Expanded Metal Mesh
Expanded metal is produced by slitting and stretching a solid metal sheet, creating a rigid, open mesh with no welds or joints. Anping factories supply it for walkway grating, platform flooring, machine guards, filters, and architectural façades.
Materials
| Material | Common Grades | Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-carbon steel | Q235, A36 | 0.5–6.0mm | Walkways, grating, general use |
| Galvanized steel | DX51D, SGCC | 0.5–4.0mm | Outdoor, corrosion-resistant |
| Stainless steel | 304, 316 | 0.5–3.0mm | Food, chemical, marine |
| Aluminum | 1060, 3003, 5052 | 0.5–4.0mm | Architectural, lightweight |
| Copper / brass | C11000, H62 | 0.5–2.0mm | Decorative, EMI shielding |
Common specifications
| Pattern | SWD×LWD (mm) | Strand Width (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 10×25 | 1.0–1.5 | 0.5–1.0 | Filter, screen |
| Diamond | 20×50 | 1.5–2.5 | 1.0–2.0 | Machine guard, shelf |
| Diamond | 30×75 | 2.0–3.0 | 2.0–3.0 | Walkway, platform |
| Diamond | 50×100 | 3.0–5.0 | 3.0–5.0 | Heavy grating, catwalk |
| Hexagonal | 15×40 | 1.0–2.0 | 0.5–1.5 | Architectural, decorative |
| Square | 20×20 | 1.5–2.5 | 1.0–2.0 | Partition, ceiling |
SWD = short way of diamond, LWD = long way of diamond. Estimate weight →
What to specify when ordering
- Material and grade (e.g., SS304, Q235, 3003 aluminum)
- SWD × LWD in mm (mesh opening dimensions)
- Strand width and sheet thickness
- Sheet size (standard: 1000×2000mm, 1220×2440mm, or custom)
- Surface finish: mill finish, galvanized, powder coated, anodized
- Quantity in m² or sheets
Price reference
| Product | Spec | Price Range (USD/m²) | MOQ | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild steel expanded | 20×50mm, 1.5mm strand, 1.5mm thick | $8–15/m² | 100 m² | 10–15 days |
| Galvanized expanded | 30×75mm, 2.5mm strand, 2.5mm thick | $12–20/m² | 100 m² | 12–18 days |
| Stainless steel expanded | 20×50mm, 1.5mm strand, 1.5mm thick | $25–45/m² | 50 m² | 15–25 days |
| Aluminum expanded | 15×40mm, 1.2mm strand, 1.0mm thick | $18–35/m² | 100 m² | 15–22 days |
| Heavy-duty grating | 50×100mm, 4.0mm strand, 5.0mm thick | $30–55/m² | 50 m² | 20–30 days |
*Indicative 2025–2026 ranges. Actual pricing depends on material cost, sheet thickness, order volume, and surface finish. Always request formal quotes.
FAQ
What does SWD and LWD mean in expanded metal?
SWD = Short Way of Diamond, LWD = Long Way of Diamond. These are the center-to-center distances of the diamond-shaped opening. SWD is the shorter dimension, LWD the longer. Example: 30×75 means 30mm SWD, 75mm LWD.
Is expanded metal stronger than welded mesh?
Yes — expanded metal is made from a single sheet with no welds or joints, so it has uniform strength in all directions and won't unravel if cut. Welded mesh can fail at weld points under heavy load. For walkways and platforms, expanded metal is the safer choice.
Can expanded metal be used for anti-slip flooring?
Yes. Choose raised (standard) expanded metal, not flattened. The raised strands create natural grip. For extra safety, specify serrated or pressed-in nosing on stair treads. Heavier strand width and thicker sheet increase load capacity.
What's the difference between raised and flattened expanded metal?
Raised (standard) has strands at an angle, creating a 3D surface with better grip and rigidity. Flattened is passed through rollers to make it smooth and thin — better for filters, guards, and architectural panels where a flat surface is needed.
How do I calculate open area percentage?
Open area ≈ (1 – strand width / SWD) × (1 – strand width / LWD) × 100%. Higher open area = better airflow and drainage but less strength. Standard expanded metal has 40–70% open area depending on pattern.
Can I get powder coated or anodized expanded metal?
Yes. Powder coating (any RAL color) adds corrosion protection and aesthetics for architectural use. Anodizing is available for aluminum expanded metal. Galvanizing is standard for steel outdoor use. Specify finish type and color code when ordering.
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