Hot Rolled Expanded Metal
Hot Rolled Expanded Metal
Expanded Metal is sheet metal that has been slit and expanded up to ten times its original width. The formation of the diamond-shaped pattern adds to the strength and rigidity of the sheet. It is available in the standard pattern, where the strands and bonds are set at a sharp angle to the plane of the sheet. It is also available in the flattened pattern, where the material has been cold-rolled to bring the strands and bonds into the same plane.
- A36 (UNS K02600)
- Low-carbon steel
- Hot-rolled, mill finish
- Excellent weldability
Overview
Hot Rolled Expanded Metal is a versatile, high-strength sheet metal product created by a unique process of slitting and stretching a solid steel sheet, forming a rigid, diamond-shaped mesh. This manufacturing method expands the metal up to ten times its original width, creating a material that is both lightweight and exceptionally strong.
As a premier metal supply in Los Angeles, we provide this essential product for a wide range of industrial and construction applications, from structural supports to safety grating. The distinctive diamond pattern is not merely aesthetic; it significantly increases the material's rigidity and load-bearing capacity without adding substantial weight. This makes it an excellent, cost-effective alternative to heavier solid sheets or welded wire mesh.
Hot Rolled Expanded Metal is available in two primary patterns: Standard and Flattened. The Standard pattern features strands and bonds set at a uniform angle, providing excellent slip resistance, which is ideal for walkways and platforms. The Flattened pattern undergoes an additional cold-rolling process that smooths the surface, creating a flat plane perfect for applications requiring a smooth finish, such as underneath stucco or for machine guards.
For contractors and fabricators in Los Angeles working on projects requiring galvanized steel roofing, corrugated metal sheet installations, or structural components like B-deck, this material offers unparalleled versatility. Its open design allows for the free passage of light, air, water, and sound, making it ideal for fencing, screens, ventilation panels, and enclosures. Whether you need it for a custom fabrication project, as a base for plaster, or for heavy-duty industrial flooring, our extensive inventory ensures you get the right product on time.
Specifications
- Material Standards: ASTM A1011 (CS Type B), A569
- Pattern: Standard or Flattened Diamond
- Strand Width (SW): 0.080" to 0.500"
- Bond Width (BW): 0.080" to 0.500"
- Sheet Thickness (Original Gauge): 0.125" (11 ga) to 0.250" (3 ga)
- Sheet Sizes: Standard 4' x 8', 4' x 10', 5' x 10'; custom sizes available
- Open Area: 40% to 60% depending on pattern
- Tolerance: 10% on sheet dimensions, 5% on strand/bond measurements
Values may vary by mill & heat; verify against the MTR for your order.
Applications
- Construction: Infill panels, lath for stucco and plaster, balcony enclosures, sunshades
- Industrial: Machine guards, safety walkways & platforms, filtration screens, shelving
- Architectural: Decorative screens, facades, railing infill, ceiling panels
- Infrastructure: Highway fencing, gutter guards, tree grates, security screens
- Transportation: Truck bed partitions, trailer flooring, cargo security
- Commonly used with other products like corrugated metal sheet, B-deck, and square tubing in Los Angeles building projects
Weldability
- Welds readily by MIG, TIG, Stick, or Flux-core processes.
- Select filler based on section thickness, joint design, position, and service requirements.
- Remove mill scale in the weld area for best results.
- Flattened expanded metal is especially suited to welding because of its flat surface.
How to Measure
Expanded metal is specified by its pattern designation (e.g., 3/4" #9), which indicates the Long Way of Diamond (LWD) measurement and strand thickness. To order: 1) Specify Material Type (e.g., Hot Rolled Steel), 2) Choose Pattern (Standard or Flattened), 3) Indicate Strand Width / Bond Width (e.g., SW 0.125" x BW 0.250"), 4) Select Sheet Size (Length x Width), 5) Choose Finish (e.g., Galvanized). Always specify the Original Gauge (thickness before expansion) for structural calculations. Tolerances apply to sheet dimensions and pattern consistency.
Order Checklist
- Pattern designation (e.g., 3/4" #9) and pattern type (Standard or Flattened)
- Material type (hot rolled steel) and sheet size (e.g., 4' x 8')
- Finish requirements (as-rolled, galvanized, painted, etc.)
- Quantity (number of sheets or total square feet)
- Cutting instructions (full sheets or custom sizes with tolerance)
- Any special handling or packaging requirements
