dwg AVX-1806 · Products
Expanded metal from a single sheet, without welded joints.
Expanded metal is made by slitting a sheet in offset rows and stretching it into a lattice of diamond-shaped openings. The strands remain connected without punched-out material or welded joints. The diamond geometry makes the panel directional. Load and deflection calculations therefore need to account for its orientation, supports and clear span.
Also known as: expanded mesh · expanded metal sheet · diamond mesh · expanded metal grating · flattened expanded metal · stretched metal
An expanded metal panel can deflect excessively if its span or installation direction differs from the design. This matters for platforms, panels under trolley wheels and guards that people may lean against. When replacing a panel, check the supports and loads as well as the material and mesh dimensions.
We supply expanded metal in steel, stainless steel and aluminium. Raised or flattened panels can be cut, framed or formed to a drawing. Send the finished dimensions, span and load case with your enquiry. We can work from your drawing or help prepare one. Availability and lead time are confirmed at quotation for the chosen material, thickness and mesh.
Label the long and short mesh dimensions, strand width and sheet thickness separately. Suppliers may list them in different orders. Mesh dimensions are measured between bond centres rather than across the free opening. State whether the figures apply to raised or flattened material. Flattening changes the mesh shape, panel dimensions and thickness.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| LWM × SWM × strand width × sheet thickness (e.g. 43 × 13 × 3 × 2 mm) — the order differs per supplier, so label the figures | |
| ≈ 5–150 mm, bond centre to bond centre (standard range); micro-expanded runs finer, heavy grating coarser | |
| ≈ 2–60 mm (standard range, finer on request); the free opening is smaller | |
| ≈ 1–8 mm (standard range); sets open area and load-carrying section together with the mesh | |
| ≈ 0.4–6 mm (standard range); heavier gauges on request | |
| raised (as expanded) or flattened (rolled level — sheet stretches, thickness drops) | |
| typically 30–80 %, following from mesh and strand width | |
| e.g. 28 × 10 × 2 × 1.5, 43 × 13 × 3 × 2, 62 × 22 × 3 × 2, 76 × 28 × 5 × 3 mm — widely used patterns, roughly 55–75 % open on the flat projection; a starting point for identifying material, not a stock list | |
| commonly 1000 × 2000, 1250 × 2500 and 1500 × 3000 mm; which format runs depends on material and mesh — cut to size, framed panels and coil on request | |
| steel (mill finish, hot-dip galvanised or coated), 304/316L, aluminium; copper, brass and titanium on request |
The values shown are standard industry ranges, not a commitment. Mesh dimensions, strand width, sheet thickness, form and format are confirmed per application after technical review. Load-bearing panels require a calculation for the actual span, supports and load case. The figures on this page are not permissible loads.
Specify LWM, SWM, strand width and sheet thickness separately. State whether the dimensions apply to raised or flattened material. When measuring an existing panel, measure across several mesh pitches and divide by the number of pitches to reduce measurement error.
Raised expanded metal has angled strands and a raised surface. Flattened metal is rolled level after expanding to provide a flat face for mounting, coating and cleaning. This reduces the thickness slightly and changes its stiffness. Specify the required form with the corresponding mesh dimensions.
For a load calculation, provide the clear span, number of supported sides and permitted deflection. State whether the load is distributed, concentrated or from a wheel. Include the panel orientation. A load-table figure applies only when the span direction and other assumptions match your installation.
Choose the material and finish for the environment. Hot-dip galvanising after expanding protects the cut faces created in the process. Stainless steel may be needed for corrosive or hygienic service. Aluminium is an option where weight matters. Tell us whether panels will be cut after coating and whether exposed edges need a frame.
Steel is available with a mill finish, hot-dip galvanising after expanding or a powder coating. We also supply stainless 304 and 316L and common structural aluminium grades. Copper, brass, titanium and Duplex are possible for specific duties. The environment and loading determine the choice. Material, thickness and mesh must be assessed together because not every combination is available. Material certificates to EN 10204 3.1 are available on request. Availability and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
Perforating punches holes out of a sheet. Expanding slits and stretches it without punching material out. The strands remain connected and the sheet covers a larger area. Perforated sheet can have round or slotted holes. Expanded metal has a directional diamond structure and a raised surface unless flattened. The required stiffness and surface finish help determine the choice.
LWM is the long diagonal of the mesh and SWM is the short diagonal. Both are measured between bond centres. The same dimensions are also called LWD and SWD. The free opening is smaller than the nominal mesh dimension. Label the dimensions in your enquiry. For an existing panel, measure across several pitches and divide by the number of pitches. Measure strand width and sheet thickness separately with a caliper.
Raised metal has angled strands and a raised surface. Flattened material is rolled level afterwards to provide a flat face for mounting, coating, cleaning or printing. Rolling also changes the thickness, stiffness and mesh dimensions. State which form your figures describe.
This requires a calculation using the clear span, supports, mesh geometry, material and permitted deflection. Panel orientation also matters. State whether the load is distributed, concentrated or from a wheel. If using a load table, check that all its assumptions match your installation.
Open area is typically 30 to 80 %. It follows from the mesh geometry and strand width. Larger openings or narrower strands provide more open area and leave less material to carry loads. The percentage is measured in flat projection. Raised material can have a lower effective opening at an angle. Use the actual free opening as well when calculating flow or retention.
That depends on the construction and loading. Expanded metal has continuous strands without welded joints at the crossings. Welded mesh provides a rectangular grid and flat surface. Comparing their load capacity requires dimensions, spans, supports and loads for both panels.
A common option is steel hot-dip galvanised after expanding. This also coats the newly exposed cut faces. Stainless 304 and 316L are alternatives. Chlorides from coastal air, road salt or cleaning agents affect the material choice. Aluminium may suit applications where weight matters. Tell us where panels will be cut after coating so edge protection can be included.
Send the material, thickness, long and short mesh dimensions, strand width, finished panel sizes and quantity. State whether the figures apply to raised or flattened material. For load-bearing panels, add the span, supports, load case and deflection limit. Tell us whether panels need framing, folding or rolling and whether they will be cut on site. A DXF or dimensioned sketch helps with the review. We can also help prepare a drawing.
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