Expanded Metal Grating
Hole Shape: Rhombus, diamond, square, rectangle
Panel Length: 0.6 m – 3.0 m
Panel Width: 2.0 m – 3.0 m
Surface Treatment: Galvanized, Powder Coated, PVC Coated(Yellow/Red…)
Expanded Metal Grating
Expanded Metal Grating is manufactured by slitting and stretching a single sheet of metal to maximize the use of the raw material while producing a strong, rigid, and open sheet. It is a lightweight, economical alternative for short span catwalks and maintenance platforms. Available in distinct hexagonal or diamond patterns, standard products are produced with the long way of the opening “spanning” the length (long direction) of the sheet. Wanzhi Steel accepts customized size expanded grating. We have Low carbon steel plate, galvanized steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and other materials For your selection, and provide powder coating and PVC coating services.
You are welcome to contact us at any time for consultation(Chat on WhatsApp/ Email Directly).
What is expanded metal grating?
1. The expanded steel grating also called expanded metal or expanded metal sheet, is one of the most widely used metal wire mesh products. The expanded metal mesh is produced of a whole metal sheet by punching and expanding process, the material of metal grating sheets can be Mild steel plate, stainless steel plate, carbon steel, GI Steel plate, aluminum plate or galvalume steel plate, nickel plate, etc.
For example: expanded aluminum grating and stainless steel expanded metal grating.
2. The mesh holes of expanded metal mesh are uniform, for instance, the diamond shaped metal grate, and the mesh structure is firm and stable, this makes the mesh achieve very high strength with light weight. Even heavy duty expanded metal grate is only a fraction of the weight of a steel plate.
What is XPM mesh?
It is the abbreviation of expanded metal mesh.,expanded mesh grating is useful for heavyweight custom parts washing applications, as well as providing open space for air flow and drainage.
Advantages of expanded metal grating
Grating expanded metal is sometimes considered an alternative to sheet metal or wire mesh. Because it combines some of the best features of both, it is a stronger material than fine wire mesh and allows for better airflow and drainage than sheet metal. It has a higher tensile strength than wire baskets and wire screens, and expanded metal reduces welding operations compared to using individual wires, making it faster and easier to complete a sturdy basket, screen, walkway, etc.
Expanded Metal Terminology
Name | Expanded metal steel grating |
Diamond | The open area is formed by stands and bonds. |
Bond | The point where adjacent strands meet. |
LWD | “Long way of the diamond”, is the distance from the center of one bond to the center of the next bond across the longer opening of the diamond. |
SWD | “Short Way of Diamond, or Design” dimension; First number in style designation. |
LWO | “Long Way of Opening”; Used as a reference point only, to determine clear opening in the long dimension. |
SWO | “Short way of the opening” is Used as a reference point only, to determine a clear opening in the short dimension. |
Strands | The thickness of the metal in expanded design. |
Strand Thickness | The original thickness of metal before expanding. |
Strand Width | Amount of metal between diamonds to produce one strand.
See the ordering Information at the bottom of the page. |
Design Size (Style). | The first number designates the nominal diamond pitch short way of design (SWD). The second number used in conjunction with the first number may specify the gauge of metal, weight per hundred square feet, or have some other significance. Therefore, word gauge should never be added to the design size or style. |
What is expanded steel grating used for?
Any metal elements or alloys that go through a machining process that cuts and draws that material into an open grid pattern are referred to as expanded steel. Because expanded metals are so durable, affordable, and practical, they are the material of choice in many different industries. Architecture, water filtration, and construction companies all use expanded metals to build parts and structures on a budget.
- One of the most common products made from expanded metal is grating. This type of grating is widely used in industrial settings, aisles, and platforms. Typical use is expanded metal catwalk grating. Its open design facilitates efficient drainage and ventilation while providing strong support for heavy objects.
- Fencing and security products. The interlocking pattern of expanded metal mesh is ideal for fencing, providing visibility and security in a variety of environments such as airports, prisons, and commercial properties.
- Architectural mesh made of expanded metal can be used as sunshades, privacy screens, and art installations, allowing designers to creatively manipulate light and shadow.
- Radiator grilles and protective covers.
- Filtration and screening: air filters, oil filters, and screens in various industrial processes to separate particles in liquids and gases.
- Concrete reinforcement mesh can significantly improve the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the concrete structure. Expanded metal walkway is also commonly used.
Regular vs. Flattened Expanded Metal
It is a versatile, affordable, and practical product. It is produced by cold metal forming process. First, the metal sheet is stretched and cut evenly; then, openings are made with regular gaps in different shapes, including diamond, circle, square, rectangle, etc.
Regular or Standard expanded metal is raised at the bonds of the diamond.
Flattened expanded metals have been passed through rollers and are smooth across each bond.
Wanzhi Steel’s expanded metal is a single-piece construction that stays intact even after years of use. It won’t break or disintegrate as it can hold its shape for a long time. It’s available in a raised or a flattened pattern, in different opening sizes, materials, sheet sizes, and gauges.
How to measure raised expanded mesh?
The key measurements for a raised mesh are the Longway Pitch (LWP), Shortway Pitch (SWP), Strand Width (SWDT), and Strand Thickness (STK).
Name | Raised expanded mesh |
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 | A measurement of the width of the resulting angular strand created during manufacture. |
STK | A measurement of starting raw material thickness. Contrary to belief, the expanding process does not directly alter material thickness. |
Note: The strand thickness should not be confused with the overall height or depth of the expanded metal. Typically the mesh height can be 1-2 times the SWDT measurement. |
How to 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).
Name | Flattened mesh grating |
LWA | Measured horizontally from internal aperture point to point. |
SWA | Measured vertically from internal aperture point to point. |
SWDT | A measurement of the width of the resulting angular strand created during manufacture. |
STK | A measurement of starting raw material thickness. |
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 diamond longways pointing to the sky. This creates narrower openings and inhibits the ability to climb and scale the fence.
Expanded metal grating sizes
Expanded Metal — Grating & Catwalk Grating Load Table | |||||
Span | |||||
Material | Style | Load | 24″ | 36″ | 48″ |
Carbon Steel | 3.0# | U | 275 | 100 | — |
D | 0.250 | 0.220 | — | ||
C | 275 | 165 | 75 | ||
D | 0.250 | 0.250 | 0.250 | ||
3.14# | U | 375 | 150 | 50 | |
D | 0.250 | 0.240 | 0.250 | ||
C | 375 | 155 | 75 | ||
D | 0.250 | 0.250 | 0.250 | ||
4.0# | U | 350 | 150 | 50 | |
D | 0.240 | 0.245 | 0.250 | ||
C | 440 | 220 | 100 | ||
D | 0.250 | 0.250 | 0.250 | ||
4.27# | U | 500 | 165 | 60 | |
D | 0.245 | 0.245 | 0.250 | ||
C | 400 | 225 | 100 | ||
D | 0.250 | 0.240 | 0.250 | ||
5.0# | U | 600 | 175 | 100 | |
D | 0.240 | 0.240 | 0.250 | ||
C | 540 | 310 | 140 | ||
D | 0.245 | 0.250 | 0.250 | ||
6.25# | U | 800 | 300 | 115 | |
D | 0.220 | 0.250 | 0.240 | ||
C | 800 | 300 | 150 | ||
D | 0.220 | 0.240 | 0.240 | ||
7.0# | U | 800 | 400 | 165 | |
D | 0.210 | 0.250 | 0.240 | ||
C | 800 | 350 | 175 | ||
D | 0.220 | 0.240 | 0.250 | ||
Aluminum | 2.0# | C | 250 | 100 | 50 |
D | 0.250 | 0.250 | 0.250 | ||
Stainless Steel | 3.3# | C | — | 150 | 50 |
D | — | 0.197 | 0.135 | ||
4.5# | C | 300 | 150 | 100 | |
D | 0.217 | 0.192 | 0.212 | ||
U – Uniform Load in Lbs. per Sq. Ft.
C – Mid-span Concentrated Load in Lbs. per Sq. Ft. D – Deflection in inches |
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NOTE: The values presented in this table were measured with the test specimens securely welded to a supporting frame prior to the imposition of load. Testing further indicates that if the test specimens are not so welded, the capacity of the grating is greatly reduced. |
Pattern Orientation
Standard Flow: Pattern runs with the LWD running the length of the sheet and the SWD running across the width of the sheet.
Reverse Flow: Pattern runs with the LWD running across the width of the sheet and the SWD running the length of the sheet.
Shearing Expanded Metal Grating
Cutting Method | |
Bond Shear | The expanded metal sheet is cut through the center of the bonds resulting in a closed diamond at the edge of the sheet.
|
Random Shear | The expanded metal sheet is cut through diamonds resulting in partial diamonds at the sheet’s edge. The partial diamonds result in exposed strands that are very sharp and should be protected with U-Edging or framing.
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How strong is expanded metal?
Because of its safe structure, it is durable and offers strong impact resistance. Provides sound insulation. In addition, it is designed in one piece without welding or additions and provides effective durability. Expanded metal is easily assembled at the weight point due to its lightness according to its dimensions.
Why is it called expanded metal?
Because expanded metal is made from a solid sheet of metal, and is not woven or welded – it can never unravel. To produce expanded metal, a sheet or plate is simultaneously slit and stretched. This process expands the cuts into diamond shaped holes of uniform size and shape.
What is lwd and swd?
LWD: Long way of the diamond, the distance from the center of one bond to the center of the next bond across the longer opening of the diamond.
SWD: Short way of the diamond, the center-to-center distance between bonds across the narrow opening of the diamond.
How do you calculate the open area of expanded metal?
Percent Open Area — The total open area of an expanded metal blank or coil. To calculate the Percent Open Area: take two times the strand width, divide by the SWD, and then take the inverse number.
Expanded Metal Grating Manufacture – Wanzhi Steel
The adaptability of expanded metal makes it a valuable material for galvanized bar grating, building mesh, trench covers, electrical mats, and shutters and filtration systems.
Wanzhi Steel Grating has a variety of material types and surface treatments to choose from and can help you determine the right grating product for your application.
We also have Galvanized expanded metal lath, Galvanized Grating, and Diamond Mesh Lath, Steel Grating Plate for sale~
The product quality is excellent and shipped to more than 160 countries including Uganda, Belarus, Zambia, Guinea, Sudan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Egypt, Italy, etc. If you are looking for the right material, please contact us for details.
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