Product Overview
Expanded Metal Grating is manufactured by slitting and stretching a single sheet of metal to maximize use of the raw material while producing a strong, rigid, and open sheet. It is a lightweight, economical alternative for short span catwalks and maintenance platforms. Available in distinct hexagonal or diamond patterns, standard products are produced with the long way of the opening “spanning” the length (long direction) of the sheet.
When considering options for economical walkways, reverse flow Expanded Metal Catwalk Grating is an excellent option. It is produced with the long way of the diamond “spanning” the width or short direction of the sheet, providing increased load bearing capacity.
Expanded Metal Grating Details
Hexagonal Surface
Available in 2#, 3#, 4#, 5#, 6.25#, and 7#
Offered in carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel
3.14# Diamond Opening
Offered in carbon steel only
4.27# Diamond Opening
Offered in carbon steel only
Pattern / Flow Options
Expanded Metal Terminology
Diamond: The open area formed by stands and bonds.
Strand: The single metal strip that forms the perimeter of the diamond.
Bond: The point where adjacent strands meet.
LWD: Long way of the diamond, the distance from the center of one bond to the center of the next bond across the longer opening of the diamond.
SWD: Short way of the diamond, the center-to-center distance between bonds across the narrow opening of the diamond.
LWO: Long way of the opening, the clear opening of the diamond in the long direction of the diamond.
SWO: Short way of the opening, the clear opening of the diamond across the short direction of the diamond.
Regular vs. Flattened Expanded Metal
Regular or Standard expanded metal is raised at the bonds of the diamond.
Flattened expanded metals has been passed through rollers and is smooth across each bond.
Pattern Orientation
Standard Flow: Pattern runs with the LWD running the length of the sheet and the SWD running across the width of the sheet.
Reverse Flow: Pattern runs with the LWD running across the width of the sheet and the SWD running the length of the sheet.
Shearing
Bond Shear: The expanded metal sheet is cut through the center of the bonds resulting in a closed diamond at the edge of the sheet.
Random Shear: The expanded metal sheet is cut through diamonds resulting in a partial diamonds at the sheet’s edge. The partial diamonds result in exposed strands that are very sharp and should be protected with U-Edging or framing.
How To Specify / Order Expanded Metal
MATERIAL: Indicate type of material desired (carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum).
STYLE NUMBER: Indicate style number (such as 3/4″-#9R) which will indicate the desired diamond size and sheet thickness.
SURFACE: Confirm desired surface, regular or flattened sheet.
QUANTITY & SIZE: Indicate quantity desired and piece sizes including SWD and LWD. Provide material list for cut-to-size pieces and sketches for irregular shapes. For sheared to size orders, review shearing options previously illustrated.
FABRICATION REQUIREMENTS: Indicate U-edging or other fabrication requirements.
FINISHING: Specify any special finish requirements (galvanizing, paint or anodizing).
Our product experts are available to help with any of these details to ensure you are selecting the right product for your project. Contact us.
