Expanded metal
In the following sections you will find all the information on the wide range of expanded metal (also called metal mesh). The ability to select the mesh geometry, material and thickness will help you choose the expanded metal mesh that best suits your needs. For architectural applications see the section Architectural meshes. If you need ‘heavy-duty’ expanded mesh, see the Expanded Gratings section.
Applications of expanded metal sheet
The wide range of patterns allows for the creation of various types of both aesthetic and functional cladding solutions, including:
- façade, cladding and sun-shading screens
- equipment screening, partition walls
- setups for exhibition stands retail spaces and shop windowsg
- fencing for residential, commercial and tertiary use
- parapets and fall protection systems
- various protective covers for industrial equipment and machinery
- steps and walkways with anti-slip, anti-panic and guaranteed load-bearing capacity
Choosing the right mesh
By listening to your needs, we can help you choose the most suitable expanded metal sheet by evaluating the various available options:
- mesh geometry: square, diamond or hexagonal
- module size: from just a few millimetres up to 800 mm with the Ultra Limited meshes
- transparency: ranging from very closed to very open mesh
- shading capacity
- airflow and ventilation
You can explore the functional aspects related to mesh openness such as airflow, light, and heat transmission in our dedicated article on transparency. This functionality is particularly relevant for both industrial applications and architectural design.
Ready for Immediate Delivery
Fils offers a well-stocked warehouse of expanded metal sheets available for immediate delivery in aluminium, carbon steel and Sendzimir galvanized carbon steel. Check the brochure for available thicknesses and standard sizes: 1000x2000 mm, 1250x2500 mm, 1500x3000 mm.
Discover the advantages of Fils expanded metal.
Custom-made solutions
One of FILS’s key strengths is the ability to deliver custom-made products. For the architecture sector, our production departments create fully customized solution in dimensions and shapes, protective finishes and fastening systems. This simplifies the designer's work and optimises overall costs.
Workability of Expanded Metal Sheet
The range of applications for expanded metal is constantly growing architecture and construction, metalworking and structural engineering, industry. Why is expanded metal used in so many different fields?
Its versatility lies in the many ways this material can be processed and transformed. Here are some of the key operations that can be performed to produce finished products tailored to each sector’s needs:
- Custom cutting and waterjet cutting
- Bending, curving and corrugation
- Edging and welding
- Flattening
- Surface finishing: painting, hot-dip galvanizing and anodizing
Sustainable and safe solutions
Environmental impact and safety are increasingly and rightly seen as essential priorities.
Together with Italfim, Fils supports a truly green approach not just in words, but in action. This commitment is reflected in efforts to reduce environmental impact across all processes: through responsible resource use, waste sorting and recycling, and energy consumption reduction.
Today, 95% of the energy required for Fils production comes from photovoltaic systems installed on the roofs of its production facilities. The company is working toward fully powering its operations with solar energy.
To produce more and more in harmony with the environment and in compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria.
Come and discover Fils' values.
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FAQ
Expanded metal can be produced using various materials that can be 'stretched' thanks to their mechanical characteristics.
The most commonly used materials in the construction industry are undoubtedly carbon steel and Sendzimir carbon steel. Aluminium is used for cladding applications in architecture. Expanded metal sheets can also be made from various types of stainless steel (e.g. AISI 304, AISI 316 and others) for applications that require specific resistance properties in high temperature environments or corrosive atmospheres.
Expanded metal and perforated metal are both 'open' materials. Expanded metal is produced using a 'slitting and stretching' process without wasting any of the raw material; perforated sheet metal, on the other hand, is obtained by a 'punching' process resulting in metal scrap. Another difference between these materials is the thickness: expanded metal has a three-dimensional shape that also adds to its strength. Perforated sheet metal is flat, with a constant thickness. Expanded metal can be used instead of perforated metal for many applications.
Yes. There are filters in each product section that let you choose the materials, thickness, sizes, open areas, etc. For example, in the section dedicated to our Protech Line, you can select any of these characteristics as filters to quickly get a list of products that best meet your requirements.