Zauderer Associates is a trusted source for all expanded metal manufacturing needs. Expanded metal purchased from a manufacturer can be customized to meet specific thickness and width ranges and can either be flattened or unflattened. Below are some of the highlights and unique characteristics of an expanded metal manufacturer in contrast to an expanded metal distributor:
What is the difference between distributors and manufacturers of expanded metal?
Expanded metal manufacturers produce expanded metal according to customized and specific requirements. Distributors of expanded metal serve as a middleman between the manufacturer and the consumer / producer of a finished product but do not actually manufacture the product. Expanded metal distributors often have limited options, have standard sizes and sell expanded metal sheets. A 4X8 expanded metal sheet is a very typical size. Expanded metal standard sheet sizes typically do not apply to an expanded metal manufacturer since customization is available. The width, length, thickness, and expanded metal pattern are all able to be customized.
What thickness gauge is available for manufactured expanded metal?
Below is a full expanded metal size chart / gauge chart with the thicknesses that we have available highlighted in yellow. 9 expanded metal and 6 expanded metal are frequently requested gauges; however, they are very thick and are outside of our expanded metal machine capabilities. As the gauge number decreases, the thickness of the expanded metal increases. So, 6 gauge expanded metal is thicker than 9 expanded metal.
Expanded Metal Size Chart:
| Number of Gauge | Approximate Thickness in Fractions of an Inch | Approximate Thickness in Decimal Parts of an Inch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9/32 | .28125 |
| 2 | 17/64 | .265625 |
| 3 | 1/4 | .25 |
| 4 | 15/64 | .234375 |
| 5 | 7/32 | .21875 |
| 6 | 13/64 | .203125 |
| 7 | 3/16 | .1875 |
| 8 | 11/64 | .171875 |
| 9 | 5/32 | .15625 |
| 10 | 9/64 | .140625 |
| 11 | 1/8 | .125 |
| 12 | 7/64 | .109375 |
| 13 | 3/32 | .09375 |
| 14 | 5/64 | .078125 |
| 15 | 9/128 | .0703125 |
| 16 | 1/16 | .0625 |
| 17 | 9/160 | .05625 |
| 18 | 1/20 | .05 |
| 19 | 7/160 | .04375 |
| 20 | 3/80 | .0375 |
| 21 | 11/320 | .03475 |
| 22 | 1/32 | .03125 |
| 23 | 9/320 | .028125 |
| 24 | 1/40 | .025 |
| 25 | 7/320 | .021875 |
| 26 | 3/160 | .01875 |
| 27 | 11/640 | .0171875 |
| 28 | 1/64 | .015625 |
| 29 | 9/640 | .0140625 |
| 30 | 1/80 | .0125 |
| 31 | 7/640 | .0109375 |
| 32 | 13/1280 | .01015625 |
| 33 | 3/320 | .009375 |
| 34 | 11/1280 | .00859375 |
| 35 | 5/640 | .0078125 |
| 36 | 9/1280 | .00703125 |
| 37 | 17/2560 | .006640625 |
| 38 | 1/160 | .00625 |
What sizes does manufactured expanded metal come in?
Our capabilities include a slit width range from 2” to 48” and a thickness range from .0016” to .032” for steel, with a thickness range of 0.016” – 0.055” for aluminum. Expanded metal can be either cut to length (produced to a specific width and length) or be purchased in coils (produced to a specific width and then wound around a core). Coils are typically purchased in 2,000 feet or more. Additionally, the pattern of the standard mesh can be customized for the exact application. Our partner manufacturer is able to meet your specifications, which can eliminate waste and results in a more precise product.