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The manufacturing process maximises the potential surface area making it an economical option whilst maintaining strength and rigidity. The expansion process gives alternative profiles to the two sides of the mesh; one more profiled, the other flatter and more subtle. When the mesh is turned on its side you have a completely different look with one view being almost completely solid and the other being almost completely open. These are important when considering light and airflow. Our profiles range from the smaller meshes such as ‘Idea’ or ‘Fils 21’ which are ideal for screening and balustrading, to the larger meshes such as ‘Coliseum’ and ‘Estesa’ which are more suited to larger cladding applications.
Most projects require panels to be made to size to reduce waste. However, we offer stock sheets of most wideband meshes in 1.5 or 2mm in Aluminium and Mild Steel in the following sizes:
1000 LWM x 2000mm SWM
1250 LWM x 2500mm SWM
2000 LWM x 1000mm SWM
Most commonly seen as a metal grille studded with diamond shaped holes, expanded metal is a versatile tool used for many industrial and architectural purposes. It has been around since the late 19th century, after being developed via the method devised in Hartlepool in 1880, and which is still used today despite the surrounding technological advances.
The process begins with solid sheet metal, which will be transformed into a significantly larger area of expanded metal and very little is wasted. The sheet is fed into the expanding machine whereby the metal is cut by a “knife” in the form of a horizontal blade with sharp teeth which stamp down through the metal, moving from side to side to create the familiar lattice pattern. The teeth are shaped like upside down pyramids which enable them to stretch the diamond shape holes, thus enlarging the metal by degrees. The end product of this manufacturing process is usually rolled into sheets which can be cut for purpose at a later time. Most metals can be expanded which means that the appropriate material can be chosen depending on its final use.
Owing to its many useful properties, including durability, transparency, high airflow and easy installation, expanded metal is used globally for a variety of applications. These features also demonstrate why it remains both a practical and ornamental solution to architectural design in industry and at home, whether required internally for walkways and stairwells or externally as metal cladding or balcony balustrades. Expanded metal is famously used on the trusty London train bench, where unsuspecting travellers sit for a while and leave with diamonds printed on the backs of their legs. These benches are often painted to suit their surroundings and disguise their industrial origins. Put to more architectural use, this metal cladding has been the basis of a designer detention centre in Holland. The Juvenile Pavilion in Overloon aims to connect offending youths with nature through the open style created by the transparent expanded metal. This design also reduces the appearance of permanence which solid walls would represent, enabling the youngsters to see their future in the outside world.
Unfortunately, the strong association of metal grills with security is reinforced in some towns where window guards are installed to protect residents from vandals and burglars, while many school playgrounds are surrounded by a tall perimeter of fencing. However, other practical uses include air conditioning grills, reinforced concrete, industrial straining devices, shelving and furniture besides featuring in modern artistic installations displayed upon walls and in gardens.
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