Aluminum Expanded Metal

Characteristics

Aluminum Expanded Metal is a sheet product that has been slit and stretched to a wide array of diamond shaped openings. Aluminum expanded metal offers savings in weight and metal, free passage of light, liquid, sound, and air, while providing a decorative or ornamental effect.

The 3003 aluminum expanded sheet has a flat, unpolished (mill) surface. The 3003 aluminum alloy provides good strength and corrosion resistance, and is lighter weight than steel, copper, and brass. The flat sheet has been rolled for a smooth, level surface.

Expanded metal sheets are created by slitting and cold-forming metal as it expands in a press. This process creates diamond-shaped openings that are nominally measured the long way of the diamond (LWD) and the short way of the diamond (SWD). The connecting metal strands are called bonds that are lie on top of each other creating a raised effect. The “raised” expanded is put through a level roller flattening the metal also causing the bonds to lie next to each other. Raised expanded metals are also called “regular” or “standard” expanded metal.

 Raised, or standard, expanded sheets offer a skid-resistant surface and a high strength-to-weight ratio. Flat expanded sheets have been rolled for a smooth, level surface. Expanded metal sheets are measured by the percentage of open area, which is the ratio of open space to total space in a given area. A sheet with a larger percentage of open area contains less material than one with a smaller percentage.

• Specifications: MIL-M-17999B, 3003-H14, Available in flattened (smooth) and standard (raised) surface.
• Workability: Easy to Weld, Cut, and Form with proper equipment
• Mechanical Properties:  Non-magnetic, Tensile = 22,000, Yield = 21,000 (+/-)
• A.K.A: Grating, Mesh
• ASTM: ASTM F1267 (Standard Specification for Metal, Expanded, Steel
• Alloy: 3003-H14
• Characteristics: Lightweight, smooth flattened surface.
• Workability: Excellent candidate for most processing techniques.
• Unpolished (mill) surface has no finish
• Flat surface is smooth and level

Applications

Because of its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and attractive finish, expanded metal has hundreds of uses, from air filters to patio furniture to walkways. Raised, or standard, expanded sheets applications include racks and trays, enclosures, shelving, drying trays, grain dryers, machine guards, screens and filters, dipping/degreasing baskets, grain dryers, patio furniture, fan guards, trailer ramps, flatbed truck decking, Stair treads, Intake grilles, security, sifting, machinery guards, flooring, walkways, window protection, etc.

 Aluminum Expanded Metals Pictures