The 6 Benefits of Using Expanded Metal

Expanded metal is a type of sheet metal that has been cut and stretched to form a regular pattern (often diamond-shaped) of a metal mesh-like material. It is commonly used for fences and grates, and as metallic lath to support plaster or stucco.

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As the metal expands, the cuts stretch out. This creates a uniform grid design. As the metal thins, the slit becomes a hole in the sheet.

Depending on your application and preference, you can use this process to create different shapes of mesh. While the diamond cut is probably the most common choice here, you can also use shapes such as circles, ovals, squares, and hexagons.

Decorative Expanded Metal Panel

What are the advantages of using expanded metal?

1. Anti-slip

The knuckles formed by the expanded mesh give the material a strong grip: this is particularly useful when constructing stair treads, ramps and walkways. We have also developed a range of specialist anti-slip walkway meshes.

2. Composite substrates

Expanded metal mesh can be used in combination with other materials to add strength and flexibility to the product. For example, glass, plastic, and other composite materials can be combined into or attached to the mesh for added strength and safety, or for aesthetic properties.

3. Lightweight strength

Expanded metal sheets are relatively light. During the expansion process the sheet thins; it loses some relative weight. However, this does not mean that you sacrifice its strength.

The expanded metal sheet is strong and durable. It is manufactured in one piece, so it does not lose any of its integrity. Unlike woven mesh or sheets with connecting joints, you don't have any weak areas.

Nor will you remove any metal from the sheet as you would if you were to perforate it. If you carefully design and adjust the sheet size and cutting angle, you can create a product strong enough to be used as a walkway and grille.

4. Reducing costs

If you reduce waste, then you can also reduce manufacturing costs. This is especially important if you are using more expensive metals. If you use expanded metal mesh, then you will use up all your sheets. You won't lose any metal in the perforation process.

Your base material costs will also be lower. If you don't waste any material in the manufacturing process then you can use less. The extension process increases the size of the sheet significantly. A sheet of paper can be stretched to create a larger area. Your metal goes further.

5. Made from one piece of material

Expanded metal mesh is made from one piece of material, which means that there is nothing loose, no micro-movement strands or strained joints or welds. The homogeneous design of the porous metal mesh makes it an inherently strong material that can be used for a wide range of components.

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In addition, because it is made from a single piece of material, the metal mesh is ideally suited to forming and can be easily processed further, for example by pressing and shearing.

6. Greater design flexibility

Molding expanded metal into specific applications and designs is often easier. For example, if you want to allow maximum light and air to pass through then you can use a larger cutout to create a larger gap. This is not always possible with perforated panels. If your perforation is too large and there is not enough holding metal around it, you may weaken a sheet of paper.

You can also be more flexible with the cutting angle. For example, if you want to make a non-slip pavement, you can create an angle that provides a grip. If you want a smoother surface, for example when making baskets or strainers, you can flatten the sheet to remove rough areas.

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 BZWIREMESH 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 further technical information about expanded metal talk with our specialist or visit our website https://www.bzwiremesh.com. We can help you to identify the best solution for your application.

Due to fluctuations in global markets and recent trade tariffs, the prices of building materials are steadily rising. The stucco market was recently impacted by new import tariffs imposed on metal lath, a major component of the exterior façade system. 

Contractors are facing substantial price increases, long lead times and in some cases spot quotes based on the market price. The benefits of sourcing USA-made materials are evident but non-metallic alternatives may also be an option to combat the increasing prices of metal lath. Fiberglass lath offers the same performance as metal with the added benefit of time and labor savings. 

Lath is an important material in the application of stucco. Depending on the substrate, some type of lath is required for installation. Traditionally, expanded metal lath or woven-wire fabric is used but non-metallic alternatives, such as fiberglass, are being introduced into the market. Positioned between the weather resistive barrier and the basecoat in stucco application, lath helps hold the basecoat in place. Self-furring lath has a 3-D profile that creates space between the WRB and the lath. This spacing allows the stucco to be pushed through the lath (keying) for a strong bond and is required for vertical surfaces. Both metal and fiberglass lath can be self-furring.

Safe and Easy

With the growing importance of worker and jobsite safety, lightweight materials are a must-have. In most cases, fiberglass lath is up to four times lighter than traditional metal lath (one roll of fiberglass lath weighs about 30 pounds and is equivalent to 27 sheets of metal lath weighing more than 135 pounds). This lightweight feature makes it easier to ship, handle and maneuver around jobsites. 

Unlike most other lath that is sold in sheets, fiberglass lath comes in large rolls. It can easily be carried by hand without team lifting. The flexible material can be unrolled across surfaces for quicker installation and cut to size using a utility knife or scissors without leaving sharp edges. It can also be wrapped around columns and rolled over corners. This saves time during installation because large surfaces can be covered quickly. 

Long Term Performance

Exterior façades like stucco can be exposed to moisture from a variety of sources. Weather resistive barriers protect the framework of a building but other components are vulnerable to water damage. Surface moisture from rain or other sources is generally non-damaging unless the stucco is subject to extended exposure. Improper run-off drainage or a leaky spigot, for example, can damage the surface of stucco affecting the appearance and compromising the lath. 

Fiberglass lath is protected by an alkali-resistant coating that prevents the lath from deteriorating when exposed to moisture in cement-based applications. 

Versatile

Fiberglass lath can be used anywhere that metal lath is used: exterior stucco, cement plaster, manufactured stone and brick façades. Self-furring, open-weave products provide the same continuous reinforcement as metal lath but they must be properly installed for optimal performance and longevity. The standards for installation differ based on the substrate and framing, or manufacturer's recommendations. 

For example, the requirement for the type of fastener and placement is different for metal and fiberglass. All metal and fiberglass lath should be installed to the appropriate ASTM standard.

Fiberglass lath offers the same continuous reinforcement with a stable price and supply. The lightweight construction makes for easy transport and installation that saves contractors time and labor. Fiberglass lath provides long term performance with an alkali-resistant coating that will never rust and has the versatility to be used in exterior stucco, cement plaster, manufactured stone and brick façade applications. 

In an ever-changing global economy, the importance of high-quality, alternative materials is growing. It is clear that fiberglass lath is a viable alternative with the added benefit of time and labor savings throughout the installation process. 

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