Expanded Metal Walkway Grating – Platform, Stair Treads

Author: Hou

Nov. 04, 2024

Expanded Metal Walkway Grating – Platform and Stair Treads

Expanded metal walkway grating is commonly utilized in various industries, making it a paramount choice for walkway applications. The inherently raised bonds and strands significantly enhance the load-bearing capability compared to traditional steel platforms. With a range of weight specifications per square foot and diverse diamond pattern configurations, expanded metal walkway grating provides an optimal strength-to-weight ratio, catering to different industrial and commercial demands. Notably, it stands out against bar grating, boasting superior anti-slip properties and heavy load capacity, while offering a heightened level of safety for users, particularly those wearing high-heeled shoes. For engineers, it becomes a definitive choice when safety and adherence to industry standards are of utmost importance.

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Understanding Expanded Metal: Properties, Uses, and Benefits

Expanded Metal Overview

Introduction

This article offers an extensive examination of expanded metal.

Topics covered include:

  • Definitions of Expanded Metal
  • Types of Materials Used
  • Manufacturing Techniques
  • Surface Finishing and Treatment Options
  • Quality Control Standards
  • Applications and Advantages
  • And More...

Chapter 1: Definition of Expanded Metal

Expanded metal is a type of mesh fabricated by stretching a malleable metal sheet that has been slotted. The slits are arranged perpendicular to the stretch direction, creating a mesh with various holes from the slotted sections.


This process leverages the inherent property of metals to expand and contract under varying conditions, influenced by atomic structure and chemical attributes.

Comparative Analysis: Expanded Metal vs Alternatives

Perforated Sheets

Perforation involves creating holes within a metal sheet, resulting in a perforated product. This subtractive method implies material waste and does not involve the stretching processes employed in expanded metal fabrication.


Commonly utilized in configurations requiring precise drainage capabilities, perforated sheets serve various applications, predominantly in computer equipment enclosures.

Woven Mesh

This technique intertwines metal wires similarly to fabric threads, with reliance on friction rather than bonding to maintain structure, frequently utilized for items such as sand sieving screens.

Welded Mesh

Welded mesh consists of grids of parallel wires welded at crossings, primarily used for extensive coverage areas, often in concrete reinforcement.

Chapter 2: Material Varieties in Expanded Metal

Virtually any malleable metal can undergo the expansion process; however, not all such metals are practical for extensive industrial-scale applications. This section delves into notable materials.

While copper is not typically favored for structural usages due to cost and weight considerations, it is relevant when corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, aesthetic appeal, and malleability are prioritized.


Aluminum features extensive use in structural applications due to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, alongside its high melting point suitability for thermal applications.


Expanded Steel Variants

Steel is the most prevalent structural metal, prized for its strength, assuming proper corrosion prevention. Variants include:

Expanded Mild Steel

This economical option usually undergoes hot-dip galvanization for added protection.


Grating Metal Sheets

These sheets are made from higher gauge mild steel metal sheets.

Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and performs exceptionally in high-temperature scenarios.

Chapter 3: Manufacturing Process

Creating expanded metal follows systematic steps laid out below.

Selection of Base Sheet Metal

The first step is choosing the appropriate base metal sheet. The application dictates the metal needed, considering aspects such as:

  • Strength
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Rigidity
  • Appearance
  • Weight
  • Toughness
  • Flexibility
  • Elasticity

Dimensions of the Metal Sheet

Key dimensional considerations involve:

  • The overall area prior to expansion
  • The sheet's initial thickness
  • Flatness and alignment
  • Opening specifications
  • Mesh dimensions, including diamond specifications

Cutting and Stretching Processes

These operations define the openings and subsequent dimensions of the expanded metal, executed either separately or concurrently.


Cooling and lubrication agents employed during production may remain on the finished surfaces, which may assist in mitigating corrosion unless further finishing is deemed necessary.

Opening Patterns

The most extensive variant of openings is the diamond shape, the most common. Others include hexagonal, square, louvered, and custom designs.

Chapter 4: Surface Finishing and Shearing Techniques

This chapter discusses surface finishing and shearing methodologies applicable to expanded metal.

Finishing Techniques

Painting serves as a cost-effective finishing method while powder coating enhances durability. The galvanizing process immerses the expanded metal in molten zinc for corrosion protection, whereas anodizing results in granular finishes.

Shearing Methods

Shearing entails cutting expanded metal sheets, following methodologies like side, bond, and centerline shearing, refining edges and shapes as necessary.

Chapter 5: Applications and Advantages

Expanded metal’s vast applications include:

Building Platforms

Used in high-level platforms across sectors such as transportation and oil industries.

Machine Guards

Covers rotating machinery parts, balancing lightweight and safety effectively.

Conclusion

The future demand for expanded metal products remains promising, due to their low weight, high strength, and affordability, making them increasingly essential in both industrial and civil structure developments.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

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