Perforated metal has been used in construction for over 100 years and has become more popular now than ever before. One reason being &#; perforated metal is a building material that can fulfill many needs, both decorative and purely practical.
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The process of perforating includes pressing or stamping manually on a sheet of metal to form a pattern of holes and slots. And while the material might look simple by its appearance alone, there are many reasons why perforated metals are so popular across all industries.
In this post, we&#;re walking through the different types, use cases, and benefits of perforated metal that might just make you incorporate the material into your next project.
Perforated Metal Types
The number of metals that can be shaped or machined during the perforation process are limitless. How the metal will be used determines the type of metal that is required for perforation.
For example, strong and durable metals are best used for industrial processes and structural buildings. Lightweight metals on the other hand, better serve in decorative applications. Some common types of materials used in perforation include:
- Stainless Steel &#; Stainless steel offers many great qualities, including strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. It is thanks to the chromium content within stainless steel that provides advanced corrosion resistance, making it a top-notch perforated sheet option.
- Aluminum &#; Aluminum is easy to install due to its malleable, durable, and lightweight qualities. Like stainless steel, aluminum also offers an aesthetic appeal that is perfect for applications requiring light and sound diffusion.
- Steel &#; Products made from steel alloy perforated sheets are best used in commercial and industrial applications without a need for visual aesthetics. Standard steel has similar benefits to stainless and is a lower-cost alternative.
- Galvanized Steel &#; Since galvanized steel is corrosion-resistant, economical, and exceptionally strong, it is best used in hostile and harsh environments. Galvanized steel possesses a solid zinc coating that eliminates corrosive elements from seeping in, such as moisture, water, and humidity. It combines the strength of steel with its unique endurance for withstanding rugged conditions.
- Copper &#; The outer surface of copper is corrosion-resistant, portraying a green tint when exposed to the elements. The material is commonly used for both interior design and decorative applications. Perforated copper is visually appealing, can be recycled easily, and has an unlimited life span.
Perforating Methods and Pattern Variety
All perforated metal sheets have a variety of patterns that are designed specifically to serve a unique function depending on how they are used. Patterns for architectural use are ornate, decorative, and aesthetically pleasing, whereas patterns for industrial uses, such as filtration, drainage, and screening, are more conventional and uniform.
Most patterns are unfinished at the end of the sheet to allow for multiple sheets being placed together to form a consistent pattern. Perforated sheets come in a variety of sizes, patterns, and shapes including round staggered, round straight, square, slot, and hex.
Use Cases of Perforated Metal
Perforated metal appears to be a simple product. But in reality, many industries require the material in order to perform specific functions within their operations. Some of the most popular use cases include:
- Transportation &#; Car, truck, bus and other transportation manufacturers depend on perforated metal to provide strength and durability and improve airflow without adding a substantial amount of weight to their vehicles.
- Architecture &#; Perforated metal sheets bring functionality and aesthetic value to construction projects. The material adds a unique look to a building while also making it more sustainable. For example, the material is able to absorb the heat given off by the sun without eliminating the daylight inside which helps to lower the use of artificial lighting and AC.
- Food and Beverage &#; Modern food production requires a lot of processing, and perforated metal can perform many functions in this context such as filtering solids and sifting through particles.
- Noise Control &#; Since sound waves can travel through perforated metal without changing, noise control systems rely on the material for protection or decorative screens.
- Retail Displays &#; Due to its lightweight, durable, and versatile qualities, perforated metal often is used for fabricating retail display systems. Perforated metal can be used to create shelves, wall units, and other components for a modular system that can be configured easily to fit a retailer&#;s space.
Benefits of Perforated Metal
On top of the fact that perforated metal is easy to work with and install, the material also offers many additional benefits that help make applications more sustainable. The biggest advantages of incorporating perforated metal into your project include:
- Aesthetic Appeal &#; Perforated metal offers a unique, modern aesthetic to compliment any building. With virtually endless options in hole shapes, sizes, geometric patterns and finishes available, perforated metal makes it a perfect material to achieve a specific look. In addition, perforated metal offers a degree of privacy while still allowing occupants to enjoy exterior views.
- Versatility &#; Part of the versatility of perforated metals is their ability to be bent, shaped, and configured to meet the needs of an application and design. The material serves in both lightweight decorative elements as well as in structural components of buildings.
- Durability &#; Perforated metal has a structural strength many other materials do not have, allowing it to easily hold up in harsh environments. The perforations also help to lower the weight of the building.
- Energy Efficient &#; By balancing light and ventilation, perforated metal can allow architects to manage interior heat build-up from the sun. When heat is deflected, HVAC systems put out less energy, helping to keep the interior temperature more consistent. Perforated metal also helps to decrease the amount of light indoors when used as a screening element.
- Eco-Friendly &#; As the ultimate green material for design and construction, perforated metal minimizes resource depletion due to its recyclability, reduces energy in use, promotes sustainability, invites innovation in terms of design, and lowers fuel transportation costs by reducing the weight of vehicle loads.
Get Started
Perforated metal is a practical alternative for many applications thanks to its combination of strength, functionality, and design flexibility.
Corrugated Metals, Inc. has been an industry-leading resource for perforated metal products for well over a century. From lightweight decorative elements to load-bearing structural components, we design and manufacture perforated metal to meet the precise specifications for the most demanding customers. In addition, we offer numerous choices of hole sizes, shapes, and punch patterns, and our manufacturing capabilities include a vast range of materials in gauges from foil to thick plate.
If you would like more information about our perforated products and how they can benefit your next application, contact us today.
Perforated metal panels is a popular choice by both contractors and homeowners for its unique style and wide variety of uses.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we offer perforated products including perforated metal panels, perforated coil, and perforated flat sheets in addition to our large selection of non-perforated metal roofing and siding panels.
This article goes over what perforated metal can be used for as well as considerations to make before you decide whether or not perforated metal is right for your project.
Perforated metal coil
What Are Perforated Metal Panels?
Perforated metal panels are steel panels that consist of a pattern of small holes or shapes throughout the surface. These openings have a mesh like appearance that have several benefits including allowing airflow and light to pass through while also creating an eye-catching aesthetic appeal. Perforated metal panels are just as popular for their appearance as they are for their function.
Corrugated Perforated Metal Panel
How Are Perforated Metal Panels Made?
The process begins with a metal coil that is turned into flat sheets. From there, the sheet metal is mechanically stamped or laser cut to create the desired patterns or hole shape in the steel.
Perforated Metal Panel Specifications
Each perforated panel will specify:
- The perforated pattern
- Hole size
- Staggered pattern (amount of space between each hole)
- The open area
Perforated pattern
The open area is a percentage that represents how much of the metal has been removed, or how much of the panel is &#;open&#;.
For example, if a panel has a .127 size holes and the stagger is 7/32", then the open area is 30.5 %, meaning that roughly 70% of the metal panel remains after the perforations have been made in the panel.
What Are Perforated Metal Panels Used For?
Perforated metal panels have many uses including:
- Roof coverings for patios or shade structures
- Soundproofing/ acoustic wall panels
- Windscreens
- Fences
- Ceilings
- Interior design accents
- Building cladding
- Partitions
- Stair treads
- Metal screens
- Signage
- Filters
We discuss some of the more popular uses in greater detail below for both exterior perforated metal panels and interior perforated metal panels.
Perforated Metal Fence
A perforated metal fence has a unique style that does not give total privacy, but rather allows for some airflow and sunlight while still serving as a barrier. It&#;s common to see perforated metal fences used for wind screens, equipment screens, parks, sports complexes, and other outdoor commercial areas.
Perforated Metal Roofing
It seems funny that you would use a metal roofing panel with holes, but it makes sense in certain situations. Normally, perforated roofing panels are used in a canopy application in which weather tightness is not an issue. The perforated canopy will provide both shade and airflow. In addition, it looks great.
Perforated Metal Ceiling
Using perforated metal on a ceiling not only creates visual interest, but it also serves an important purpose when it comes to sound. Perforations in ceiling panels actually help reduce noise by absorbing the sound in a room. It&#;s more common to see perforated metal ceilings in public areas where there is more heavy foot traffic and noise as opposed to inside of private residences.
Perforated Metal Facade
Perforated metal facade is decorative architectural cladding that serves a large variety of uses.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of perforated metal supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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Incorporating perforated metal onto a commercial building can:
- Allow natural sunlight in
- Reduce noise
- Enhance curb appeal
- Create more privacy
- Increase design options for architects
Perforated Metal Guardrail
Photo credit: DeMax
A perforated metal guardrail or railing system is a unique and attractive alternative to more conventional railings. Perforated railings create an illusion of a space being more open since you are able to see through the material.
Pros Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Design And Aesthetic Appeal
- Enhances Energy Efficiency
- Soundproofing
- Exceptional strength
- Lightweight
Design And Aesthetic Appeal
Whether you&#;re using perforated aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc, metal with perforations has an eye-catching and unique aesthetic that fits with almost all design styles. People love to use decorative perforated metal in their projects because of how it enhances the visual appeal of the space where it's being installed. It&#;s a versatile product that has a seemingly endless amount of ways it can be used.
Enhances Energy Efficiency
Perforated metal helps regulate temperatures which in turn makes your cooling systems not have to work as hard. It deflects heat build up while also allowing for ventilation and the admittance of natural sunlight.
Soundproofing
Perforated metal helps diffuse sound. When used along a ceiling, it helps reduce echoes.
Strength And Durability
The structural strength of perforated sheet metal is greater than many other building materials. It has an inherent strength that provides great durability and resistance to the elements when used in exterior applications.
Perforated Metal Is A Lightweight Material
Metal panels are already known for being lightweight. Now remove 10-40% of that panel, and you have perforated metal. Since the hole patterns remove some of the metal, it makes the perforated panels even lighter than non-perforated panels which makes them easier to transport and install.
Cons Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
- Higher Cost
Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
Perforated panels and perforated sheet metal are much easier to find for larger projects which are generally those that are 5,000- 10,000 pounds or greater.
For a smaller project, or a project that is less than 5,000 pounds, ordering perforated panels is too expensive to justify for a smaller job. You will have to find a manufacturer or supplier that keeps perforated panels in stock which can be difficult. On top of that, you will be limited in the colors you have to choose from for a small project.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we can make any panel or color we sell perforated for larger jobs. However, we also keep the following perforated metal in stock and available for smaller projects:
Perforated Metal Panel
Gauge (Thickness)
Galvalume®
20 Gauge, 24 Gauge
Painted Polar White
24 Gauge
A606-4 (Aka Corten)
22 Gauge
Painted Corten AZP Raw
24 Gauge
Perforated Metal Panel Cost Is Higher Than Standard Metal Panels
Perforated metal comes at a premium price point compared to other types of metal panels. The cost of perforated metal panels can range anywhere from 50% higher to double the amount of non-perforated metal panels.
Request A Quote For Perforated Metal Sheet Or Perforated Metal Panels
Using perforated metal in your construction projects brings a variety of functional and aesthetic benefits, making it one of the most popular and unique metal products on the market today.
Ready to purchase your perforated metal products? Get your project started by taking the first step and request a free quote today.
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