Product Overview
Aluminum bar grating is lightweight, corrosion resistant, and fully recyclable. With an unmatched strength-to-weight ratio, these products are ideal for both industrial and architectural applications.
Manufactured from ASTM B221, 6063 or 6061 alloy, aluminum grating is available in four distinct product types. Bearing bar spacings range from 19/16” (1-3/16”) to 7/16” on center and cross bars at 4” or 2” on center.
Aluminum products are available in standard mill finish. Optional anodizing, chemical cleaning, or powder coated finishes are available for highly corrosive or architectural applications.
Types of Aluminum Bar Grating
Type “SG” Swage Locked Aluminum Grating
The most widely used aluminum grating, type SG rectangular bar, provides crisp lines. Bearing bars are available with standard plain or optional serrated or OnGrip surfaces. The cross bars are fully locked within the bearing bar, slightly below the top surface.
Type 19-SG-4 aluminum grating is the industry recognized standard for industrial applications. With nearly 80% open area, 19-SG-4 is virtually self-cleaning, allowing for easy passage of dirt, debris, snow, and liquids.
Type SG gratings are available in close mesh ADA conforming spacings 11-SG-4 and 7-SG-4, which are commonly used for public areas.
Type “SGI” Swage Locked I-Bar Aluminum Grating
Type “SL” steel gratings are manufactured by inserting hollow tube cross bars into pre-punched holes in the bearing bars. The cross bars are then swaged forming a positive mechanical connection. The cross bars are recessed below the top surface of the bearing bars providing a uniform and attractive architectural appearance.
Swage locking is a particularly efficient process for the production of ADA conforming gratings. Type 7-SL-4 with 3/16″ thick bearing bars provides a net 1/4″ clear opening between the bearing bars. This narrow opening is often preferred in public areas where concerns of drainage and high heeled shoes converge.
Type “SGF” Swaged Flush-Top Aluminum Grating
Manufactured with a unique, extruded cross bar that is flush with the top surface of the bearing bars, type SGF aluminum grating provides an enhanced walking surface for areas subject to continuous pedestrian traffic.
Available in rectangular bar with plain or serrated surfaces, type SGF aluminum grating is also available in ADA conforming spacings for applications located in the public way.
Type “ADT” Aluminum Dovetail Pressure Locked Grating
Type ADT aluminum gratings have deep rectangular cross bars and are manufactured by inserting pre-punched bearing bars and cross bars into an “egg-crate” configuration and deforming the cross bars under intense hydraulic pressure.
The deep cross bars on type ADT gratings make them popular for architectural applications such as sun shades and infill panels with the deeper cross bar serving as a distinct visual accent.
Table of Spacings, Load Tables, and How to Specify
About the Documents
The Aluminum Bar Grating Table of Spacings provides details and comparisons of standard 19 and 15 space grating panels as well as ADA compliant 11, 8, and 7 space gratings. The Table of Spacings is based upon a 3/16” thick bearing bar and .275” cross bars. Please contact us for details on custom bar thicknesses.
Aluminum bar grating load tables provide details about uniform loads, concentrated loads, and deflection for various spans related to supporting structures of the grating.
How to Specify Aluminum Bar Grating
1. Select type of Grating – “SG” for swaged rectangular bar grating, “SGI” for swaged “I” bar grating, “SGF” for swaged Flush-Top grating, “ADT” for aluminum dovetail pressure locked grating
2. Select bar spacing from Table of Spacings
3. Select bearing bar size (consult load tables)
4. Specify grating surface: Plain, serrated, OnGrip, or Algrip surface
5. Specify banding or additional trim required
6. Specify finish options – mill finish (no finish), anodized (clear, bronze, other), powder coating, other
7. Specify fasteners.
Surface Options
Plain Surface
Standard surface for rectangular bar products with excellent self-cleaning characteristics. Suitable for most applications.
Serrated Surface
Notched rectangular bearing bars provide increased slip resistance. Ideal for applications where moisture or fluids may be present on or near the walking surface.
Striated “I” Bar
Striated flanges of the “I” bar provide enhanced slip resistance without the added cost of serration.
OnGrip™ Surface
Applied grit surface for increased traction and slip resistance. Popular for applications in the public way.
Finish Options
Mill Finish
Mill finish aluminum bars without additional coating. May show discoloration from welding and fabrication.
Anodized
An electrochemical process that produces an oxide coating which provides additional corrosion resistance and a decorative finish. Clear or colored finishes available.
Other Finishes
Specialty coatings may be specified in a wide range of colors. Some options include powder coating, vinyl coating, enamel, or epoxy paints.
Bar Grating Fabrication and Engineering
We offer complete engineering services from concept to production. This includes design consultation, technical manuals, CAD drafting, engineering certification, and custom design services.
Once your plans are approved, our fully trained production staff will transform stock panels into the custom components your project calls for. Our services include full layouts, saw cutting, flame or plasma cutting, welding, punching, banding, and finishing.
We also fabricate stair treads, frames, and install lifting devices as needed.
All panels are piece marked to match installation drawings that ship with your order.
Steel Bar Grating Welding & Fastener Information
Welding will provide a superior, permanent installation. Mechanical fasteners, also known as grating clips, are great options when steel bar grating will need to be removed or welding is not practical.
The recommended minimum weld pattern shown indicates the minimum fastener spacing for pedestrian applications. Vehicular applications typically require additional welding, size, and spacing as to be determined by the specifying authority.
Saddle Clips
Bent clips bridging two bearing bars are available in galvanized steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Standard bolt holes are 5/16″. Bolts, screws, or other connecting hardware shall be supplied by others.
Countersunk Lands
The narrow spacing of close mesh grating allows for countersinking or milling of the bearing bars to support bolt shoulders. Flat head screws or self-drilling fasteners shall be supplied by others.
Weld Lugs
Plates, punched with holes and welded between the bearing bars, facilitate bolting to the supporting structure. Bolts, screws, or other connecting hardware shall be supplied by others.
“G” Clips
Mechanical fasteners installed from the top surface of the grating create a friction connection with the flange supporting the panel. “G” clips are easily installed without drilling or welding.
Countersunk Lands
The narrow spacing of close mesh grating allows for countersinking or milling of the bearing bars to support bolt shoulders. Flat head screws or self-drilling fasteners shall be supplied by others.
“J” Clips
Narrow formed clip captures one bearing bar when spacing is limited, frequently 11/16″ on center. Cap screws and other fastening hardware shall be supplied by others.
