Expanded metal products consist of sheets or coils of solid metal that feature a diamond pattern that vary by gauge, type of material, and size of the diamond. The term “expanded metal” refers to the way the metal is simultaneously die-cut and expanded as it moves through the progressive dies on a press. This process allows it to be expanded up to 10 times its original size, while losing up to 80 percent of its original weight per square foot and retaining its form and rigidity.

Sichili Can Provide the Right Expanded Metal Products for Your Applications

Sichili stocks a huge variety of expanded metal sheets. Our expanded products are available in standard, flattened and heavy-duty grating, and they are ready for immediate shipment. 

As one of the top expanded metal suppliers in the China, Sichili can offer a wide variety of high-quality 304 and 316 stainless steel expanded metal products featuring numerous thicknesses, open areas, patterns, and design options. 

Our expanded metal materials include aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, and galvanized steel, titanium steel, copper steel and other metal.

Need it cut to size, welded, or a certain finish? We can do that. Our fabrication shop has all the necessary equipment to customize to your specifications to create infill panels, fencing, wall cladding, and more.

Contact Us for an Expanded Metal Quote Today

Contact Sichili to learn more about our extensive selection of stock and custom-expanded metal products and to receive a no-obligation quote. Whenever you’re ready to order, feel free to utilize our expanded metal ordering guide.

Expanded Metal FAQs

Q:Why Is Open Area Percentage Important When Selecting an Expanded Metal Product?

A: Open area percentage refers to the amount of open space in the pattern for allowing air, light, water, and materials to pass through. The larger the open area percentage, the large the size of the particles or materials that can filter through the product’s parallel wires. Marco Specialty Steel can help you select the optimal perforated metal open area percentage for your applications.

Q: What are common applications for expanded metal?

A: Expanded metal is extremely diverse. One example of a common application is security mesh for the protection of industrial machinery and electrical equipment, or unwanted access to restricted areas. Some other applications for this include railing mesh, fences, vents, and shelves. Heavy carbon steel expanded metal can be used as stair treads for oil tanks, working platforms, corridors and walkways. It is also used in the construction of roads, bridges, railways, ramps, and steel flooring.

Q: What types of materials are made into expanded metal sheet?

A: There are many types of materials that can be made into expanded metal sheet. Aluminum expanded metal, carbon steel, galvanized steel, nickel, copper, and stainless expanded metal sheets are available.

 Q: What is your pricing for expanded metal?

A: As an expanded metal supplier, Sichili is the best place to buy expanded metal. We offer an expansive inventory of expanded metal products, each with different pattern options, material types, and finishes. Therefore, it is best to call our sales department for pricing information. Our Sichili 

 team members are experts in our expanded metal inventory and can provide you with product recommendations.

Q: Why is the percentage of open area important for expanded metal sheet?

A: The percentage of open area determines the amount of space available for the passage of air, water, and light through the expanded metal sheet. This information is important for engineers to know based on the end application for which the sheet is used.

Q: Why is expanded metal commonly used?

A: The many small openings in the expanded metal material allow flow through of air, water, and light, while still providing a mechanical barrier to larger objects. Another advantage to using expanded metal as opposed to plain sheet metal is that the exposed edges of the expanded metal provide more traction, which has led to its use in catwalks or drainage covers.

Q: What do SWD and LWD mean in reference to expanded metal sheet?

A: SWD stands for Short Way of the Diamond and LWD stands for Long Way of the Diamond. These acronyms are used when ordering expanded metal sheet.