Expanded metal is an incredibly versatile and flexible product that can be used in a wide range of projects across different industries. The applications are many, and over the years we have supplied expanded metal to numerous companies for projects such as footbridges, roller screens, chairs, fuel filters, shelves, window grilles, suspended ceilings, and much more.
Because expanded metal can be used in so many different ways, we’re confident we have the product you need for your project—either in stock or manufactured to your exact specifications.
How expanded metal is used in construction and design
Expanded metal is a common material in both the construction and design industries. Its flexibility makes it an ideal choice for interior and exterior applications—in projects large and small.
We have supplied expanded metal for major airport terminals, interior fittings in exclusive retail stores, and even for various art installations. The material can be customized in shape, color, and material to suit your needs and inspire your creativity.
Expanded-metal façades in galvanized steel
Expanded metal with large meshes is most commonly used for cladding building façades. For façades, galvanized expanded metal is ideal, as well as aluminium expanded metal. When using expanded metal in construction or as cladding, adding lighting to the material can create a striking and contemporary architectural effect.
The color options for expanded metal are virtually limitless. Combined with the wide range of mesh patterns available, this means only your imagination sets the boundaries for how expanded metal can become a natural part of your building design.
Although the material is often used for façades and wall cladding, there are many other architectural applications. More and more architects are now incorporating expanded metal into interior designs—using it in multiple variations and mesh sizes to create texture, transparency, and visual depth.
Galvanized-steel expanded metal for safety railings and balcony railings
Safety railings and balcony railings come in many shapes and designs. Expanded metal is an excellent choice for these applications since it provides high strength while remaining lightweight relative to its surface area. Both aluminium and steel are suitable materials—aluminium for its low weight, and steel because it can be hot-dip galvanized after expansion.
Expanded metal can be custom-sized and powder-coated with UV-resistant finishes for optimal durability. The railing panels can be welded into frames or directly to tubular structures, depending on the desired appearance.
Expanded metal is also ideal as a vandal- and burglary-resistant protection for windows. In such cases, a slightly larger mesh can be selected to maintain good visibility while still providing effective protection.
Expanded-metal suspended ceilings
Attractive and functional suspended ceilings or other ceiling coverings can be made from expanded metal. There are many design options depending on the color and mesh pattern you choose. Expanded metal ceilings also allow for easy integration of sprinklers, ventilation, and acoustics. We have supplied expanded metal for numerous ceiling projects and can offer guidance, ideas, and recommendations on suitable solutions.
For a more exclusive appearance, copper or brass expanded metal can be used. Copper expanded metal develops a beautiful patina over time, and brass expanded metal gains a warm, elegant sheen as it ages.
Expanded metal is common in consumer products
Expanded metal is found in far more everyday products than you might think. We’ve supplied expanded metal for items such as chairs, roller screens, stoves, pen holders, microphone grilles, and waste bins—just to name a few. So, chances are you already have a product made with expanded metal at home.
Expanded-metal spark guards
A spark guard for an open fireplace is not only decorative but also serves an important function. It must be designed to let both radiant heat and the natural glow of the fire pass through. With these requirements, expanded metal is the perfect material to use.
Steel is a common choice, but expanded metal in brass or copper also works beautifully, adding an elegant and distinctive detail to the room.
Expanded-metal speaker grilles
Stylish speakers deserve stylish grilles—and expanded metal is a perfect choice. Regardless of speaker size, expanded metal provides an attractive, durable solution. Speaker grilles can be made from copper, brass, or aluminium. The expanded metal can also be anodized or powder-coated to achieve the desired color and finish.
You can choose between large or small mesh patterns depending on the look you want. Expanded metal is available in various formats and can be custom-cut to the exact dimensions you need. We tailor both copper and brass expanded metal to your specific measurements.
Curious to learn more about how you can use expanded metal in your project?
Many types of filters use expanded metal
Expanded metal is used today in a wide variety of filters. We supply expanded metal to manufacturers of filters for commercial kitchens, industrial systems, and air purification. The mesh openings can be produced in many different sizes and are suitable for most types of filters—whether for air, various liquids, or even radio and sound waves.
Expanded metal for filter manufacturing, ventilation, and sieves
Using expanded metal in the production of sieves and filters offers many advantages. One key benefit is its high strength, combined with the fact that the mesh strands can never slip or separate since they are integrally connected.
Expanded metal is ideal for manufacturing water filters, oil filters, gas filters, diesel filters, and sieves—and even as anti-theft inserts in, for example, diesel tanks. It can also be used in a wide range of filter holders, strainers, and filter housings. The material can easily be punched, pressed, and formed to suit your specific filter-manufacturing requirements.
Expanded metal is also used in ventilation filters
Expanded metal is widely used in various types of ventilation filters—not only for air purification but also in fan systems for commercial kitchens and exhaust systems in, for example, street food stalls and restaurants.
In air filters, the expanded-metal mesh can serve both as the actual filter medium and as a support or protective layer. Another related application is ventilation grilles, which are also commonly made from expanded metal today.
Expanded metal is truly versatile and can be used for many different purposes
Expanded metal provides excellent protection against break-ins
Most burglaries today happen when a window is broken. Finding burglary protection that maintains both function and design can be challenging. With expanded metal as a base, you can design and create many different types of window grilles and protective solutions against intrusion.
You can choose the mesh size based on how much light you want to let through. There are many advantages to using expanded metal for security grilles—above all, the design flexibility and the fact that the material is made from a single piece without welds, making it extremely difficult and time-consuming for intruders to cut or break through.
Expanded metal as rodent protection – mouse mesh
Expanded metal is well suited for use as a mouse mesh or for protection against other rodents. It can be installed to prevent mice from entering through the eaves or the foundation of a building. Mouse mesh can be made from aluminium or galvanized steel.
A finer mesh size can also be used to keep out insects such as wasps. Expanded-metal mesh used as rodent protection is highly durable and offers a long service life.
Expanded metal is an excellent material choice for trailers, forestry wagons, and other vehicles
In the manufacturing of trailers—for both passenger vehicles and heavy-duty transport—expanded metal is a great choice of material. It is well suited for producing side panels, protective covers, loading ramps, mesh gates for trailers, truck tailgates, and other load-bearing components.
The advantages of expanded metal come from its low weight and the fact that it becomes stronger after expansion than solid sheet metal. Today, the material is widely used in various applications across the vehicle manufacturing industry.
Expanded metal in the electrochemical industry and for electromagnetic shielding – Faraday cages
In the electrochemical industry, expanded metal is used in lead-acid batteries as well as in water treatment processes and for sacrificial anodes. Expanded metal made of nickel (nickel mesh) and titanium is also commonly used.
For electromagnetic shielding, expanded metal is highly effective—especially copper expanded metal, which offers excellent electrical conductivity.
A Faraday cage is an enclosure that shields its contents from electric fields and electromagnetic radiation by means of a conductive shell. Expanded metal is well suited for constructing such cages and is often used for this purpose. Faraday cages are designed to eliminate interference from external electromagnetic fields.
How can we help with your project?
As you can see, there are virtually no limits to how expanded metal can be used. Every day, we encounter products that include some form of expanded metal—meaning that no matter what type of project you’re working on, we can help.
You’re welcome to explore our selection of expanded-metal meshes, available both from stock and as made-to-order products. Or simply contact us directly using the form below to learn more about how we can assist you with your project.
