Perforated metal has been used for over 100 years. With a variety of new applications and advantages, it continues to be be a popular choice among builders, architects, and designers today. At Arizona Iron Supply in Phoenix, we have a large supply of perforated metal. In this post, we will discuss some great uses for perforated sheet metal to enhance your next project.

What is Perforated Sheet Metal?

Perforated metal is sheet metal that has been run through a machine that punches holes, slots, or decorative shapes in the metal. Common metals used to create perforated sheet metal include stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, galvanized steel, brass, and aluminum. Perforated metal can be made into a variety of products, such as screens, filters, baskets, trash cans, tubing, light fixtures, vents, acoustical covers, and patio furniture. It is also widely used in the construction, food and beverage, automotive, chemical, and energy industries.

How is Perforated Sheet Metal Made?

Using a rotary pinned perforation roller is the most common method of producing perforated sheet metal today. This machine uses a large cylinder with heated needles. As the sheet metal is run through the rotating perforation roller, the needles punch holes into the metal. The heat from the needles melts the metal, giving the holes extra reinforcement. This method can produce a wide variety of hole sizes.

Another common method is called die and punch perforating. In this process, a panel with needles is pressed onto the sheet metal, punching holes into the sheet. The pieces remaining from the punching are then sheared off and a machine is used to smooth the surface. This method is very efficient in that it can perforate a large surface of sheet metal in a short amount of time.

Laser perforating is the most recent development in perforated sheet metal production. It is far more precise and consistent than the other two methods, but because it is more complex, it is much more expensive.

Advantages of Perforated Sheet Metal

1. Environmentally friendly
2. Lightweight
3. Attractive
4. Strong and flexible

Perforated metal can be the right choice for functional building material that also adds interest. It offers lightweight strength and sustainability and it can add aesthetic value to any project. Since there are so many uses for perforated sheet metal, at Arizona Iron Supply in Phoenix, AZ, we’ve got an extensive inventory to meet your needs and the needs of your clients. Give us a call or stop by to place your next order.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/31/2019) Pixaby