Expanded Metal Sizing Guide

The term “Expanded Metal” refers to a plate or sheet that has been sliced and extended into a mesh. When the metal is stretched, it forms a mesh of diamond-shaped gaps – although several other patterns can be formed. Many metals, including stainless steel, hot rolled steel, cold rolled steel, titanium, and others, may be extended.

The mesh pattern may be phased (providing the most open area) or straight with all rows and columns aligned. The volume of room for the flow of air, water, and light is determined by the proportion of open area, which varies depending on the desired use of the enlarged metal.

How do I measure a raised mesh?

The key measurements for a raised mesh are Longway Pitch (LWP), Shortway Pitch (SWP), Strand Width (SWDT), and Strand Thickness (STK).

LWP, measured horizontally from either knuckle to knuckle or center to center, is derived from the size of tooling used within the production process.

SWP, measured vertically from either knuckle to knuckle or center to center, is manifested through the overall expansion applied during manufacture.   

SWDT is a measurement of the width of the resulting angular strand created during manufacture.

STK is a measurement of starting raw material thickness. Contrary to belief, the expanding process does not directly alter material thickness. Strand Thickness should not be confused with the overall height or depth of expanded metal. Typically, mesh height can be as much as 1-2x the measurement of SWDT.

How do I measure a flattened mesh?

The key measurements for a flattened mesh are Longway Aperture (LWA), Shortway Aperture (SWA), Strand Width (SWDT), and Strand Thickness (STK).

LWA is measured horizontally from internal aperture point to point.

SWA is measured vertically from internal aperture point to point.

SWDT is a measurement of the width of the resulting angular strand created during manufacture.

STK is a measurement of starting raw material thickness.

While the expanding process does not alter material thickness, the flattening process does. It is common to observe a 10-20% reduction in material thickness after the flattening process. As the mesh is completely two-dimensional after flattening, the overall height measurement of the mesh is akin to starting material thickness with a further allowance of 10-20% reduction.

How do I specify sheet size and orientation?

Expanded metal mesh exhibits different mechanical and aesthetic properties when the sheet size is orientated at opposing angles.

When specifying sheet dimensions, one should also consider the orientation of the diamonds in relation to sheet size. The terminology employed to describe orientation is Longway Mesh (LWM) and Shortway Mesh (SWM).

For example, when the raised mesh is used as a walkway ramp platform, the surface grip is strongest when the diamonds run left-to-right underfoot.

Alternatively, it is common within the security fencing industry to mount expanded mesh fencing panels with the diamond longways pointing to the sky. This creates narrower openings and inhibits the ability to climb and scale the fence.

The expanded metal mesh size and plate thickness range are very wide, and there are various specifications available. The common range of plate thickness of expanded mesh that HEBEI METAL MESH CORP produced is from 0.5mm~6mm, and the opening size is from 3*6mm to 56*150mm, which can meet various application requirements from our clients.

For more support and to discuss your requirements further call us at +86 133 1580 3950.