What is metal mesh?
Metal mesh is a barrier or screen which is made up of numerous connected strands of metal, which can appear like a kind of net or webbing, depending on the type. Meshes that are produced using metal can be expanded, etched, woven, knitted and welded into various configurations. Lightweight materials such as aluminium are particularly well suited to being formed into metal mesh for a myriad of applications across key industries including: construction, aerospace, automotive and electronics.
How we produce expanded metal mesh
Expanded metal mesh sheet is made by simultaneously slitting & stretching the material. This creates a bespoke diamond raised pattern opening with strands that are set at an angle to the plane of the sheet creating a raised product. These sheets can be rolled after manufacture to producing a flattened product.
Flattened, or raised, expanded metal mesh is an extremely versatile material and used in multiple applications such as: Walkways, fencing, shelving & display units, security guards, sound attenuation, balustrades and building façades to name but a few.
At Ash & Lacy we have the added benefits of manufacturing our expanded metal mesh products in the UK in addition to in-house tooling which, complimented by our range of equipment, means almost any profile can be made, giving our customers enormous flexibility.
How we produce expanded metal mesh
Expanded metal mesh sheet is made by simultaneously slitting & stretching the material. This creates a bespoke diamond raised pattern opening with strands that are set at an angle to the plane of the sheet creating a raised product. These sheets can be rolled after manufacture to producing a flattened product.
Flattened, or raised, expanded metal mesh is an extremely versatile material and used in multiple applications such as: Walkways, fencing, shelving & display units, security guards, sound attenuation, balustrades and building façades to name but a few.
At Ash & Lacy we have the added benefits of manufacturing our expanded metal mesh products in the UK in addition to in-house tooling which, complimented by our range of equipment, means almost any profile can be made, giving our customers enormous flexibility.
Materials
We manufacture a wide range of expanded metal mesh using highly durable and ductile materials, available in varying gauges and finished sizes.
- Aluminium
1.5mm – 5.0mm
Grades: 1050 and 5005
- Mild Steel
1.5mm – 30.mm
- CorTen Steel
1.5mm – 3.0mm
- Stainless Steel
1.5mm – 3.0mm
Raised and flattened expanded metal mesh
Flattened
Flattened expanded metal mesh is manufactured by post-processing regular expanded metal through a specialist flattening mill. This rolling reduces the thickness of the sheet and provides a smooth, flat, visually appealing surface. Choosing flattened expanded metal opens up additional application possibilities.
Raised
Our raised products are manufactured so that individual strands are inclined from the plane of the sheet. The effect is a 3D, angular surface, which typically features larger openings or ‘perforations’ than when flattened, maximising free area and airflow or ventilation capability though the sheet.
Raised and flattened expanded metal mesh
Flattened
Flattened expanded metal mesh is manufactured by post-processing regular expanded metal through a specialist flattening mill. This rolling reduces the thickness of the sheet and provides a smooth, flat, visually appealing surface. Choosing flattened expanded metal opens up additional application possibilities.
Raised
Our raised products are manufactured so that individual strands are inclined from the plane of the sheet. The effect is a 3D, angular surface, which typically features larger openings or ‘perforations’ than when flattened, maximising free area and airflow or ventilation capability though the sheet.
Open Areas
Each expanded metal mesh pattern has different a percentage of open area, which can be modified to provide economical shading and ventilation and to suit individual client requirements. Open area is the number of perforations/holes in a given area and is often conveyed as a percentage. Open are influences the visual appearance of a metal mesh and also its physical performance.
Types of Open Area %
Normal: is viewed when the sheet is held at right angles to the line of vision.
Maximum: is viewed when the thickness of the strand is parallel to the line of vision. This dimension doesn’t apply to flattened mesh.
How we calculate open area in metal mesh
Expanded metal mesh nominal visual open area (as viewed from the front) can be ascertained by using a specific mathematical calculation:
(1-(1/SWM x strand width x 2)) x 100
Bespoke Metal Mesh
Our technical specialists are able to assist with recommending the optimum material selection, aperture size and expanding techniques to suit almost any application. We’re also equipped to produce project specific bespoke tooling if required to meet your needs.
Please contact us to discuss any bespoke requirements, providing us with a few details:
- Reference number from brochure or website
- Raw material specification
- Sheet size or coil width
- Flattened or raised mesh
- Long Way (LW) and Short Way (SW) dimensions (see illustration 1 & 2)