Expanded Metal

Standard(Raised) Expanded Carbon Steel (PDF - 153 KB)
Standard(Raised) Expanded Aluminum (PDF - 152 KB)
Standard(Raised) Expanded 304 Stainless Steel (PDF - 152 KB)
Flattened Expanded Carbon Steel (PDF - 153 KB)
Flattened Expanded Aluminum (PDF - 152 KB)
Flattened Expanded 304 Stainless Steel (PDF - 152 KB)
Expanded Metal Grating (PDF - 7 KB)

Expanded metal is one of the most economical of all open metal products. Perfect for commercial and industrial uses, expanded metals come in a variety of forms including:

Flattened
Standard or Raised Expanded Metal
Catwalk Grating

We have expanded metal with diamond sizes ranging from .125″ x .75” to 1.5” x 3.4”. These materials are available in stainless steel, galvanized steel, carbon steel, aluminum or copper.

Unlike woven wire products, expanded metal won’t unravel if cut at one end; the remaining strands continue to hold. It is versatile, with a great variety of sizes, styles and weights offering many choices to suit your needs. Expanded metal presents a virtually impenetrable barrier when used near industrial equipment and running machines.

Our experience with small to large distribution orders enables us to meet the demands of our customers in a timely and efficient manner.

Types of Expanded Metals We Offer

At Argus Steel, we deliver two main types of expanded metal products for your industrial or architectural needs. We know that our clients often have unique requests for orders, so we source standard and flattened expanded metals for optimal performance. Review the information below to see which expanded metal variety is right for your facility.

Standard Expanded Metal Products

Standard or raised expanded metal products from Argus Steel are manufactured on a press. Each standard expanded metal sheet displays diamond patterns after the material has undergone cutting and stretching. The metal strands are bound to the plane of the sheet at a fixed angle so the surfaces are reinforced for durability and resistance.

Argus Steel is an expanded metal distributor that connects you to standard products ideal for machine guards, additional traction on walking surfaces, security structures and shelving assemblies.

Flattened Expanded Metal Products

Flattened expanded metal starts from a standard expanded sheet, which is then flatted. The flattening process involves feeding metal sheets through levelers to create a surface that is smooth to the touch. Flattened expanded metal gives you a smooth-to-the-touch finish to ensure a sleek design..

Argus Steel recommends the use of flattened expanded metal products for industrial screens, fencing and partitions.

Carbon Steel Expanded Metal

Carbon steel is extremely versatile for industrial applications. Carbon steel provides a quality product at a very cost-effective price.

Carbon steel expanded metal sheets are effective for ventilation guards, as they allow natural light, air, heat and sound to pass through. Choose products featuring diamond sizes that work for your indoor and outdoor industrial applications, and consider galvanized expanded metal sheet coatings to combat corrosion.

Aluminum Expanded Metal

If you need a favorable strength-to-weight ratio, aluminum expanded metal sheets offer lightweight durability and an attractive appearance.

We have low-density expanded metal products that work to guard machines and equipment from light, gas, liquids and other elements. Being in the business since 1979, we have the knowledge, experience and technology to recommend aluminum expanded metal sheets for enclosures, shelving, architectural panels and other structures.

Stainless Steel Expanded Metal

Argus Steel distributes expanded stainless steel sheets in T304 and T316 grades. Choosing stainless steel ensures your investments maintain a high level of corrosion resistance.

Clients utilize stainless steel expanded metal materials for everything from decorative backings to mesh security fencing. Speak with one of our representatives about our variety of stock material options, or a custom solution, and we’ll make sure your orders stay within budget and are delivered on time.

Intended Applications for Expanded Metal

Floor Grating
Catwalk
Security Screens
Machine Guards
Architectural Panels/Fencing
Stall Gates

Outdoor Furniture
Oil Pan Screens
Air Filters & Air Intake Screens
Site Barrier
Stud Wall Security Screens

Drive & Sidewalk Gates
Cab/Truck Dividers
Greenhouse Benches
Drying Racks
Landscape & Utility Carts and Trailers
Storefront Guards

Expanded Metal Products

How to Order Expanded Metal

Quantity – Specify number of sheets

Diamond Orientation – Specify the size sheet required, listing SWD (Short Way of Diamond) first, LWD (Long Way of Diamond) second.
Example: 4’0″ SWD x 8’0″ LWD

Sheet Size – Specify the dimensions of the sheet.

Diamond Width and Length – Specify the nominal width of the diamond SWD
Example: 3/16″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1 1/2″, 2″

Gauge – Specify the thickness of the material.

In stainless steel and steel this is listed as a number. EG #9, #13, #16, etc.
In aluminum this is listed as a decimal thickness. EG .032”, .081”, .125” etc.

Style – Raised or flattened

Type of Material – T304 and T316 stainless steel, carbon steel, both galvanized before and hot dip galvanized after, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, Monel®, titanium and other high-temperature alloys

U-Edging – Expanded metal products that feature a protective channel on the edge of sheets for a finished look. U-edging leaves a smooth frame around borders to prevent injuries if you make contact with a sheared edge. We recommend products with U-edging for expanded metal mesh fencing and infill panels made of carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel.

Example of typical order:
100 SHEETS…3/4″ …#9F
4′-0″ x 8′-0″ CARBON STEEL

EXPANDED METAL TERMINOLOGY AND ORDERING INFO:

Style Designation

A combination of numbers, letters and abbreviations permitting proper specifications of dimension, gauge, style and weight. In expanded metal products, the first number designates nominal dimension, short way of design. The second number completes the designation and may specify the gauge of metal, weight per 100 square feet, or may have some other significance.

Grating products are designated by weight of finished product per square foot.

Standard Expanded Metal

Standard expanded metal as it comes from the press. The strands and bonds are set at a uniform angle to the plane on the sheet. This gives added strength and rigidity, as well as a skid-resistant surface. Standard expanded metal is abbreviated XM.

Flattened Metal

Flattened expanded metal is manufactured by passing the standard expanded sheet through a cold roll reducing mill. Flattening expanded metal turns the strands and bonds down to provide a flattened surface, reducing the thickness (gauge) and elongating the pattern. Flattened expanded is limited in width (SWD) to 72 inches and sheet thickness may vary plus or minus ten percent form the published dimensions. Flattened expanded is abbreviated FXM.

Grating

Grating is a standard expanded metal pattern produced from heavier gauge low carbon steel plates. Strands and the openings of grating are considerably larger than other meshes. It is ideal for use wherever a strong, durable, light weight surface is needed. Although used primarily for pedestrian traffic, grating can accommodate heaviro loads if properly supported.

SWD: Nominal Dimension Short Way of Design LWD: Nominal dimension Long Way of Design

Design Size:

Actual dimensions SWD and LWD. Measured from a point to a corresponding point on the following design.

SWO: Short Way of Opening
LWO: Long Way of Opening
Strands: The sides of the expanded metal design
Strand Thickness: Gauge thickness of metal expanded
Strand Width: Amount of metal fed under dies to produce one strand
Strand Thickness and Width: Can be varied to create different openings. The width of the strand should equal or exceed the gauge of the strand thickness.
Bond: The solid intersection of two strands.

Request a Quote for Our Expanded Metal Products

Argus Steel serves industrial & architectural professionals worldwide with expanded metal products. With a robust inventory, and the ability to source custom material, our goal is to fulfill your orders on time. Our ability to ship quickly anywhere domestically in the United States, or to your facilities internationally ensures we’ll always rise to meet our customer’s requirements. Contact us today to request a quote.

How to Order

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