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Control the acoustics of your building with perforated metal.

Perforated metal sound-absorbing panels for excellent noise reduction

Optimising the acoustics in an enclosed area is one of the most important aspects to consider for a peaceful work environment. When you can hear the sound of a pin dropping, any noise seems amplified – even if it's minimal.

The lack of a strategy to address acoustics can lead to a loud office or a noisy common area. Perforated metal panels can help reduce reverberating noise and improve the serenity of a room.

Let Locker improve the sound absorption of your space with perforated metal.Elevate your space with metal sound-absorbing paneling.

Metal sound-absorbing basics

What is sound absorption and how does it work?

When a sound is created, it is either absorbed into a material almost completely or is reflected into the area it originated from.

Imagine standing in the middle of a large canyon. When you yell something out into the canyon, you can typically hear the sound wave reflected back at you. Now, if it's raining or if you were surrounded by a dense forest, the resulting sounds might not be as loud. The natural acoustics will still reflect that sound, but the energy of your yell is mostly absorbed by its surroundings. What you hear reflected back has been reduced to nothing more than a small whisper.

Some materials reflect sound energy more than others. A large tiled room with minimal furniture, high ceilings and no carpets will have a loud echo. If that same room had large area rugs, pictures on the wall and a ceiling panel, the room would be able to control unwanted noise more easily.

Now, soundproofing is a little different.

Soundproofing reduces the volume or pressure of sounds created within a room. This method physically blocks sounds from a room while absorbing the sound energy as a form of what is called sound insulation.

Controlling sound with soundproofing by blocking it from passing through a wall is seen most often in movie theaters and recording studios. In both cases, sound entering the room from outside will disturb the sound production inside. This method can be used to prevent sound from escaping or entering a room.

Metal perforated panel installation

Designers use perforated metal as a functionally stylistic way to improve sound acoustics in a busy room. It is usually installed in the ceiling or the walls and absorbs sound with the help of the material underneath it.

The perforated panel has a certain number of punched holes for sound to effectively pass through and into the supporting material. From there the sound is absorbed or scattered. This method allows for a space to absorb most noise from entering the room it is installed in. It's great for office buildings close by a busy street or construction site.

Perforated panels not only help with acoustics but assist with defining spaces as well. If installed indoors, perforated metal panels serve as partitions or can be suspended from the ceiling.

From an architectural perspective, perforated metal panels are excellent for reflecting light if used as a facade. When installed properly, these panels can reduce the excess noise of the building while also reflecting light away from the windows. This ensures the space inside is not only quieter but stays cool and energy-efficient as well.

Additionally, paneling can be completely customisable. When designing with this material, Locker ensures that all of the metal used is recycled and utilised efficiently. All of the cutouts are recycled for another project down the line. We have metals in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours to fit any aesthetic and function.

Why sound absorption panels are right for your next project

Paneling with perforated metal adds a unique decorative effect that is growing in popularity. While it can be used to reduce acoustics, it can help in shading and privacy as well. This type of material can find a home in a wide variety of projects.

Many rooms can be enhanced with sound-absorbing an acoustic panel. Metal roofs in particular could be a difficult beast to control. Using perforated metal for sound absorption, you can reduce the popping noises that occur on your metal roof during each rainfall. The same goes for any unwanted noises. Creating a noise barrier for in your space is paramount for keeping the environment productive, focused and energetically quiet.

Rooms you can use perforated metal noise control include:

  • Conference rooms.
  • Closed offices.
  • Bathrooms.
  • Cinema rooms.
  • Resting rooms.
  • Large shared spaces.
  • Shared walls.
  • Open concept office spaces.

But this list could go on. There are many possibilities for using this material for both style and function.

Let's get started

With offices all over Australia and New Zealand, we can accommodate any location and project size. Opt for custom or stock panel sizes and let's get to work. Contact us today to set an appointment.

We're excited to fit all of your sound-absorbing needs with perforated metal panels.

Decorative metal sheet is your answer to modern design.

How decorative sheet metal could improve your business design

 

Decorating your office space doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. You can use our decorative sheet metal to transform your office into something one of a kind. Metal sheets are so versatile that you can incorporate design ideas to any room.

Choose decorative sheet metal for your next design project with our architectural perforated.

Sheet metal basics

One of the major benefits of choosing sheet metal to decorate your office is that it can fit any area inside or out. With the right vision, sheet metal can serve in a wide range of design roles. We offer premade designs and custom options that can fit any style.

Your office could come to life with a decorative metal sheet. Use it as a partition to provide an industrial feel for a wall cover, or hang it on the outside of the building as an added art piece and light reflector. Maintain an industrial wall look or opt for a laser cutter pattern for something truly unique.

Metal sheet work is more than just its good looks, with features such as:

  • Durability.
  • Reliability.
  • Visibility.
  • Heat and corrosion resistance.
  • Weather resistance.
  • Ease of use.
  • Compatibility.

Create something new and interesting with decorative metal sheet. You can create new possibilities for using metal sheet design for any space.

Types of sheet metal and how they are used

With different styles and preferences, there is a metal type out there for you. Here are some of the types of sheet metals that we offer for your decoration needs.

Stainless steel

One of the most popular materials, stainless steel can outlast any weather you throw at it. It offers high strength value because of the chromium, nickel and molybdenum elemental build. It’s the perfect material for outdoor decor. Use it around exposed supports or seating for a reflective design that will last.

Brass

Known for its strength, durability and surprisingly light weight, brass is composed of copper and zinc. It is less conductive than copper, though, and can be used for an outdoor decorative items along the side of your building or sprinkled throughout your office interior.

Its gold colour is a great accent material for your industrial-style space or to bring attention to a carefully designed outdoor seating area.

Galvanised steel

Steel can be galvanised through a few processes, including hot-dipped metallic coated and electro-galvanised. If metallic works with your style, this is the perfect material. It can be used for for canopies, handrails or fences because it reflects light away from its surface. Opt for this material for a stylistic outdoor look that is easy on the eyes.

Cold rolled

Cold rolled is formed by turning steel into a sheet after it is placed between two rollers. After any unwanted materials are washed away, it is treated with heat to ensure durability. The result is a smooth and malleable material that you can twist and shape into any design you need.

Flattened expanded metal

Flattened expanded metal is formed just as it sounds; using a malleable metal, it is rolled until flat and smooth.  The results are an even surface with diamond, or hexagonal cutouts. You can use carbon, galvanised steel, stainless steel, and aluminum for this style.

Perforated metal

As a well-known and versatile metal, perforated metal brings a look of modern strength to any area. Typical designs include:

  • Round.
  • Square.
  • Hexagonal.
  • Designer.
  • Slotted.

It can be used for filtration, light manipulation, screens or guards. This is a great material for separating spaces without completely closing off air flow.

Can’t wait to get started?

Neither can we! At Locker, you can depend on us for a professional design, friendly staff and quality performance. Contact us today to for a consultation.

Wire mesh has far more applications than only architecture.

What can wire mesh do for my business?

Wire mesh, whether welded or woven, is a versatile and broadly useful material for many distinct industrial applications.

When it comes to wire mesh, durability is a powerful benefit. A wide range of stock is offered in various materials and many different roll and sheet sizes, with nonstandard sheets available by custom order. The flexibility in type means there's likely a stock wire mesh already on hand to help address your business's needs. If there isn't, the expert team at Locker is ready, willing and able to support your goals.

Wondering if there's a useful application of wire mesh that you may have overlooked for your business, or simply want to find out more about this versatile material? Keep reading to learn about wire mesh's many applications.

Bushfire mesh

Lightning, seasonal changes in weather and more factors combine to create conditions that start and support the spread of bushfires, Geoscience Australia explained. These fires are part of the natural environment, which means protective efforts are often focused on limiting the risk to people and assets that could potentially be harmed by the blaze and its many side effects, such as excess smoke.

Bushfire mesh is an important part of a complete strategy for minimising the effects of these fires on buildings and their occupants, as well as any valuable resources inside. Bushfire mesh, made of stainless steel and built to specifications set by Standards Australia, substantially improves fire safety by preventing burning embers from entering through windows and doors. At the same time, this material allows air to circulate, reducing the risk caused by hot spots.

Formed mesh, machinery and guarding mesh

Wire mesh doesn't have to remain in a flat orientation to provide value. This versatile material can also be formed into a variety of shapes with broad applications in terms of protecting assets and preventing potentially dangerous interactions between staff or customers and equipment.

Formed wire mesh can help stop accidental contact with moving parts inside a piece of equipment as workers pass by or complete their duties in a given location. Industrial machines are powerful, and mesh can serve as an effective deterrent. It protects both people and equipment from unintentional and potentially serious consequences.

Of course, stock flat mesh has plenty of roles to play in keeping people safe as well. In many instances, a simple cage or screen can be all that's necessary to provide adequate protection. Whether it's formed into a specific shape or supplied as a standard sheet, wire mesh is an effective safety tool.

Bird aviary mesh

Aviaries are valuable tools for bird breeders, pet owners and casual hobbyists alike. These structures allow birds to have substantial exposure to the natural environment while enjoying a high degree of protection. The basic properties of wire mesh, namely a strong yet open structure, make it possible to keep birds safe without having to house them in a fully enclosed building.

Professionals and those simply wanting to look out for their pets often turn to wire mesh as a reliable and durable solution for aviaries. Because wire mesh comes in so many different varieties, including custom options, it's easy to select the best types of mesh for the aviaries your company plans to make. And the underlying simplicity of mesh means it's that much easier for the customer to assemble aviaries as well.

A worker interacts with a control panel mounted on a piece of wire mesh.Wire mesh can serve as an effective safety measure in industrial environments.

Vermin and rodent mesh

Pests can cause all sorts of negative outcomes, from damaging crops or gardens to attacking pets, livestock and even family members. Keeping vermin, rodents and other types of natural pests out of a specific area is another application in which metal mesh excels. By producing wire mesh in line with specifications designed to restrict and discourage access by pests, we can offer your business a solution that's ready for your staff or your customers to install.

Security mesh

Limiting access is the key to effective security. A solution that prevents both unauthorised entry and egress goes a long way toward meeting basic operational goals and building a sense of stability and safety.

Wire mesh can be used as external and internal fencing in a variety of contexts, from speciallsed applications like machine guarding to general uses like defining areas as off limits to members of the general public. It can also be applied for similar purposes in commercial and industrial buildings, defining spaces and limiting access between them.

No matter the specific use case, wire mesh offers some powerful advantages in terms of security. The open yet sturdy nature of the mesh provides protection while maintaining visibility, thereby improving situational awareness. That same structure facilitates air circulation as well, helping to regulate temperature without making a sacrifice in terms of safety.

A supplier you can count on

Locker offers standard and custom wire mesh in many different formats. These broad stock and custom options allow your organisation to select the specific mesh that's best for its needs, whether that means selling aviaries to bird breeders and hobbyists or increasing security within a factory or warehouse. Our team of experts can help guide you through the entire process, from answering questions and selecting the most relevant type of mesh to ensuring an accurate order and speedy delivery. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Expanded mesh is an effective security tool in many applications.

Expanded mesh and security: A guide

Security is a foundational concern for each and every construction project and for the building or structure that exists upon successful completion. Limiting access is important in applications from office buildings to malls and mixed-use facilities.

Certain types of buildings and properties, like farms and prisons, have heightened and unique security needs, whether to keep detainees inside or prevent wild animals from accessing crops and livestock. And even car parks and similar structures must keep people inside from falling from a dangerous height.

"Expanded mesh is a versatile solution for many needs related to security."

Expanded mesh is a versatile solution for many needs related to security, offering a powerful combination of cost-effectiveness, durability and overall success in its intended uses. Let's take a closer look at what expanded mesh is, and how it can be a powerful and reliable addition to a variety of projects where security is a priority.

How is expanded mesh made?

Expanded mesh starts with a piece of base material, such as steel or aluminium. The manufacturing process cuts and stretches the single sheet  until the cuts open up to form a shape similar to a diamond or lattice pattern. However, each sheet of expanded metal remains connected,  a crucial difference from woven wire and similar products.

The structure of expanded metal mesh makes it stronger, lighter and more rigid than it was as an unprocessed sheet of base material, offering significant advantages in construction, security and many other applications. And, because it maintains its integrity as a single piece of metal, it maintains its strength as well.

Foundational qualities of expanded metal mesh

Expanded metal mesh can be fabricated to meet a variety of needs. While security is a common application, many others exist. Super-rib mesh, for example, is used to strengthen construction materials, supporting safe and sturdy buildings.

The singular nature of each expanded metal mesh panel is worth noting in this context as well. We have already discussed the strength and durability advantages of this product, and there's another one to keep in mind: There's no risk of the mesh fraying or unravelling. Because each panel is made from a single sheet of base material, it eliminates the possibility of becoming unwoven or easily accessible due to fraying.

Selecting a specific type of metal with desirable qualities to use as expanded mesh, such as the corrosion resistance offered by aluminium, adds even more benefits.

A fire burns close to a home.Expanded mesh can help deter burning embers from entering a home.

Expanded mesh as an effective security barrier

Durability and strength are key qualities for security applications in general. When it comes to physical barriers to prevent entry or egress, expanded metal mesh can easily fit the bill. There are man different applications, including:

Prison and corrections security

Keeping convicted offenders within the limits of a prison or correctional facility is a paramount need, and the basic function the building is designed to fulfil. While many different measures must be carefully coordinated to achieve a high level of security, expanded mesh can play a key role in defining the perimeter of a facility. Its resiliency makes it an effective deterrent both to those attempting to enter the facility without authorisation and inmates attempting to leave before their sentences end.

Locker has developed an expanded mesh product in conjunction with the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services for this specific purpose. It is now used across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Car park enclosures

Car parks must be enclosed to align with relevant building and safety regulations, and to keep people accessing and using them safe. Expanded mesh is exceptionally reliable in this context. As each panel is a single sheet of metal, concerns related to this protective element unravelling or becoming frayed and therefore creating a source of danger are effectively mitigated. While careful installation is still required, this strategy for protecting people inside of car parks is a useful one. And expanded mesh is similarly effective at preventing access to the facility outside of designated areas, offering additional benefits.

Windows and doors: Security mesh

Correctional institutions, car parks and other large structures require large-scale security solutions. When it comes to individual doors and windows, the size of the security measure decreases, but it is no less important. Locker has developed a range of metal mesh that capably addresses these needs, with products including:

  • DVA: This traditional style of metal mesh offers two key benefits: Preventing insects from accessing the interior of a building and providing one-way vision, where those inside can see out, but anyone outside of the home can't see in.
  • Super RV: Part of the DVA range, this expanded mesh offers the same advantages as DVA while also meeting regulatory requirements to be classified as security mesh. Because it meets Australian standards for knife sheer and impact, it can be effectively and compliantly used in open-frame security doors.
  • SMAB: A perforated security mesh, SMAB prevents the entry of small embers into a building. Its small perforations allow for a high degree of visibility while indoors, and align with bushfire codes.

Expanded mesh for your next project, from a reliable partner

Locker is proud to offer a deep range of expanded mesh manufactured at our facility in Australia to our clients, covering many potential security and related industrial needs. To learn more about how we can efficiently support your needs, get in touch with our team of experts today.

Perforated metal has a truly stunning array of applications.

Customised perforated metal: A made-to-order solution for your business

Perforated metal sheets have many aesthetic applications in construction and project design, and bring some important practical benefits along with them. One of the most important advantages when it comes to perforated metal is the ability to create unique patterns and designs for a final appearance that is truly one of a kind.

Let's take a look at the reasons why perforated metal is so commonly incorporated into the facades of buildings, car parks and many other structures. We'll also explore the unparalleled customisation options it offers and the value provided by premade, ready-to-ship perforated metal sheets as well.

What is perforated metal?

Perforated metal isn't a particularly complicated product. A metal sheet is fabricated, then stamped or cut to remove some material and achieve a broad range of designs. From there, the perforated sheet can be finished using methods like powder coating, painting or anodisation. The result is a durable, eye-catching and widely useful material that balances form and function.

Why perforated metal is an enduringly popular choice

Facades, screens and similar components of a building are some of the most effective ways to make a location more noticeable and visually appealing. The many colours, patterns and options for unique installations of perforated metal go a long way toward creating a cohesive visual identity. Whether installed by itself or in concert with other elements of a facade or screen, perforated metal makes a statement.

The practical advantages of perforated metal

"Perforated metal isn't just for show."

Perforated metal isn't just for show, although it certainly performs well in that regard. The perforations in these metal sheets offer a few key advantages.

Visibility is an important concern in a wide variety of construction projects, helping people in and around a structure remain aware of their surroundings. While perforated metal adds a facade layer to a building or serves as a screen or barrier, the cut-outs in the metal allow anyone inside or behind to see outward.

Ventilation is a priority for structures like car parks, and must also be taken into account alongside other needs like protecting occupants from a slip, trip or fall from a dangerous height. Perforated metal can serve as an effective barrier while allowing for sufficient circulation of fresh air.

Temperature regulation, when effective, can reduce long-term operating costs for a building and make occupants more comfortable. Perforated metal can be applied over open-air areas as well as windows to limit the amount of sunlight that reaches through, cutting down on overheating and lowering heating and cooling costs.

Flexibility as a key benefit

Perforated metal certainly stands out when it's applied to most or all of the underlying structure, but that's far from the only application where it can contribute to an aesthetic. This versatile material can be used in more specific applications, such as covering windows or serving as a barrier on staircases and walkways, while still visually engaging staff, visitors and passersby.

That kind of flexibility goes beyond the specifics of where and how perforated metal is made, finished and used. Customisation options and Locker's deep inventory of a variety of ready-to-ship styles of perforated metal mean it's possible to find the exact material for your project needs. Let's take a closer look at the value of a made-to-order approach when it comes to perforated metal.

A perforated metal wall divides two open spaces within a large building.Perforated metal is equally at home indoors and outdoors.

Customising perforated metal: Unique aesthetics and purpose-built solutions

A detailed vision for a project, and especially its outer appearance, can quickly be derailed if there isn't an avenue to turn a design into reality.

When your business partners with Locker to address its perforated metal needs, you gain the power to make many choices in the design and fabrication of this material. That adds up to a truly unique facade, screen or other architectural element. Options for customisation include:

  • Base material.
  • Hole size.
  • Hole shape and orientation.
  • Pattern.
  • Addition of three-dimensional profiles, like borders, folds and notches.
  • Coating and finishing.
  • Painting.

With so many choices to make, you can rest assured that Locker will provide a made-to-order solution for your needs. Whether it's an interior application simply based on aesthetics or a large facade that must block sunlight reaching the building while also standing out as a powerful design element, we can turn your vision into a reality.

Our deep range of tools makes custom fabrication a simple process. You can work with these tools yourself, as well as supply design information and context to our experts to craft an entirely new design.

And customisation doesn't mean having to place an international order, with the potential for long timelines for completion and delivery. All Locker perforated metal is made right here at our factory in Australia.

Stock perforated metal: More versatility than you may think

At Locker, we maintain a deep inventory of ready-to-ship perforated metal in a variety of materials, patterns and finishes for architectural use. While having total customisation available is a valuable option, it isn't always necessary when the same or a very similar pattern is ready to ship to your worksite. With both avenues available to you, you can select the path forward that best aligns with the unique needs of your project.

Locker is here to help you turn your detailed designs and overall project concept into a successful and complete building. Our team of experts is ready, willing and able to assist in selecting stock or designing custom perforated metal that completes your vision. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Metal mesh has a variety of internal and external applications.

Different types of wire mesh and their applications

Architectural mesh is valuable both in terms of the many aesthetic opportunities it provides and its practical benefits, like privacy, protection, temperature regulation and more.

The many different types of wire mesh – sometimes called wire cloth in certain applications – can protect visitors, employees and residents from direct exposure to sunlight, as well as create an eye-catching visual that makes a facility that much easier to find. Mesh can also serve capably in a variety of roles within a structure, defining distinct areas of a building and screening off more private places from open work floors.

While metal mesh patterns are often seen as a purely stylistic choice, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when selecting them. A careful choice will mean you have put the best possible metal mesh in place, whether for industrial or architectural purposes. Let’s look at what distinguishes the different types of wire mesh products and what makes them useful.

A view from inside a screened-in area of a park.A more open mesh pattern can provide increased visibility and allow for free air circulation.

Different types of wire mesh patterns

1. Open mesh patterns

An open pattern provides plenty of airflow and access to light while still serving as a physical barrier, whether attached to a balustrade, filling a role as wire fencing or a security screen or dividing parts of an interior space. A degree of visibility is often useful to give customers a preview of what’s to come or simply to allow workers to avoid turning a corner or moving through an entryway blindly.

A more open mesh can also serve as a sunscreen in certain areas, such as the first floor of a building in a developed downtown or central business district. Depending on the direction a building faces, how much direct sun exposure it receives each day and the desired temperature and lighting, open patterns can still prove useful as sunscreens.

One area where care should be taken with these patterns is their role as privacy screens. Standing alone, they still offer a degree of visibility. However, they can be paired with other elements, such as glass panels, if the primary objective is to prevent the spread of sound.

2. Closed mesh patterns

Patterns that keep more of the metal in place, which can be achieved with expanded metal mesh among other options, emphasise discretion. Whether your facility has to meet privacy guidelines or requirements – as is typical for medical facilities, preschools and child care centres – or you simply want to create a more distinct division between spaces, a less open pattern can help you achieve this goal.

Limiting the amount of sunlight that passes through metal mesh is vital in some instances. If the material plays a key role in regulating temperature, the orientation of the surface it covers and the average exposure to sunlight can mean reducing the amount of visible light that streams through. Getting the correct placement and choice of material is in everyone’s best interest.

Metal mesh can also be used to screen off part or all of offices, hallways, conference rooms and other areas where a sense of openness and an expectation of privacy need to be balanced.

Security fencing is another application where a less open pattern can offer the right mix of benefits. Separating a thoroughfare or main street from an employee break area or space intended only for residents of a building means offering a sense of separation and security for those inside.

3. Metal mesh curtains

More flexible than fixed installations of metal mesh, curtains can include a unique functionality depending on how they’re installed: movement. By placing metal mesh curtains on a sliding track, it’s easy to divide spaces when necessary. Whether you’re creating a sense of privacy while still allowing airflow in a retail business or separating different teams in an office space, there are many applications where metal mesh curtains can capably fill an important role.

Curtains can also be installed in a fixed position, serving as a permanent barrier that still allows light to pass through and air to circulate. Potential applications include the sides of open stairwells, where mesh can fill a safety requirement as well as an aesthetic purpose, and in front of exterior windows, where metal mesh curtains can serve as sunscreens.

How is metal mesh made?

Metal mesh is chiefly produced in one of two ways: either combining metal wires together in a way that creates a stable, dependable final product of woven metal mesh, or through welding individual strands together to create welded wire mesh. The strands themselves are often produced by using metalworking processes that reduce larger pieces of larger diameter into flexible yet strong wire. Aluminium and stainless steel wire mesh are common choices, in part due to their corrosion resistance. But they’re not the only substrate options available. Warp and weft wires cross over in repeatable patterns similar to those used in making cloth, whether in a plain weave or more exotic design.

Finding a dependable partner to provide different types of metal mesh

With so many different types of metal mesh and patterns available, finding the best fit for your project doesn’t have to be a complicated or drawn out exercise. When you partner with a dependable and experienced provider of metal mesh, you can count on knowledgeable support throughout the process.

Locker has more than 60 years of experience providing an extensive product range to clients in the architectural and industrial fields, along with supporting customers involved in mines and quarries. To learn how we can support your metal mesh needs, get in touch with us today.

Stainless steel is durable and highly customisable.

The main differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel

Whether you’re talking about the structural or aesthetic elements of buildings, steel is one of the most important innovations in the modern world. Stronger and more resistant to various forms of degradation than iron, steel has served as the catalyst for everything from the bones of high-rise buildings to unique and eye-catching design components.

Understanding the differences between the various types of steel available can help you make the most informed and positive choices possible. Let’s go through a quick review of exactly what steel is, to help set the stage for identifying the differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel.

A galvanised steel roof.Galvanised steel is common in a variety of construction applications.

Forging an understanding of steel

“Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon.”

Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon. An alloy is simply a combination of two or more types of base metals, or a base metal and an element. Alloys can provide a variety of important benefits in many different applications, from improving rust resistance to making non-sparking tools.

Specifically, steel has a number of advantages in the world of construction as compared to other potential building materials. It is:

  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Easily recycled
  • Of a predictably high quality when forged and finished in the proper manner

With many functional and aesthetic applications, steel is dependable and versatile. Regular steel can be further improved in a variety of processes, including the two detailed below.

What are the main differences between galvanised and stainless steel?

Galvanised steel

“Galvanised steel’s defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating.”

Galvanised steel’s defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating, which forms a protective layer against the combination of moisture and oxygen that can otherwise cause rust to form on the underlying metal. Rust slowly but surely eats away at steel, reducing its integrity and ultimately creating safety issues whether the steel is used in a purely functional application or is part of an impressive, customised facade or other design element.

Galvanisation takes regular steel or another metal, like iron, and adds a zinc coating. This process, which can be completed in a few different ways, helps increase versatility and allows for many different types of steel and iron to be easily galvanised. The hot-dipping galvanisation process provides a strong, relatively thick coating for large pieces of steel using molten zinc. Thermal diffusion galvanising, meanwhile, is common for smaller pieces of metal, especially those that have a more complex design. Both hot dip galvanisation and thermal diffusion galvanising have powerful applications.

In general, galvanised steel is less expensive than stainless steel. It is also easier to manipulate while still retaining a great deal of strength, but isn’t as strong as stainless steel.

One of the most visually memorable elements of galvanised steel is its variable appearance. Depending on the specifics of the process, galvanised steel can either have a consistent finish or a spangled one, creating a unique appearance.

While the galvanisation process helps protect against rust and provides corrosion resistance, it’s important to note that it eventually wears away, particularly when exposed to high levels of acidity or to salt water. This is especially important near oceans and other bodies of seawater, as well as areas that face significant exposure to acid rain.

Stainless steel

“Stainless steel has built-in defences against rust and corrosion.”

Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron, carbon and chromium and occasionally other elements, such as molybdenum, that offer significant corrosion resistance. Instead of being dipped or coated in a protective layer, as galvanised steel is, stainless steel has this defence against damage built into it.

There are many different types of stainless steel available, each with different compositions and resultant resistance to various forms of corrosion and damage. This is useful for industrial applications where stainless steel components may face constant exposures to caustic chemicals or high temperatures, as well as in design work where the alloy could be consistently exposed to salt water or acidic environments.

The manufacturing process makes stainless steel a more expensive choice than galvanised steel. However, stainless steel is generally stronger than its galvanised counterpart.

Stainless steel can also be finished in many different ways, providing a high degree of customisability in terms of its final appearance. This aesthetic flexibility is especially important for facades and similar design elements that place a high priority on standing out from the crowd by offering a memorable or unique visual hook.

Is stainless steel compatible with galvanised steel?

In the sense that these two types of steel can hypothetically be used for components of a single structure, yes. Stainless steel has some form of compatibility with galvanised steel. However, direct contact between these metals can lead to advanced corrosion if the right conditions are met, such as high levels of salt and moisture. In these situations, a non-metal material should be used to avoid the two types of steel making contact.

Which type of steel should you choose for your project?

There isn’t a single, universally applicable rule that determines which type of steel is best suited for your specific project. Understanding the differences between galvanised and stainless steel can go a long way toward helping you make this important decision.

Galvanised steel offers a unique patina from the finishing process and can capably perform in many environments for decades before appreciable rust or wear appears. However, stainless steel doesn’t face the same specific weaknesses caused by salt water and acidic environments, and some varieties of this alloy can be engineered in a way that addresses those concerns. In combination with the many ways in which stainless steel can be finished, there are plenty of aesthetic and practical concerns addressed by this alloy.

To learn more about the many ways stainless steel can be deployed in your next project, get in touch with the experts at Locker today.

Stainless steel has many applications, thanks to its strength and corrosion resistance.

The main differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel

Whether you're talking about the structural or aesthetic elements of buildings, steel is one of the most important innovations in the modern world. Stronger and more resistant to various forms of degradation than iron, steel has served as the catalyst for everything from the bones of high-rise buildings to unique and eye-catching design components.

Understanding the differences between the various types of steel available can help you make the most informed and positive choices possible. Let's go through a quick review of exactly what steel is, to help set the stage for identifying the differences between galvanised steel and stainless steel.

Forging an understanding of steel

"Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon."

Steel is an alloy made of two key base components: iron and carbon. An alloy is simply a combination of two or more types of base metals, or a base metal and an element. Alloys can provide a variety of important benefits in many different applications, from improving rust resistance to making non-sparking tools.

Specifically, steel has a number of advantages in the world of construction as compared to other potential building materials. It is:

  • Durable
  • Strong
  • Easily recycled
  • Of a predictably high quality when forged and finished in the proper manner

With many functional and aesthetic applications, steel is dependable and versatile. Regular steel can be further improved in a variety of processes, including the two detailed below.

What are the main differences between galvanised and stainless steel?

Galvanised steel

"Galvanised steel's defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating."

Galvanised steel's defining attribute is its layer of zinc coating, which forms a protective layer against the combination of moisture and oxygen that can otherwise cause rust to form on the underlying metal. Rust slowly but surely eats away at steel, reducing its integrity and ultimately creating safety issues whether the steel is used in a purely functional application or is part of an impressive, customised facade or other design element.

Galvanisation takes regular steel or another metal, like iron, and adds a zinc coating. This process, which can be completed in a few different ways, helps increase versatility and allows for many different types of steel and iron to be easily galvanised. The hot-dipping galvanisation process provides a strong, relatively thick coating for large pieces of steel using molten zinc. Thermal diffusion galvanising, meanwhile, is common for smaller pieces of metal, especially those that have a more complex design. Both hot dip galvanisation and thermal diffusion galvanising have powerful applications.

In general, galvanised steel is less expensive than stainless steel. It is also easier to manipulate while still retaining a great deal of strength, but isn't as strong as stainless steel.

One of the most visually memorable elements of galvanised steel is its variable appearance. Depending on the specifics of the process, galvanised steel can either have a consistent finish or a spangled one, creating a unique appearance.

While the galvanisation process helps protect against rust and provides corrosion resistance, it's important to note that it eventually wears away, particularly when exposed to high levels of acidity or to salt water. This is especially important near oceans and other bodies of seawater, as well as areas that face significant exposure to acid rain.

Stainless steel

"Stainless steel has built-in defences against rust and corrosion."

Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron, carbon and chromium and occasionally other elements, such as molybdenum, that offer significant corrosion resistance. Instead of being dipped or coated in a protective layer, as galvanised steel is, stainless steel has this defence against damage built into it.

There are many different types of stainless steel available, each with different compositions and resultant resistance to various forms of corrosion and damage. This is useful for industrial applications where stainless steel components may face constant exposures to caustic chemicals or high temperatures, as well as in design work where the alloy could be consistently exposed to salt water or acidic environments.

The manufacturing process makes stainless steel a more expensive choice than galvanised steel. However, stainless steel is generally stronger than its galvanised counterpart.

Stainless steel can also be finished in many different ways, providing a high degree of customisability in terms of its final appearance. This aesthetic flexibility is especially important for facades and similar design elements that place a high priority on standing out from the crowd by offering a memorable or unique visual hook.

Is stainless steel compatible with galvanised steel?

In the sense that these two types of steel can hypothetically be used for components of a single structure, yes. Stainless steel has some form of compatibility with galvanised steel. However, direct contact between these metals can lead to advanced corrosion if the right conditions are met, such as high levels of salt and moisture. In these situations, a non-metal material should be used to avoid the two types of steel making contact.

Which type of steel should you choose for your project?

There isn't a single, universally applicable rule that determines which type of steel is best suited for your specific project. Understanding the differences between galvanised and stainless steel can go a long way toward helping you make this important decision.

Galvanised steel offers a unique patina from the finishing process and can capably perform in many environments for decades before appreciable rust or wear appears. However, stainless steel doesn't face the same specific weaknesses caused by salt water and acidic environments, and some varieties of this alloy can be engineered in a way that addresses those concerns. In combination with the many ways in which stainless steel can be finished, there are plenty of aesthetic and practical concerns addressed by this alloy.

To learn more about the many ways stainless steel can be deployed in your next project, get in touch with the experts at Locker today.

The Sylvia Car Park comes to life.

Sylvia Park SEM Car Park Comes Alive with Locker Aluminium

 

Sylvia Park is one of the premier shopping centres in New Zealand. With more than 200 retail stores along with a grocery store, cinema and other amenities, it offers something for every visitor. The area also serves as a business park, and there is plenty of open land available for additional development in the future.

The shopping centre sits in the Auckland suburb of Mount Wellington, easily accessible to the more than 1.6 million residents of the region. While connections to the area’s public transit network mean not every shopper arrives by car, Sylvia Park must provide parking for a substantial number of visitors each and every day it opens.

The perforated aluminium panels came together to provide a stunning facade for the Sylvia ParkSEM car park.The perforated aluminium panels came together to provide a stunning facade for the Sylvia ParkSEM car park.

Project background

Sylvia Park needed to comfortably provide access to shoppers in the run-up to the 2019 holiday shopping season. With large crowds expected during that period specifically, and a general need to provide safe and effective parking, the company had to increase the number of spots available for shoppers. The project that emerged to address this need was the Sylvia Park South Eastern Multideck (SEM) car park.

The plans for the new structure called for five levels with enough space to accommodate 900 vehicles. The design is state of the art, incorporating new technologies for traffic management that improve safety and the flow of shoppers into and out of the building to make the entire shopping experience from arrival to departure as enjoyable as possible. Locker played a key role in the successful completion of the project. We provided perforated aluminium panels that address core needs for car parks related to natural light, air flow and temperature control.

The blue and green colour scheme starts to come alive as night falls and the lighting systemactivates.The blue and green colour scheme starts to come alive as night falls and the lighting systemactivates.

Unique design and functional considerations

Our New Zealand branch office and facilities led the way in producing the perforated aluminium panels necessary to complete the Sylvia Park SEM. Despite the need to carefully fabricate the panels to create a clean and cohesive visual identity, using multiple variations in the perforation hole size, our team performed admirably under pressure.

One major consideration was precise engineering and planning to ensure the individual panels would reliably and closely fit together. This part of the process involved extensive collaboration with drafters through the very end of the project to ensure a uniform appearance. It also required the development of a range of samples and resultant trials to arrive at a design and structure that pleased all major stakeholders and met key project requirements.

The coating used on the perforated aluminium panels may be the single most identifiable factor for employees and shoppers at Sylvia Park who use the garage. The two-tone blue and green colour scheme stands out during the daytime without overpowering the surrounding area, creating a sense of harmony. At night, lights illuminate the panels to increase visibility and provide a new and engaging visual experience for those who visit, shop and work in the area.

The powder coating colours were made to order and proved to be a smashing success from the very beginning. The stakeholders all agreed to move forward with the first samples, making one of the last steps of producing the finished perforated aluminium panels one of the easiest.

While visual appearance plays a crucial role in the identity of any structure, the panels we created for Sylvia Park also needed to address some issues common to car parks. Air flow is vital for removing carbon dioxide while maintaining as comfortable and safe a temperature as possible throughout the year. Perforated aluminium allows for effective exchange of air while providing a useful degree of visibility.

Similarly, access to natural light makes a space more enjoyable, even a transitional one, such as a car park. It also provides a quick reference point to weather conditions and the general state of the outside world. Perforated aluminium provides this necessary element while also discouraging wildlife from entering the structure.

Cooperation: A vital tool for a successful final product

As is so often the case with major construction projects, Locker worked alongside a variety of partners that all played major roles in designing, constructing and completing the Sylvia Park SEM car park:

  • Leading New Zealand commercial construction company Naylor Love served as the general contractor.
  • International architecture and design firm Buchan Group filled the architect role.
  • New Zealand-based Design Production, a design fabrication specialist, installed the perforated aluminium panels. Our relationship with Design Production introduced us to this project.

Along with these major stakeholders, we subcontracted the design portion of the project out to a Perth-based group as a value-added service. We also subcontracted parts of the engineering design work to provide the best support possible for Design Production to fix the perforated aluminium panels to the substructure.

The final arrangement of the panels created an aesthetically pleasing and engaging exterior.The final arrangement of the panels created an aesthetically pleasing and engaging exterior.

A major undertaking

Despite a number of challenges, including an especially short turnaround time for creating and delivering the 1,600 square metres of panels required for the car park, we and all of the other stakeholders worked together to ensure a complete, safe, attractive and successful final product.

The Sylvia Park SEM car park received final sign-off just weeks before Christmas 2019, but was operational in time to help the shopping centre alleviate stress on current parking facilities. It provided an easily accessible and secure area for customers to park and continues to do so.

At Locker, we pride ourselves on our ability to collaborate effectively on major projects with a variety of stakeholders. We do so while consistently providing top-quality perforated metals, woven wire, expanded metals and a range of related products in a variety of configurations for architectural, industrial, mine and quarry use. To learn more about how our experienced team can support your next project with dependable, durable and visually impressive solutions, get in touch with us today.

Metal mesh has many industrial applications.

Not just for safe flooring: 4 uses of expanded metal

Expanded metal is a versatile, reliable and long-lasting material that can help promote safety in a wide range of industrial contexts. When your organisation chooses expanded metal for future projects, they know they can count on it for many years to come.

When discussing the specific uses of expanded metal, flooring and walkways often come to mind. The process of expanding metal – stamping or cutting, then stretching to form a pattern – helps the material retain its strength and improve its rigidity even as it becomes lighter and easier to handle. Walkways made of expanded metal can be counted on to support workers as they go about their daily tasks while also providing ventilation and allowing more light to pass through to areas below.

However, there are a variety of other industrial needs that expanded metal can help to address. Consider these examples as you plan your next project:

Safety in car parks

Car parks are often designed as semi-enclosed structures, with openings on each level and an exposed top floor. This provides a clear benefit in terms of avoiding the possibly dangerous buildup of vehicle exhaust, but it also leaves a large opening between the levels of the car park and the surface below. On higher levels, this can prove to be a serious safety risk for those who use the car park. On lower levels, large openings may entice those with nefarious intentions to enter the structure.

Expanded metal maintains the ventilation benefits of open car parks, while protecting those inside from an accidental stumble or fall over the barriers on each level and reducing the possibility of unauthorised access from the exterior. This simple and effective addition can go a long way to improving safety without drastically altering the necessary functions of the structure.

Security doors

In some cases, a solid door is the best choice for security in terms of maintaining a solid barrier that can't easily be seen through. In other situations, increased visibility is vital and a solid door simply isn't an option.

A security door made of expanded metal allows for two-way visibility. Whether staff have to visually confirm that nothing has been disturbed in a secure area as part of their duties or need to see anyone approaching a nearby entrance point before allowing them inside, expanded metal can address such needs. Expanded metal's high degree of strength and rigidity makes it a dependable choice, protecting the area behind the door from unauthorised entry even as it boosts visibility.

Fencing for rural areas

There are a wide range of fencing options for less-populated areas, but they're not all equal when it comes to effectiveness. Keeping homes, farms, livestock and large plots of land safe from wild animals looking for their next meal is absolutely critical. This is another area where the strength, rigidity and dependability of expanded metal can come in handy.

Using agricultural expanded metal as fencing offers a powerful combination of protection, visibility and durability, even when facing the toughest challenges that nature has to offer. It helps keep livestock in and predators and pests out. Additionally, it allows those on the property to easily see the area outside the farm or other operation, even when fencing has to be especially tall for effective protection. And there's no risk of the fence fraying or unravelling, since each panel is composed of one solid piece of metal.

A metal mesh fence in front of a building.Expanded metal mesh can serve as effective fencing in high-security environments.

Sensitive and high-security environments

In some contexts, a high degree of security is the most important attribute of a facility or campus. Prisons, high-security laboratories and many similar buildings where effective barriers to the outside world are needed can benefit greatly from the right application of expanded metal.

Locker worked with the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services to develop expanded security mesh, which is now used at facilities throughout Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Specific features, such as small diamond cut used when crafting the expanded metal, discourage escape attempts by making them more difficult. Additionally, cowling or razor tape can easily be added to the top of the fencing, further complicating any efforts to scale the fence. And its durability means it can be counted on to provide effective protection for many years to come.

A local, helpful and experienced provider of expanded metal

Locker is an Australian company, producing our expanded metal and many other products domestically. That means you work with experienced, knowledgeable Australians who have a strong understanding of the needs that lead businesses to select expanded metal. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Perforated metal can serve as an effective grille for a variety of potentially dangerous tools and equipment.

The many applications of perforated metals

Perforated metals are a versatile and valuable resource for a variety of industrial processes. By cutting or stamping holes into sheets of durable, resilient metal, tools ranging from shields and sieves to grills and filters can be created.

The many applications of perforated metals make them useful across the modern industrial sector. Consider these examples as just the starting point for the many different ways in which businesses leverage this powerful material.

A sieve with rocks and dirt passing through.Sieves and filters are common application of perforated metals in the industrial sector.

Filters

Filters are crucial components in a wide variety of industrial processes. From mining to industrial food production and food service, filters help separate desirable materials from substances that are either unwanted or intended for another purpose.

Attention to detail when making filters is vital for proper operation. Holes that are too small or too large will cause unwanted material to remain with the valuable resource or for the resource itself to fall through.

Finding a dependable provider who can meet exacting specifications is an absolute must when creating filters that your business can use effectively in the long term. Locker is based in Australia and we craft our perforated metal domestically. Our tooling capacity for custom orders and deep experience in the field mean you can rest assured that we will create the type of perforated metal filter your business needs.

Sieves

Filtering and sieving are similar processes on the surface, although companies that use one or both processes understand the important distinction between them: Filtering generally involves several layers of perforated metal, while sieving includes just one.

If your company needs dependable and durable sieves to complete key workflows, as part of an expansion project into a new area of operations or for any other reason. S, stock or custom built perforated metal can be your solution. With a single layer, a sieve must meet your operational standards fully and completely. The experts at Locker can help you select the right perforated metal from our existing range or lead the way in crafting a custom product.

Grilles

Grilles fill a variety of roles in industrial facilities and plants. One of the most common is for security and employee safety in areas where a full barrier would interfere with operations. A screen in front of an industrial fan or similar device that can be potentially dangerous is one broadly relevant example.

Grilles allow for consistent air flow and visibility while still serving as an effective deterrent for possible accident or injury. Their wide range of customisability – the spacing of the holes in the perforated metal, specifically – allow for effective use when a certain standard of visibility or air flow must be met for safe and effective functionality.

Locker can offer your organisation an existing stock of perforated metal that can easily be used for grilles and create a custom product that aligns completely with your expectations. Our domestically produced standard stock and custom orders mean you'll work with experts with a firm handle on the needs of Australian businesses.

Baskets and containers

Companies have a wide range of materials to choose from when it comes time to select the storage solutions they need. Adherence with relevant regulations and functional needs like weight, ventilation and more can all come into play. Finding the material that can address every need means a more efficient and productive facility.

Perforated metal can be fashioned into a wide range of baskets, storage units and other types of containers. The perforations can offer a number of advantages, such as reduced weight – especially important when the containers need to be transported frequently – ventilation and visibility. The range of base materials available, from aluminium to steel along with plenty of others, means your company can select the right foundation for the job. From there, a wide range of options exist for the type, size, pattern and arrangement of perforations.

With a mix of deep manufacturing resources, institutional experience and expert staff, Locker can create the exact basket, container or other storage unit your business needs. Our extensive reserve of existing, domestically produced stock is an option. So is custom development, with the base material, thickness, perforation specifics and other crucial details all individually addressed by our team in Australia.

Privacy and segmentation of open space

Privacy is an important consideration for companies across the modern economy. There are some types of duties that require some level of separation from the main production floor or work area. Similarly, creating defined spaces using partitions can be an effective way to define distinct areas of a factory or facility, making it clear where specific types of work should be completed.

Safety concerns should always be top of mind in industrial operations. Building walls from floor to ceiling may not be cost efficient or otherwise practical. Solid, opaque dividers can limit visibility and increase the potential risk for accidents and other negative outcomes. This is where perforated metal comes into play.

Perforated metal used as a divider offers effective physical separation while also providing a degree of visibility. Staff can easily see movement through the perforations, allowing them to slow down or adjust as needed if they appear to be on a collision course. In the same vein, perforated metal can offer a degree of privacy balanced with basic visibility. While details and small movements are difficult or impossible to perceive, larger actions are still visible. And those within the space where privacy is needed can see if other workers are approaching and respond accordingly, if required.

Your partner for industrial perforated metal needs

At Locker, we pride ourselves on providing high quality, consistent and domestically produced perforated metal to address a wide range of industrial needs. Your company is in good hands when you choose to work with us, whether you need us to deliver existing stock or craft a unique type of perforated metal from initial design to final fabrication. To learn more about how we can support your business goals, get in touch with us today.

Perforated metal can be used to create dynamic imagery along with providing many practical benefits.

How is perforated mesh made?

 

You may know it as perforated mesh, perforated metal or another name. Understanding what sets this material apart from others like it and how it’s made is an important step in choosing the best options for your construction or major renovation plans. More information allows you to make better decisions and realise the best possible end result.

Let’s take a look at the process of fabricating perforated metal, what makes it unique and how it can be applied to a wide variety of projects.

What is perforated metal?

Perforated metal refers to sheets of various types of metal that are stamped, drilled or otherwise altered to create a series of holes in the base material. This process is called perforation. The concept of perforated metal is an easy one to understand, although there are numerous specifics that can vary greatly based on product range, customisability options and other elements offered by the manufacturer. Taking the time to learn about these different choices positions you to select the best possible material for the job. Some specifics to consider include:

  • Type of metal:  Aluminium, stainless steel and galvanised steel are common choices when selecting perforated metal sheets for architectural projects. Most common finish is powder coated for colour consistencies, and you can get the same or similar warranty on coating these days without the headaches. Interpon and Dulux now offer 25 year warranties, same as an anodised finish. Anodised aluminium has increased resistance to corrosion due to a thick oxide layer formed on its surface as part of the anodising process. Improving the metal in this way also allows for other benefits, such as colouring the metal. Stainless steel is a steel alloy designed to inhibit the development and spread of rust through the addition of chromium during the steelmaking process. Galvanised steel has a zinc coating that also inhibits rust.
  • Finishes and plating: Electro-polishing makes the surface of stainless steel more uniform and visually pleasing. Powder coating offers both an additional layer of protection and the ability to incorporate various colours into a durable final product.
  • Final appearance: Absolutely uniform, unblemished final products are not always possible with durable materials like anodised aluminium and stainless steel. Taking the intended use of the perforated metal into account and the distance from which staff, customers, guests and passers-by will view the material is an important consideration. A dependable supplier will be happy to discuss options for selecting the material and finish that offer the best combination of durability and aesthetic quality based on specific application.
Perforated metal structural art inside of a building.Perforated metal has a number of internal and external applications.

How is perforated metal made?

The perforation workflow itself is relatively simple when compared to the various chemical and electromechanical processes used to treat and finish metal. On an industrial level, a specialised machine creates holes in a sheet of metal, like stainless steel or aluminium.

While worker safety, consistent function and a desire for high-quality end products mean this process is closely managed by well-trained staff, perforation itself is a direct mechanical action. However, there is still plenty of room for creating different designs that have an aesthetic appeal or address specific functional concerns, such as achieving the proper level of light filtration or airflow.

How is perforated metal different from similar materials?

Expanded metal, perforated metal and wire mesh all have a similar final appearance, especially when viewed from a distance. However, they’re quite different in how they’re formed. We’ve already covered the process for creating perforated metal, so here’s a quick review of expanded metal and wire mesh:

  • Expanded metal: Expanded metal also involves making holes in a sheet of metal. The major difference is that the sheet is compact when this action is performed. The metal is then stretched, or expanded, so that the holes take on their intended final shape and the metal attains the dimensions required for a given project or general use.
  • Wire mesh: Mesh is constructed of wires that are either welded or woven together to increase the overall strength of the material and to create a variety of aesthetics.

What makes perforated metal beneficial, and how can I use it in my project?

Perforated metal has a number of advantages that make it a common choice in a variety of building projects. Specific benefits include:

  • Privacy: Positioned correctly, perforated metal can make it easy for those inside a structure to see out while still providing a sense of privacy from passers-by and the general public seeing in. If your project team needs to consider safety as it relates to visibility but doesn’t want to sacrifice aesthetics, perforated metal may be the perfect choice.
  • Ventilation and airflow: Perforated metal allows air to flow freely through it when used as an interior wall or external facade, as long as it isn’t positioned directly over another layer of material.
  • Regulation of natural light: When used in front of windows and similarly transparent architectural elements, perforated metal can reduce overall exposure to sunlight – which can also provide benefits in terms of HVAC costs and temperature regulation – while still allowing some natural light to enter the structure.

Check out our blog post dedicated to this topic to learn about more benefits, including the eco-friendly nature of perforated metal, its ability to absorb sound and more.

You probably already have a good idea of how perforated metal may support your next project. If you’re still wondering how to utilise it, there are a number of options. It can be applied in a purely aesthetic context, creating a visually striking interior or exterior. It can serve as an internal divider, allowing for more airflow and a flexible degree of visibility, based on its design, while defining distinct spaces. It’s also an effective shield against the sun, whether in a car park or applied to the side of an office building or other structure.

Finding perforated metal that meets your project’s needs

Perforated metal needs to be carefully fabricated to produce a useful and consistent end result. Locker has decades of experience providing our standard range of perforated metal as well as a variety of customisable options. To learn more, get in touch with us today.