Manufacturing Technology

How expanded metal is produced

The metal is inserted on coils or in the form of plates into the rear of the machine.
Each machine is fitted with a special blade which defines the mesh width.
The machines are programmed with the necessary parameters and manually controlled by our qualified employees.
During the elongation process the raw metal sheet is reformed through systematic slitting and predefined stretching. The metal is either formed into rolls or cut to defined sizes.

Your problem? Our expertise. Your gain.
No problem exists which we are unable to help you with. Select a theme by simply clicking on the button. For problems not listed here, our specialists would be happy to assist you further by telephone.

Is my budget adequate for the application of expanded metal mesh?
Generally speaking, expanded metal has price advantages compared to all other competitive products such as perforated metal plate, architectural mesh, wire mesh, etc. Expanded metal is the most economic material for your project due to the fact that the production methods result in absolutely no material loss.

I don’t like the structured surface. I prefer smooth surfaces, like perforated metal. Is this also possible with expanded metal?
Up to a thickness of 3.0mm it is possible – depending on material and mesh – to flat-roll our products. This results in a smooth surface, similar to perforated metal.

Welding seams are weak points. How is it with expanded metal mesh?
The production methods for expanded metal result in a homogeneous structure without additional welding points.

Can I deform and further process expanded metal mesh?
Yes – any kind of deforming and processing is possible.
The choice of material and the mesh size have a deciding influence on the characteristics of the finished product.
We would be pleased to assist you concerning your specific applications.

How can I fasten expanded metal and perforated metal?
Welding, riveting, bolting or the use of edgings with frame profiles are all established methods for fastening expanded metal mesh. Experience has shown frame constructions with angles or special edging profiles to be an economical and recommendable method.

Is it possible to coat and zinc-plate expanded metal?
Yes. As with all other metal products, expanded metal mesh can be coated through customary procedures. We recommend that you obtain specialist advice concerning the optimal coating procedure for your project.

Are there static strength tables which show the load values?
The relevant documents are available for a number of defined applications; however, such tables do not generally exist. Expanded metal is so strongly modifiable, that even the smallest alterations, e.g. in the strand width, are sufficient to result in completely different values. The characteristics are defined by too many parameters for a calculation to be possible. We have, however, gained enough experience to be able to assist you in the choice of appropriate mesh and material. In special cases the deployment of a prototype sample is advisable in order to obtain the necessary knowledge.

Expanded metal has four sides. What effect does this have on the planning?
The production processes of expanded metal mesh result in it being three-dimensional; the various aspects must therefore be taken into account when installing the elements, particularly in the areas of visual appearance and design. The inclination angle of the mesh means that it is transparent from one side but acts as a screen from the other. This, however, also means that the free cross-sectional area or air passage is influenced by the installation of the mesh.

How exact are the dimensional specifications of expanded metal products?
The given specifications concerning the total thickness and free cross-sectional area can only be regarded as approximate values, as the production technology applied to expanded metal mesh results in larger tolerances than, for example, with perforated metal. The free cross-sectional area can vary from batch to batch. This should be taken into account, particularly for technical applications.