.
Expanded metal machines have various functions. Sometimes the process requires multiple machines. The standard method is to expand the metal sheet in a press that creates the diamond-shaped voids. Then, a flattening machine is used to flatten out the metal, followed by a shearing and slitting machine which cuts and creates the holes. This process can vary based on the available resources.
There are 4 main types of expanded metals: standard expanded metal, flattened expanded metal, expanded metal mesh, and expanded metal grating. They all start as a metal sheet but evolve into their respective types.
Standard expanded metal is created by entering a metal sheet in a machine press that cuts and stretches metal. Through this process, overlapping strips of a diamond pattern are created. This pattern permits air circulation, but it does not let the metal lose its strength and durability. In contrast to other types, standard expanded metal turns into a finished product as soon as it is made in the press. Expanded metal can be produced in various sizes and weights and these can be used when making lockers, warehouse fencing and machinery safety doors.
Flattened expanded metal is about 5% lighter than the standard expanded metal. After the standard process is used to make standard expanded metal, another step is involved, which creates flattened expanded metal. After exiting the machine the cold rolling press is used to flatten it. This step of the process helps to make the metal mesh flatter, thinner, and longer. Flattened expanded metal is perfect for fences, ventilation, cages and flooring. The slip-resistant coating is perfect for constructing walkways or stairways, allowing pedestrians a durable surface with a great grip.
The expanded metal mesh comes in various shapes and sizes. It ranges from delicate mesh to stronger ones. It is made by using a single sheet of solid metal that is compressed and stretched. Ornamental and constructive products are made using expanded metal mesh such as dividing screens, fences, and aerated storage systems.
Low carbon steel plates are created using this type. They are heavier than ordinary ones. These are used for areas where durability is necessary such as walkways, stairs or main pedestrian zones. Expanded metal grating products have a terrific strength-to-weight ratio. They are also naturally slip-proof and do not require a nonslip coating as the slitting and stretching of metal plates result in a non-slip surface. This type proves to be one of the most economical and strong materials.
There are 3,500 different types and grades of steel on the market today, but this article will focus on two types: raised metal, and flat expanded metal.
Both types of metal have their pros and cons, so it is important to learn about what each brings to the table so that you choose the right type for your project:
Raised metal, also known as standard metal, is a steel product used for anything from fences to grates. It’s called standard metal because its final form is exactly how it is when it leaves the expanding press.
The strands on raised metal have horizontal angles. making a less smooth surface. The characteristics of each sheet are customizable depending on the pattern size and the amount of expansion applied. Despite the customizable size and thickness of the sheet, the holes and the strands around them are uniform in size and thickness.
Some of the primary applications of raised metal are fences, walkways, and grates. The reason that raised metal is coveted for these purposes is because it is durable and strong. The small openings also allow for air, liquid, and light to pass through. It acts as a strainer by allowing those things to pass through while stopping large objects.
Some other standard uses for the raised expanded metal are for use in lockers as walls and doors to close off areas of warehouses.
Raised metal is structurally stronger than other types of expanded metal. The strands distribute a load of weight more evenly, allowing the expanded metal to support more weight than flat expanded metal can.
Additionally, because of the angled strands, raised expanded metal provides more grip and makes them skid-resistant for anyone walking on them. This makes them a great option for walkways. Because they come from steel, raised expanded metal is very durable and will last a long time. This means it will save you money because you won’t need to pay for repairs or a replacement for 40 or more years.
Some cons of raised expanded metal are that it is not as aesthetically pleasing as flat expanded metal. It is also heavier and denser, which can cost you more to have it delivered.
Flat expanded metal is made the same way that raised expanded metal is, with one difference in the process. After exiting the press it is milled to make a smooth and flat surface. By removing the ridges of standard or raised expanded metal gives the expanded metal a much sleeker appearance.
Compared to raised expanded metal, flat expanded metal is thinner and flatter. It is most useful where abrasion isn’t as important and aesthetics are more valuable. Removing the ridges also makes flat expanded metal weigh less than raised expanded metal. It also has a finished surface to make it look even more aesthetically pleasing.
Some typical uses of flat expanded metal are fencing, use for enclosures and safety areas, and even walkways on billboards. It can also make great railings, gates, paths, and grates.
The big pro of flat expanded metal is that it weighs less. Because it weighs less, it costs less to transport and manufacture. It can save you money by opting to go with flat expanded metal.
Its distinctive finish also sets it apart from raised expanded metal. If the grip is less important than appearance for what you need the expanded metal for, flat expanded metal will be a better fit for you.
Similar to raised expanded metal, flat expanded metal is great for letting light, air, and water through it while still presenting a barrier to larger objects. It is also a very strong and durable material for whatever application you are using it for. Corrosion won’t be an issue either since it is made from stainless steel and coated to protect it from the elements.
Some cons of flat expanded metal are that you don’t have as good of a grip in wet conditions if it is used as a walkway. It also isn’t as strong as raised expanded metal due to being flattened out and stretched.
Ultimately, flat expanded metal looks much nicer and is less expensive but it isn’t as utilitarian as the raised expanded metal alternative.
Expanded metal is used in projects involving architecture, agriculture, horticulture, transportation, and art installation. The metal allows for flexible designs while also being very sturdy and durable. Due to great variations in size and dimension, its uses are endless.
Sizes of expanded metal depend on the company you purchase it from. Overall, it is generally used as a barrier for lighter objects.
Expanded metals have hundreds of uses and there are many advantages of this type of metal. Some are described below:
Each type of extended metal can be used to make different products. Common products made by using expanded metals are:
Take time to consider the components of what you are constructing and how the benefits of expanded metal will work to your advantage. One of the good things about expanded metal is that it is used for projects ranging from small developments around the house to massive construction sites.
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We contribute to your workload by producing the optimal products and managing your costs. All you need to do is figure out what your project needs and put your plan into action. We will do the rest. Head over to our products section to see the selection of services we offer. Don’t let any project hold you back anymore. We have the expanded metal and it is ready for your use.
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