Expanded Metals

Expanded metal is made by placing a single sheet of metal is put into an expanding machine that also has an oscillating knife that can cut in different dimensions.  As the metal goes through the machine, it is cut and then also stretched to make the holes.

While the basic manufacturing of expanded metal is relatively simple, determining the exact size, type, pattern, materials, finishes required to fit your unique needs is where we can help.  Zauderer Associates, Inc. has years of expertise to make sure the expanded metal mesh that your product requires is manufactured correctly.

Yes, expanded metal can either be cut to length (produced to a specific width and length) or be purchased in coils (produced to a specific width and then wound onto a core).  Coils are typically purchased at 2,000 feet or more.

Expanded metal comes in a variety of sizes and patterns.  To determine the correct expanded metal for your application, various requirements need to be considered including the required strength, type of metal needed and how much airflow is required.  The thicker and wider the stands of expanded metal are, then the stronger the expanded metal mesh will be.  The starting raw metal thickness determines how thick or thin the expanded metal will be.  If more airflow is needed, then larger openings need to be created into the expanded metal.  Our capabilities for sizes includes a width range from 2” to 48” and thickness from .0016” to .032” for steel and 0.016” – 0.055” for aluminum.

Yes – we specialize in creating custom component parts and assemblies and can customize expanded metal size.  We can work with you to determine exactly how thick, wide, and long you need your expanded metal mesh to be.  We can meet even the most demanding specifications.

One of the primary reasons that expanded metal is chosen for numerous products, is the fact that it is lightweight but still extremely strong.  Expanded metal maintains its strength since the openings are cut out of the original sheet metal and there are no pieces of material welded together.

It depends on what type of materials and finishes are chosen whether there is any rust protection or not.  CRS (cold rolled steel) expanded metal will rust just like any other steel product.  Below is a list of common materials and information on rust protection:

• CRS Steel – usually powder painted, no rust protection.
• G30, G60, or G90 Steel – hot dipped galvanized coatings, good rust protection
• Electro Galvanized Steel – electro galvanized process, good rust protection
• Aluminized Steel – high temperature protection, good rust protection
• Aluminum – good rust protection
• Copper – usually for decorative applications

Expanded metal can be made from many materials, including:

• CRS Steel – usually powder painted, no rust protection
• G30, G60, or G90 Steel – hot dipped galvanized coatings, good rust protection
• Electro Galvanized (EG) Steel – electro galvanized process, good rust protection
• Aluminized Steel – high temperature protection, good rust protection
• Aluminum – good rust protection
• Copper – usually for decorative applications

Reach out to Zauderer Associates, Inc. today to discuss the customized expanded metal product that you need.  We have been helping manufacturers simplify the purchasing process of expanded metals for over 40 years.  We can help you navigate expanded metal pricing, size and strength considerations and finishing options that will meet your exact specifications. 

Expanded metal is often the material of choice to do its broad features:

• Cost effective since very little scrap is produced.
• Very durable and extremely strong. It can add structural strength to the product using it.
• Various protective finishes and colors can be chosen based on the product requirements.
• Lightweight but still provides strength and resistance.
• Can provide adequate ventilation, airflow, and lighting if required
• Economical / less expensive alternative to sheet metal.
• Anti-slip properties due to the cut-out diamond holes

Due to the many advantages of expanded metal, there is almost an endless amount of uses and industries where expanded metal can be found.  Furniture / benches often are made of expanded metal due to its durability and strength.  Products needing filtration or ventilation capabilities will look to expanded metal since it provides excellent airflow.  Expanded metal can even be grilled and cooked on and is used for some decorative products like firepit covers or fireplace screens.

Other products where you can find expanded metal include automotive air filters, heavy-duty air filters, HVAC filters, HEPA filters, appliances, electrostatic home furnace filters, security door and window screens, office partitions, ceiling registers, chimney caps, gutter guards, fireplace screens and battery mesh.