01 / Supplier confirmation required
Champagne Expanded Metal — Reference
Reference concept · supplier confirmation required
Finish to confirmOpenness to confirm
Reference material · specifications to confirm
Material construction / Mesh Atlas
Expanded metal mesh
Expanded metal mesh starts as sheet that is slit and stretched into a connected pattern of strands and bonds. It is not a woven wire fabric. Diamond geometry and strand orientation give it a directional appearance, making the drawing and installed orientation as important as the overall panel size.
01
Label SWD and LWD on a drawing
SWD is the short way of the diamond and LWD the long way of the diamond. Suppliers may dimension a repeat between corresponding points or refer to clear openings, so request a drawing that states exactly which measurement is quoted. Record clear short and long openings separately when needed. Also specify strand width, strand thickness and original sheet thickness separately; none is interchangeable with an opening dimension or overall raised mesh thickness.
02
Choose raised or flattened form deliberately
Raised expanded metal retains a three-dimensional strand profile after expansion. Flattened mesh undergoes an additional rolling operation and has a different surface and geometry. Confirm the actual profile, overall thickness, dimensional tolerances and which face is intended to be seen. Turning a raised panel can change how it catches light and screens views. Agree pattern direction across adjoining modules and assess cut edges before approving a layout.
03
Connect openness to the project conditions
An open-area figure describes geometry under a stated method; it is not a verified shading coefficient, airflow rate or structural capacity. Review the sample from relevant viewing angles and ask for project-specific evidence where performance matters. State alloy grade and finish process, and discuss coating coverage at bonds, edges and fixing points. Exterior exposure and contact between dissimilar metals require assessment alongside drainage and cleaning access.
04
Set panel sizes around the frame and pattern
Provide finished width and height, diamond orientation, quantity and the visible border you want at panel edges. Clarify whether dimensions apply to raw mesh, trimmed infill or the complete framed module. Support spacing, connections and any allowable deflection need engineering for the actual application. Include cut-outs and repeated modules in drawings, then request a sample or mock-up that includes frame, corners and finish before finalising the order.
From the library
Material references
Entries grouped by construction. A reference establishes design direction; final specifications and availability require confirmation.
02 / Supplier confirmation required
Silver Expanded Metal — Reference
Reference concept · supplier confirmation required
Finish to confirmOpenness to confirm
Reference material · specifications to confirm
03 / Supplier confirmation required
Graphite Expanded Metal — Reference
Reference concept · supplier confirmation required
Finish to confirmOpenness to confirm
Reference material · specifications to confirm
Questions to resolve
Before you specify
Are SWD and LWD the clear opening dimensions?
Do not assume so. Confirm the supplier’s convention on a dimensioned drawing and distinguish diamond repeat from clear opening in both directions.
Is sheet thickness the same as raised mesh thickness?
No. Original sheet thickness describes the starting metal. The overall thickness of raised mesh includes its formed profile, which must be confirmed separately for frames and clearances.
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From study to specification
Make the brief specific.
Share the application, project location, quantity, finished dimensions, preferred alloy and finish, and proposed fixing method. Mark unresolved details as unknown and include sample requirements.
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