Find expanded metal including stainless steel expanded metal, carbon steel expanded metal, aluminum expanded metal and more. From expanded metal mesh to expanded metal fence, you will find the expanded metals you need. Use the time-saving Request for Quote tool to submit your inquiry to all the expanded metal manufacturers and suppliers you select.

Information Page Links:

Featured Expanded Metal Manufacturers

About Expanded Metals

Expanded Metal Terms

Expanded Metals Associations

Expanded Metals Resources

Trade Shows

Featured Expanded Metal Articles

More Articles

ISO - International Organization
for Standardization

Back

About Expanded Metals

Expanded metal is a sheet of metal which has been slit and expanded up to ten times its original width. Expanded metal manufacturers simultaneously slit and stretch the metal to form a solid piece construction, which has a meshed, diamond-shape cutout pattern. Expanded metal is finished product that offers versatility, durability, and excellent weight-to-strength ratio. It can be adapted for use in almost any application, and comes in a wide range of styles and finishes.

Expanded metal manufacturers produce three primary types of expanded metal: flattened, unflattened or standard, and decorative. Flattened expanded metal, which has been cold-rolled after expansion to provide a smooth, flat, level sheet. This flattening reduces the thickness of the metal by about ten percent. Unflattened or standard expanded metal comes directly from the press with a raised texture. It is more rigid than flattened expanded metal. Decorative expanded metal is produced with a variety of mesh patterns.

Expanded metal may be used in a variety of applications and industries. The metal may be used for architectural panels, stairs, gratings, vents, drying racks, flooring, enclosures, ramps, fencing, walkways, grilles, and security partitions. When rigidity, strength, light weight, and the free passage of air and light are needed, expanded metal is a versatile and functional product.

Expanded metal manufacturers offer a wide range of mesh patterns, materials and finishes to suit many applications. Normally, the metals used in production of expanded metal are carbon, steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Copper, silver, nickel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals may also be used in decorative applications. Finishes include galvanized, porcelain enameled, painted, lacquered, plastic coated and anodized. Because of its versatility and strength, expanded metal is in high demand in many industrial and commercial settings.

Image Provided by Niles Expanded Metals & Plastics

Featured Articles

“Quality Imperative in Engineered Expanded Metal Products”
http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=83668

“Manufacturing Slump Crimps Sales of ‘Metal with Holes”
http://www.metalcenternews.com/2003/July/mcn0307f3ExpandedMetal.htm

Types of Expanded Metals

• Decorative expanded metal comes with a variety of mesh patterns other than the standard diamond shape, and may also be produced using more decorative metals, such as copper or silver.
  
• Expanded grating is used for walkways and platforms designed for pedestrian foot traffic.
  
• Expanded metal fence is fencing produced from expanded metal. It offers strength, safety, durability and aesthetic qualities not found with many other types of fencing.
  
• Expanded metal mesh is used when smaller openings are desired, such as in filters.
  
• Expanded steel can be found in a number of strengths for applications varying from walkways and fencing to corner netting for use under plaster and drywall.
  
• Flattened expanded metal has been cold-rolled after expansion, providing a smooth, flat and level sheet. The metal’s thickness thus will be reduced by up to ten percent.
  
• Mini mesh expanded metal has very small opening in comparison to other types of expanded metals or mesh.
  
• Unflattened or standard expanded metal comes directly from the press and has a raised pattern. The strands and bonds are set at a uniform angle to the plane of the sheet.