If you’re into construction, carpentry, and transportation, to mention but a few, you’ve most likely used a metal mesh.

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A metal mesh is an expanded sheet or roll of metal consisting of strands of metal running from one end of the sheet to the other. These strands form openings of different sizes that form a barrier hence the name mesh.

The size of the openings ranges from the smallest size 1/8″ x1/8″ to the biggest size 6″ x6″ while the size of the entire expanded sheet can be as big as 10 feet long for a standard sheet and 100 feet long for a standard roll. The openings can also take different shapes such as a square, hexagon, diamond, and circle.  

Depending on the use of the mesh, you can choose one made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, bronze, galvanized steel, brass, Monel, carbon steel, or brass. You can also make it from an alloy of the metals mentioned above. Therefore, the type you use depends on the material used or alloy, the size of the entire sheet or roll, and the shape and size of the openings.

This article will explore more on metal mesh, also known as expanded metal. You’ll learn how it is formed, its application, and the advantages of using it.

How Is A Metal Mesh Made? 

You’re probably picturing a welded or woven wire mesh by the description given above. However, note that these are two different types of products. The best way to tell the difference is first understanding how a metal mesh or expanded metal is made.

As mentioned before, a metal mesh is made from a sheet or roll of metal. The sheet of metal is put into an expanding machine where it’s made thinner so that it can stretch. As the sheet of metal stretches, its surface area begins to cut so that uniform holes are made on the metal.

The difference between a metal mesh and a wire mesh is that the metal mesh holes are molded within the metal sheet. On the other hand, the holes are made from thin strands of metal woven or welded together for a wire mesh.

Secondly, the metal mesh remains strong regardless of the expansion. Meanwhile, the thinner the wire mesh, the weaker it becomes. Therefore, a wire mesh is used for less intensive applications, and it’s relatively cheaper than an expanded metal.

Applications Of Expanded Metal 

The uses of a metal mesh can be summarized as protection as a barrier, support in the construction industry, and custom applications such as decorations. Here are the applications of a metal mesh:

• Construction industry. The mesh is used to support parts of the construction such as adobe in walls, plaster, or stucco. 
• Modern architecture. The expanded metal has found a niche in modern technology where the metal mesh is being used to form decorative features and building facades. 
• Filtering water. An example is in large gabions to avoid soil erosion. 
• Infill panels
• Used to make ventilations for big machines  
• Functional and decorative trellis

Here are the advantages of using expanded metal for all your needs:

1. Metal Mesh Is Made From One Material

As detailed in the article, expanded metal is made from one sheet of metal being stretched. Out of this fact only, there are two advantages of using it. First, there’s less waste while designing one, and second, the metal retains its strength. The two will be discussed further in the points to follow.

Other than these benefits, it can easily undergo further transformation such as sheering and pressing since they’re made of one piece of metal sheet. As such, should you need to change the form of the mesh, you won’t have to purchase a new one. 

2. Minimum Waste Is Produced

Creating the holes on a metal mesh involves stretching the sheet of metal as opposed to punching holes into it. If you punch holes, the punched-out metal can’t be used, which increases the amount of waste produced.

3. A Lower Cost

If you’re producing little to no waste, it means you’ll need fewer sheets of metal, which will cost less than if you’re throwing some away as waste. Additionally, some metals can expand more to cover a large area. If this is the case, you may end up needing fewer sheets or rolls of metal for your design.

4. A Metal Mesh Is Strong

When the sheet of metal is expanded, it loses some of its weight. However, this doesn’t compromise the integrity of the metal. Therefore, the uncut parts of the metal remain sturdy and the stretched strands can withstand more pressure as compared to woven or welded joints. The strength makes it suitable to offer support to other structures during construction.

5. Metal Mesh Has Anti-Slip Properties

As mentioned, the strands of the metal forming the openings are stretched from the metal sheet. The knuckles where the strands meet have a firm grip as opposed to if these strands were woven. The sturdiness of the knuckles makes them anti-slip, which is most appropriate for constructing walkways, stair treads, and ramps.

6. It’s Highly Efficient

Because a metal mesh is made of one piece of material and there are no breaks from one strand to another, electric and magnetic energy flow continuously throughout the mesh. As such, if you intend to use it for any power-related tasks, you can be sure of efficiency and reduced loss of energy since a metal mesh has minimal destruction.

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7. It Can Be Made From An Alloy

When processing you can mix two or more metals to strengthen the mesh, increase its expansion capability, and sometimes for aesthetic purposes. Whatever your reason, a metal mesh allows you to play with different metals to achieve your desired alloy.  

8. Flexibility 

It gives you the flexibility you need to mold a mesh of your own design and aesthetic while still maintaining optimum functionality. For example, if you want to achieve more light you can use larger cuts to create large openings. With a perforated mesh, however, the larger the cuts, the weaker the mesh, which means that eventually, the it won’t serve its purpose.

To Sum It Up

Although their physical appearance is alike, there’s a difference between a metal and a wire mesh. The metal mesh is stronger, more expensive, and has more benefits. It’s made of one material, so there’s minimal waste produced; and due to reduced waste, it’s cheaper to mold and use a metal mesh.

Other advantages are that it is strong with sturdy knuckles that make it suitable for anti-slip constructions such as walkways. Moreover, it is highly efficient, it can be made from an alloy, and finally, it’s flexible to different designs and functions.

Article and permission to publish here provided Claire Glassman. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on February 5, .

Wire mesh is a necessity in many industries ranging from construction and agriculture to even food processing. It is also a staple in the fast food industry, especially for fry cooking. Many restaurants use wire baskets for making a variety of dishes. Made from woven wire mesh, they have a multitude of advantages. 5 such major merits will be addressed below. 

Benefits of wire mesh basket.

High-Temperature Resistance

Made from stainless steel or galvanized steel, they can withstand extremely high temperatures. Since food is dipped in boiling oil at high temperatures, it requires a robust basket that can endure this level of heat. With woven wire mesh baskets, it’s an easy task.

Safe For Food Industry

In the food service industry, it is vital to have food-grade products, and wire meshes used in this field are manufactured to uphold this quality. Generally, Type 304 and 316L stainless steel wire mesh qualify for this task, as they are corrosion resistant and can withstand temperatures as high as F (871.1C).

Resistant To Acids And Food Chemicals

Plenty of food products are highly acidic, hence the wire mesh must be able to withstand their corrosive nature. Furthermore, there are several chemicals used in cleaning products too such as dish soaps, liquids, or sprays. Fortunately, wire meshes are highly resistant to such chemicals. 

Highly Customizable

The fryers used in the food service industry may or may not be of standard specifications. Hence, wire meshes need to be highly customizable. For instance, if the openings in the basket are too narrow, it can lead to clogging. Conversely, if it is too wide, the food might fall into the fryer. Hence, wire meshes need to be customized, and it is quite easy to do so. 

Affordable

Compared to other pieces of fancy cookware, wire baskets are quite affordable. Hence, they can be ordered in bulk, as per the requirements and specifications of the customer. This saves valuable time and resources for a restaurant. 

Thus, wire baskets are a staple in this business due to these 5 benefits. Ferrier Wire Good Company Inc. offers steel meshes, copper meshes, chicken wire, and more, apart from textured sheet metal and decorative panels. To know more about these products, contact us today.

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