1. Expanded Metal vs. Perforated Metal

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    Both expanded metal and perforated metal are suitable for use in ventilation or drainage applications.

    Additionally, their integration of geometric patterns, makes both a popular aesthetic element added to various fixtures and structures.

    Despite their similarities in function, these two metals are distinct; they require the use of different manufacturing methods, exhibit different characteristics, and have different best use cases. Understanding the differences between them is critical when selecting one or the other for an application.

    In the following blog post, we provide an overview of how perforated and expanded metal differ, outlining how they’re manufactured, key characteristics, and ideal applications.

    All About Expanded Metal

    Expanded MetalFor ventilation and drainage products, expanded metal is a strong and cost-effective option.

    Manufacturing Method for Expanded Metal

    The key to expanded metal’s strength is in its manufacturing process. The first step is to perforate the sheet with a series of regular slits. Stretching the sheet after adding these openings creates the distinctive, repeating diamond pattern that distinguishes expanded metal from other material options. After the stretching process, some strands of metal may protrude slightly, but it’s possible to flatten these later on if necessary or desired.

    There are two key advantages to this technique:

    • It decreases the amount of material waste produced—therefore increasing material utilization—which translates to lower production costs.
    • It creates materials with greater structural strength than that of materials with holes punched directly into them (i.e., perforated metal).

    Key Characteristics of Expanded Metal

    As indicated above, expanded metal retains its structural integrity better than perforated metal. In addition to this property, other key characteristics include low risk of unraveling (compared to woven mesh) and excellent conductivity.

    Ideal Applications for Expanded Metal

    When choosing to use expanded metal for an application, some of the key considerations include thickness and strand dimension, both of which depend on the structure’s requirements. It is available in a wide range of materials, mesh sizes (including near-transparent thickness), and pattern designs to suit different use cases.

    Some of the most common applications for which expanded metal is ideal include:

    Expanded Metal vs. Perforated Metal

    All About Perforated Metal

    Perforated Metal

    Perforated metal is the preferred choice for use in certain applications such as filtration equipment.

    Manufacturing Method for Perforated Metal

    Like expanded metal, perforated metal begins as a steel sheet. However, rather than slicing and stretching the sheet, a technician feeds the base material into a specialized machine that punches holes in a pre-defined pattern (typically either straight or staggered lines of holes). The machine usually leaves a thin section of metal around the perimeter unpunched to avoid compromising the material’s stability.

    The perforation process does, by necessity, generate waste. While the excess metal can be recycled, doing so may increase the overall project cost. Manufacturing sheets with larger holes produces more material waste—resulting in higher production costs—so customers with such requirements should consider if expanded metal is a better fit for their budget.

    Key Characteristics of Perforated Metal

    Compared to expanded metal, perforated metal’s main advantage is its versatility. It is available in a broad selection of variations, with different material, hole gauge, hole size, and hole shape options.

    Ideal Applications for Perforated Metal

    As perforated metal is available in many different variants, it lends itself to use in a wide range of applications. Some examples include the following, although perforated metal applications are by no means limited to this list:

    Expanded and Perforated Metal Solutions From Metalex

    At Metalex, we recognize the value of both expanded metal and perforated metal. As such, we maintain a broad selection of perforated metal materials and expanded metal products for our customers. Whichever material you need, our expert sales and engineering team will ensure you get the right product for your application and requirements.

    For additional information about our offerings or assistance choosing one for your next project, contact us or request a quote today.

  2. A Note to Our Customers Regarding COVID-19

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    March 17, 2020

    To Our Valued Customers,

    As market fear and uncertainty continues to escalate, normal transaction assumptions come into question. We want to highlight how UPG and its family of companies can help get your business through this temporary moment in time. First, the world has not stopped functioning. We are committed to maintaining our business operations and ensuring the upmost safety for our employees, customers, vendors and partners.

    Currently, there is no impact to our daily operations. Our mill and vendor partners have indicated to us that they are continuing normal operations while continually monitoring the impact of COVID-19. We are also pursuing avenues of being classified an “Essential Business” and/or engaging in “Essential Services” to anticipate any additional restrictions the government may impose on a local in which we operate.

    Although we do not anticipate an interruption, there may be some disruption to the supply chain that could impact product availability, delivery dates and pricing. We are 100% committed to minimizing the impact on your business and will keep you informed of market changes as they become available.

    At UPG, Metalex, and UPG’s family of brands, we have empowered our team members to make the best decisions for their health and the health of their families at each location. We are encouraging them and our suppliers to use technology, specifically video teleconferencing, as a substitute for all non-essential in-person meetings, reschedule non-essential travel and referencing the CDC guidelines regarding conditions for access to our offices.

    We are fully committed on supporting you in the coming days and weeks and we thank you so much for your business. We will continue to notify you of this fluid situation and please, stay healthy and help support those truly in need during this time. As a steel community, we are confident that we will come out of this stronger together.

    We appreciate your trust in us as a supply chain partner.

    Sincerely,

    Chris Hutter and Paul Douglass
    Founders of UPG Enterprises LLC