Expanded metal is a versatile and efficient product, making it a great choice for many projects. It can perform well in situations where standard sheet metal simply cannot compare. Because it is so widely used, our team at Arizona Iron Supply thought it would be a good idea to delve into what expanded metal is and how it can help you for your project. 

The Expanding Process

To start with, several different types of metal can be used to make expanded metal, which are then shaped into sheets or coils. Some of the metals which can be used include stainless steel, galvanized metal, hot rolled steel, and many more. The metal is then put through the expanding machine to go through the process of becoming expanded metal. This process involves using a row of small knives in the machine to make slits in the metal. The metal is stretched at the same time that it is cut in order to produce a uniform, diamond mesh pattern throughout the sheet. 

The Pattern

Expanded metal typically has a diamond pattern after stretching, but this pattern can be altered if different types of knives are used. Various sheets can be made to different levels of openness in the pattern. This can allow for more or less visibility and ventilation through the pattern, for instance. The diamond shapes’ orientation can also be changed to either vertical or horizontal, if desired.

Why Use It?

A small amount of sheet metal can be made into a relatively large final end-product via the expanding process. This makes metal which has been expanded more cost-effective and lighter in weight when compared to regular sheet metal of the same length which has not been expanded. Plus, the expanding process actually yields no loss in materials.

The structure and consistency of this metal has benefits too. The diamond pattern results in sheet metal that is stronger and more rigid, while offering more ventilation, visibility, and less wind resistance. Expanded metal cannot unravel like wire mesh can, since it is one solid piece—that also makes it great for conducting electricity.

As you can see, expanded metal has its own advantages which make it ideal for an array of projects. Arizona Iron Supply, serving Phoenix and Tucson, offers expanded and sheet metal products. To take advantage of our well-stocked warehouses and our willingness to respond to any request, please call us today at 1-800-528-9875. We take pride in our prompt service and we will respond to your order immediately.

Photo by Andrew Childress on Unsplash 08/26/2019