expanded wall plaster mesh/ High rib lath/plaster stucco base metal lathing

Expanded metal sheet works well for steps, flooring in factories and on construction rigging, fences, wash stations, and security applications.

What Is Expanded Metal?

Expanded metal is plate or sheet that has been cut and stretched into a mesh. Stretching the metal results in a mesh with diamond-shaped spaces – although many other patterns can be created. Many types of metal can be expanded, including: stainless steel, hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel, aluminum and more.

Benefits of Expanded Metal

There are several benefits to using expanded metal:

· Cost-effective: A small quantity of metal can be stretched into a large piece.

· Efficient Process: There is very little waste when manufacturing and processing expanded metal mesh.

· Good conductor: Because expanded metal is one piece, it can be excellent conductor of electricity, magnetic flux, and heat.

· Protective reinforcement: Expanded metal meshes can be combined with glass, concrete, and other materials for added strength.

· High strength: Expanded metals support weight and withstands stress better than woven metals or jointed welds.

· Low weight: Expanded metals are lighter than traditional metal sheets.

· Allows circulation: Expanded metal allows air and light to move freely.

· Acoustic properties: Specially developed meshes can enhance acoustics and provide soundproofing.

Types of Expanded Metal

The most common types of expanded metal are:

Standard Expanded Metal

Standard expanded metal is extremely versatile and economical. It comes in a variety of gauge and opening sizes. It’s often used to provide a rigid, raised, slip-resistant surface. In standard expanded metal the strands and bonds are set at a uniform angle. This provides extra strength and rigidity whilst allowing maximum air circulation.

Flattened expanded metal

Flattened expanded metal is produced by cold rolling expanded metal to flatten it. It is chosen when a smooth surface is required. The flattening process generally elongates the length of the sheet by 5%.

Hexagonal expanded metal

Hexagonal expanded metal has hexagonal openings instead of the usual diamond ones. The hexagonal shape gives the metal extra strength while allowing the passage of air, light, heat, sound and liquid. Hexagonal openings are preferred over diamond openings when the metal is heavily expanded.

Architectural expanded metal

Architectural expanded metal features the diamond pattern with added architectural features. The result is a design which combines good aesthetics, increased security and privacy, and improved ventilation. It’s suitable for functional and decorative purposes, or a combination of the two.

Micro expanded metal

Micro expanded metal features small openings in light gauge metal. The openings can be standard, flattened, hexagonal and square. This type of expanded metal is often used in filters.