The Strength and Versatility of Expanded Metal
If you are searching for strong metal that can span large areas or just need something that provides good drainage and ventilation, expanded metal may be the optimal choice. Various industries use expanded metal because it is durable, cost-effective, and comes in a variety of weights and sizes, making it a strong and versatile material.
The Origins of Expanded Metal
Expanded metal has been in use since it was first patented in the 1880s by the British inventor John French Golding. Since that time, expanded metal has taken on many forms, including standard, flattened, metal mesh, and metal grating. These objects come in different forms and serve multiple purposes, made from various metals like stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and titanium.
No matter its use or the material it is made of, this particular type of mesh-like sheet metal is defined by the diamond-shaped patterns cut into it and then stretched, giving it an almost wiry appearance, similar to chicken wire. This process enhances the metal’s strength and provides several functional benefits.
Advantages and Where to Use Them
Expanded metal has many positive properties, making it the material of choice in many industries, such as construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, and security. These industries use expanded metal because it is strong, durable, and versatile.
Strength and Durability
Steel naturally possesses impressive strength and longevity properties. When expanded, its increased tensile strength allows it to withstand high levels of stress and bear heavy loads.
Lightweight and Versatile
Expanded metal’s strength is complemented by its relatively lightweight nature, especially compared to solid sheets of steel for the same surface area. This makes transporting, handling, and installing easier, which helps reduce labor costs and improve performance and fuel efficiency.
Another key strength of expanded metal is its versatility. Its mesh design can be manufactured with varying degrees of strand thickness and pattern sizes, making it exceptionally adaptable. The size and shape of the metal is determined by the needed use prior to construction. From there, it can be cut and stretched to meet specific measurements and requirements needed for different environments and industries.
Cost-Effective
Compared to similar metals like perforated metal or welded mesh, expanded metal is more cost-effective in both creation and upkeep. To manufacture the material, a metal sheet is cut and then stretched by a machine, which means the entire sheet is utilized without creating excess scrap material.
While cleaning and upkeep methods vary depending on the metal used to create the expanded metal, most are relatively low maintenance, leading to long-term savings.
Safety Uses: Providing Drainage, Ventilation, and Protection
Many industrial environments and equipment require good ventilation and drainage of any undesired fluids or gasses. Expanded metal’s diamond-shaped openings allow this while preventing debris from getting inside that could damage machinery and block airflow and visibility.
This makes it perfect to use expanded metal as a cover for equipment such as tractors, generators, air and water pumps, and other types of machinery that require ventilation in certain areas. Similarly, it is often used over drainage ditches in factory floors and along roadsides and walking paths.
Other uses include suspended metal walkways and platforms in industrial factories and on ships and oil rigs out at sea because it provides drainage and supports the weight of the users.
Expanded metal is also used as machine guards to protect operators from flying debris as well as protective fencing such as security screens, cages and animal enclosures. It also has some recreational uses in national parks where it is used over cliff faces.
Drawbacks of Expanded Metal’s Usability
As with many metals, expanded metal does have certain limitations.
Physical and Visual Appeal
Though expanded metal is a functional material to use thanks to its strength and versatility, its industrial appearance and rough texture may discourage some from using it, especially if they want a more decorative look.
The rough edges created during the manufacturing process are typically sharp and may also pose a risk to those handling it if done improperly. Additional finishing or deburring may be required to make the material safe to use should it come in contact with people or materials that may easily dent or scratch.
Potential Corrosion
Despite the material’s durability, expanded metal is particularly susceptible to corrosion if not coated or treated properly, especially if used outdoors or in harsh environments. Powder coatings, galvanization, other protective coatings, and routine maintenance help prevent rust from forming and are necessary to extend the lifespan of the material.
Limitedly Flexible
Expanded metal’s versatility and customizability are only limited by its flexibility, or the lack thereof. Other materials like woven wire mesh can be formed around curves and complex shapes, but expanded metal cannot be shaped or easily bent without compromising its structural integrity.
The restricted bendability makes it challenging to utilize in particular circumstances. While the metal can be designed and customized to meet specific requirements, doing so can prove difficult and costly as it will likely require additional processing.
Overview
Like any material, expanded metal has certain limitations due to its rigid and industrial nature. However, its strength, durability, and versatility significantly outweigh its drawbacks and make it a go-to material across industrial, construction, and security sectors, as well as many others. When treated properly, expanded metal can be a reliable material that may be the most efficient solution to keep your area and equipment safe and functioning properly.