Benefits of Expanded Metal

With innovative manufacturing facilities, techniques and capabilities, The Expanded Metal Company manufactures a wide range of expanded metal mesh products suitable for a variety of applications.

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Expanded metal mesh has a diverse range of properties, which makes it a versatile material that can be used throughout a variety of industries. From our aluminium foils measuring just 50 microns thick, through to our heavy duty 6mm thick walkway range, we offer a class leading range of choice.

Expanded metal: everything you need to know

Thanks to its versatility, expanded metal can be used for building facades and as a design element and interior ornament. It is a highly customisable material and is therefore becoming an increasingly popular solution. Moreover, thanks to its processing, it is a choice that responds to the increasingly important demands for sustainability in the world of architecture and construction. 

Let&#;s discover its characteristics and strengths.

What is expanded metal?

Expanded metal is the result of a process of cutting and shaping the raw material using a tool called a &#;mould&#;. The result of this operation is an elastic mesh structure, the shape and size of which depend on the patterns used in the cutting process.

The production of expanded metal is also characterised by the absence of waste: the raw material is completely transformed and processed. 

Starting from a single piece, the metal sheet is modified and expanded until it reaches the required shape, and from one metre of metal it is possible to produce a mesh three metres long. 

Expanded metal is a highly sustainable alternative to, for example, perforated metal, as there is no waste in its processing.

Expanded metal can be made from:

• aluminium;
• steel;
• zinc-titanium;
• copper;
• brass;
• Corten (also known as weathering steel);
• bronze.

As for the shapes, they come in different geometries:

• rhomboid;
• square;
• round;
• hexagonal
• random;
• 3D.

Expanded metal can be transformed into a mesh that envelops and shapes the structures to which it is applied. It can be used as a facade or for protection.

It can be used both externally and internally, as a suspended ceiling to hide corners or even as an interior design element. On the other hand, the various shapes it takes after processes such as bending, welding, folding and cutting ensure elegance and efficiency.

The transparency, combined with the shading effect, transforms the mesh into a sunshade, making it a unique material for creating captivating lighting effects and optimising energy savings.

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What is expanded metal used for?

As mentioned earlier, expanded metal is widely used in various building and architectural contexts. Its applications are not limited to facades: it offers enormous potential beyond design and aesthetics. 

For example, expanded metal is also an excellent solution in the industrial sector, providing both functionality and versatility.

The processes it undergoes allow light, air and liquids to flow through it. It is therefore used to create protective and filtering devices in the automotive, chemical, petrochemical, energy and domestic appliance industries.

At the same time, expanded metal meshes are used to create walkways, paths and safety barriers in working environments. The expansion process guarantees the uniformity and regularity of the surfaces, making them highly safe and reliable.

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Without question, expanded metal is a standout choice in architecture, offering versatility for a range of applications like:

Its unique mix of solid and open spaces, combined with durability and adaptability, makes it both functional and visually striking. Its transparency and three-dimensional effect create captivating optical illusions, drawing attention to the buildings it enhances.

Advancements in technology have brought sophisticated painting and anodizing techniques, ensuring long-lasting protection against corrosion. With a wide palette of colours&#;from crisp white to rich gold&#;expanded metal easily fits diverse architectural styles.

Anodizing, done with state-of-the-art systems, further elevates expanded metal by:

• providing up to 20 years of corrosion protection,
• enabling stunning light effects and unlimited color options.

Each project benefits from tailored production, using advanced robotic machinery that adapts to specific needs. This approach, aligned with Industry 4.0, ensures every piece is unique and perfectly crafted for its purpose.

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Expanded metal across architectural styles

The versatility of expanded metal concerns not only its many applications, but also the ease with which it integrates with different architectural styles. There are countless examples, from minimalism to contemporary Scandinavian architecture. 

Thanks to its clean lines and geometric patterns, expanded metal works perfectly in minimalist design. It combines simplicity with practicality, staying true to the minimalist idea of blending function with beauty. Materials like steel, aluminum, and stainless steel give expanded metal a sleek, modern appearance. Its metallic finishes look clean and natural, so there is no need for extra decoration.

Expanded metal can be taken into account by contemporary architects to give a remarkable touch to their projects, especially for facades and wall-cladding. 

• Its shapes and pattern give facades and other parts of a structure a sense of flow and rhythm.
• It works as a secondary layer over windows. The mesh adds depth and texture to create a semi-transparent effect. 
• Expanded metal creates a play of light and shadow which gives life and movement to spaces. 

As for the Scandinavian style, it is known for its simplicity and practicality, not just in homes but as a general design approach. Expanded metal has found its place as a material that adds character to buildings while offering practical benefits. 

• By pairing it with materials like glass or concrete, architects achieve a balanced, functional, and visually appealing design.
• Expanded metal serves many purposes, such as shielding buildings from solar radiation or handling heavy snow loads in winter. 
• It is also used as a decorative feature to play with light and colour.

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Is expanded metal sustainable?

Expanded metal is one of the most eco-friendly metal products available. It is made by cutting and stretching metal at cold temperatures, which means no welding or drilling is needed. This process creates no waste and reduces carbon emissions, making it better for the environment.

The material is also recyclable. 

• For example, aluminum &#; often used for expanded metal &#; keeps its quality even after being reused. It remains strong and reliable no matter how many times it is recycled. 
• Steel is highly sustainable and is the most recycled material in the world. It has a long life cycle and can be fully recovered and reused when a product or building reaches the end of its life. 
• Stainless steel is also popular because it resists corrosion and is very versatile.
• As for copper, it is 100% recyclable without losing quality and is one of the most abundant metals on Earth. Its availability and long life cycle, along with its durability and resistance to corrosion, make it an environmentally friendly option.

The demand for a sustainable approach is a key point in contemporary design: it is one more reason why expanded metal is particularly popular. In this way it becomes a major element in urban regeneration plans aiming to obtain important sustainability certifications.

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