A Diamond in the Rough – Expanded Metal and Its Many Uses
Expanded metal is a highly versatile material with a wide range of applications. While similar to mesh in some ways, expanded metal sets itself apart with its diamond-shaped openings, making it an ideal choice for screens, filters, and more. There are various uses and advantages of expanded metal compared to traditional wire mesh. Let’s dive into expanded metal: the diamond in the rough.
What is Expanded Metal and its Benefits?
Expanded metal is a type of sheet metal that undergoes a unique manufacturing process. Solid sheets of metal are slit and stretched, creating a pattern of interconnected diamond-shaped openings. This expansion process enhances the strength and rigidity of the material, making it suitable for a multitude of applications. The strands that are raised can be flattened later in the process if desired. There really is no waste during this manufacturing, which helps to keep the production costs low and it can add structural strength to the product.
One of the key advantages of expanded metal is its exceptional strength and durability. The expansion process increases the surface area of the metal, distributing weight evenly and increasing its load-bearing capacity. This makes expanded metal perfect for heavy-duty applications such as security screens, fencing, and protective enclosures. Expanded metal mesh is also incredibly cost-effective and versatile. Additionally, expanded metal mesh sheets are easy to install and easily cut to fit specific sizing requirements
Common Uses for Expanded Metal
With its versatility, durability, and unique look, expanded metal is used for a variety of applications. Some common applications include:
Industrial Filters: Expanded metal’s diamond-shaped openings provide excellent filtration capabilities. It is widely used to make filters for air conditioning units, dust collectors, oil rigs, and water filtration systems. Expanded metal can be manufactured to cover specific applications whether for air, light, solid, liquid filtration, or retention.
Security Screens and Enclosures: With its strong and rigid structure, expanded metal is ideal for creating security screens for windows and doors. It offers enhanced protection against break-ins while still allowing air and light to pass through. Used in both residential and commercial settings, security screens made using expanded metal mesh are commonly found in parking garage structures, public transit stations, amusement parks, schools, college campuses, machine shops, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, and stadiums.
Decorative Architectural Applications: Expanded metal can also be used for decorative purposes in architectural designs. Its unique patterns and textures add a visually appealing element to building facades, room dividers, and staircases. Depending on the alloy used in creating expanded metal, this material can be used inside and outside.
Walkways and Stairs: The durability and anti-slip properties of expanded metal make it an excellent choice for walkways, stairs, and platforms. It ensures safe passage by providing traction and preventing accidents caused by slipping. Wire mesh works for a number of needs, from stairways to infills.
The Difference Between Expanded Metal and Wire Mesh
Although expanded metal and wire mesh can be used interchangeably in some applications, expanded metal offers distinct advantages:
Greater Strength: Expanded metal is generally stronger than wire mesh due to its expanded diamond-shaped openings, which provide increased support and rigidity.
Enhanced Security: The nature of expanded metal makes it a preferred choice when security is a priority. Its diamond-shaped openings are more difficult to pry open compared to the square openings of wire mesh.
Improved Aesthetics: Expanded metal’s unique patterns and textures can add an aesthetic appeal that traditional wire mesh lacks. This makes it a popular choice for both functional and decorative purposes.
Let Lawrence Sintered Metals Answer Your Expanded Metal Questions
Expanded metal proves to be an indispensable material with its strength, durability, and versatility. With applications ranging from filters and screens to architectural designs and walkways, expanded metal continues to find its way into various industries. Its diamond-shaped openings and inherent strength set it apart from traditional wire mesh, making it a preferred choice for many discerning users.
Lawrence Sintered Metals is your trusted supplier of expanded metal and other wire mesh needs. We’ve offered our materials and services to a number of different industries, including architecture, chemical engineering, agriculture, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and more. With such a wide range of products to choose from, talking to a professional can be the key to finding exactly what you need for your job. If you need assistance selecting the right expanded metal, please contact us today.
