MANUFACTURING PROCESS

1. Expanded metal sheet

Expanded metal sheet is made by first creating multiple slits in the

sheet, and then stretching the sheet. The stretching creates a unique
diamond pattern opening with one of the strands protruding at a slight
angle. These raised strands can be flattened later in the process if
desired. As you can see this process creates no waste (thus keeping
down production costs) and it can add structural strength to the
product.

2. Perforated metal sheet

Perforated metal sheet is a product that is made from sheet steel that
has been fed through a machine that punches out round holes (or other
designs). These holes can be straight rows or staggered to increase the
amount of the openings. Typically the perimeter of the sheet has a
boundary where holes are not punched; this adds stability to the sheet.
The removed metal from the holes can be recycled but it also increases
the cost of the product. The larger the hole size (or increased amount of
holes), the greater scrap volume, and therefore costs can be increased.

3. Wire mesh (welded)

Welded wire mesh is a metal wire screen that is made from various
alloys including steel, stainless steel, brass and copper. It is available in
various sizes and shapes. Grids of parallel longitudinal wires are welded
to cross wires at the required spacing, using electric fusion. The
machines that are used to produce the mesh have precise dimensional
control.

4. Wire mesh (woven)

Also available in steel, stainless steel, brass and copper, woven wire
mesh is made as a cloth with wire threads woven at right angles. Wires
which run lengthwise are known as warp wires, whilst those running
perpendicular are weft wires. There are two common styles of weave:
plain weave and twill weave. It can be made from various alloys
including stainless steel, brass and copper. Wire cloth can be woven to
create a variety of opening sizes and wire diameters.
CHARACTERISTICS

Expanded metal sheet: One of the benefits from the manufacturing of expanded metal is that the
sheet retains its structural integrity because it has not undergone the stress of having shapes
punched in it (like perforated sheet), and the mesh-like pattern will not unravel (like woven mesh
can do). Expanded metal has been stretched rather than punched, reducing scrap metal waste;
making it cost-effective. The main considerations when using expanded metal will be the chosen
thickness and strand dimensions (weight and structural design requirements). Expanded metal can
be almost transparent (depending on the opening); it has mechanical properties and is an excellent
conductor.

Perforated metal sheet: Perforated metal sheet comes in a virtually endless variety of sizes, gauges,
hole shapes and material types. Hole diameters range from a few thousandths of an inch to more
than 3 inches, punched in material as thin as foil or as thick as 1-inch steel plate. From lightweight
decorative elements to load-bearing structural components, perforated metal offers unique
opportunities to combine strength, functionality and beauty.

Wire mesh (welded): The chance of improper bending of bars is reduced since bending machines
bend the mat as a single unit. This provides the exact size of reinforcement where needed through
variable bar size and spacing, thereby reduces steel waste. There can be a considerate savings
because mesh is easy to handle and can be installed much faster. Typically you can purchase a
welded mesh for less than a woven mesh.

Wire mesh (woven): Wire mesh is adaptable to almost any application. It is extremely durable and
very easily cleaned.

TYPICAL END USES

Expanded metal sheet: Expanded metal sheet works well for steps, flooring in factories and on
construction rigging, fences, wash stations, and security applications.

Perforated metal sheet: Perforated metal can be made into a multitude of products such as:
screens, filters, baskets, trash cans, tubing, light fixtures, vents, audio speaker covers and patio
furniture.

Wire mesh (welded): Widely used in agricultural applications, industrial, transportation,

horticultural and food procuring sectors. It is also used in mines, gardening, machine protection and
other decorations.

Wire mesh (woven): From sifting and screening machinery to conveyor and automotive belts, all the
way to animal enclosures and architectural framework.