Expanded metal is among the common types of sheet metal that are cut and then stretched to form a metal material. It is a commonly shaped material that is formed in the process features a regular pattern, and often it has a shape of a metal mesh-like material. The common uses of these expanded metals are found in making fences, grates, or supporting plaster, stucco, or metallic lath.
Why Prefer an Expanded Metal?
Are you wondering about the worth of choosing an expanded metal? Well, these expanded metals have more potential than conventional chicken wire. These expanded metals are flat, and this metal feature ensures durability. Another property of these expanded metals is that they can never be completely cut and reconnected. Therefore, the metal sheet can retain its strength for long years.
Common Designs of The Expanded Metal Sheets
The following are the common designs of the metal sheets:
- Circle
- Square
- Diamonds
Diamonds are the most common shape for expanded metal sheets. This metal sheet design is known for its energy absorption and mechanical reformation resistance capacities.
The size and angles of the shapes are vital in the manufacturing process of the expanded metal sheets. For example, in the diamond shape, four different angles are taken into consideration. If large shapes are considered in the diamond designing process of the expanded metal sheets, the shape that is designed in the manufacturing process will have less potential. On the contrary, if the angles are too small, it will have zero strength, and the structure will have no strength at all to hold itself for a long time. Therefore, it is essential to choose a medium-sized angle to ensure a durable structure for years to come.
Applications of Expanded Metals
The wide applications of expanded materials can be found in making fences, walkways, and grates. As these expanded metals are durable and strong, they are gaining much more popularity than wire mesh. Further, these metal sheets have small openings which allow the free passing of air, water, and light through the sheet. Also, it has expanded edges, providing more traction. These expanded metal sheets are ideal for use in catwalks and drainage covers.
The application of Expanded Steel Sheets is also found in the construction industry. In the construction industry, these are used metal laths. These metal laths can support materials like plaster, stucco, or adobe in walls and other structures.
Artists, especially sculptors, also use expanded metals. The uses of expanded materials for artistic purposes include: forming complex-3 dimensional surfaces and compound curves. These formations are then covered with plaster, clay, or other materials.
Advantages Of Expanded Metals
Expanded metals can be widely used for creating mesh metal products. Expanded metal sizes may vary depending on the type of the metal sheet used with it. The following are the advantages of expanded metals:
- Lightweight Metals with Tensile Strength
An expanded metal sheet is known for its relatively lightweight. When the expansion process is performed on the metal sheet, it becomes thinner. Even if the relative weight is lost in the expansion process, it will not affect the strength of the material. As an expanded metal is constructed into a single piece, it is sturdy and strong. Contrary to the fragile woven meshes or sheets having connecting joints, these metal sheets are durable and offer long-lasting performance.
- Less Expensive
As these metal sheets are made into single pieces, and there is minimum wastage, it can reduce your manufacturing cost significantly. This is essential if you are working with an expensive metal. If you use expanded metal, you can use every bit of the metal sheet. During the perforation process of the metal, there will be minimum wastage of the metal. Furthermore, with expanded metal, you can save on material costs. One metal sheet can be easily stretched into a larger area.
- Less Wastage of Metals
Numerous punch holes on perforated metal sheets can result in mesh effects. Unlike these perforated metal sheets, an expanded metal sheet stainless can significantly lower metal wastage if used in metal sheets.
- Available In Different Designs
Unlike the perforated sheets, expanded steel meshes are available in specific designs according to your preferences. You can also get more flexibility with the angles of its cuts. For example, if you are looking to construct a non-slip walkway, you can use an expanded metal with a smooth surface to ensure durability.
Connect with a metal sheets manufacturing company if you are searching for expanded metal near me. You can also get detailed information about the expanded steel price.
