Expanded Metal
The major advantage of expanded metal is that the mesh is formed from a single piece of material like mild steel, stainless steel or any other metal sheet which is cut and stretched while still leaving it attached at the knuckle. This allows it to retain its shape when cut and will not separate. Often cutting to shape is the only fabrication required. The uncut knuckles support weight and withstand stress better than jointed welds or woven materials. Expanded mesh can be supplied in a variety of finishes, thickness, raised or flattened. Thought the flattened mesh is smoother, it is not as strong as the more robust raised mesh.mainly used as gratings, catwalks,machine guards and nowadays a lighter quality expanded metal is used as plastering mesh and corner beading.