Australian-Manufactured Perforated and Expanded Metal Sheets

Perforated and expanded metals are popular across the globe for their versatility and wide-ranging applications in various industries. Australia specifically has stepped up as a significant contributor to the development and distribution of these metals via advanced and cost-effective manufacturing methods.

Here, we're going to look into the finer makeup of both perforated and expanded metals, their benefits and the way Locker provides Australian-made metal products for their durability, precision, reliability and wide-ranging applications across industries.

Perforated vs. Expanded Metals

While perforated and expanded metals are commonly used for similar purposes, they do have their distinct differences.

Perforated metals, characterised by their hole patterns, offer a diverse range of functionalities. The process of perforation involves punching precisely shaped holes into a flat sheet of metal. This manufacturing process results in a mesh-like structure, in turn maintaining the materials' thickness consistency. At Locker, we offer our customers the choice between various base layer options: aluminium, galvanised steel and mild steel.

Perforated metals are commonly utilised for the following reasons:

• Filtration: Perforated metal stands out for its filtration applications — able to effectively control the flow of gases and liquids. The precise hole patterns, shapes and sizes allow for the intentional and predetermined separation of contaminants/liquids, making them widely suitable for various filtration requirements.
• Customisation/versatility: Locker can tailor perforation patterns, open area percentages and sheet dimensions more generally to meet predetermined design requirements. This versatility allows for the realisation of complex, aesthetic and functional architectural designs. Their customisable nature can also facilitate privacy by optimally screening off the inside of a building, thereby reducing visibility into the area.
• Acoustic control: Via strategically designed hole patterns and perforation densities, Locker can create panels that effectively absorb, reflect and/or diffuse sound, in turn minimising unwanted noise. It's for this reason that perforated metals are commonly utilised in designing noise-reducing barriers, ceiling systems and interior wall panels, for spaces where the control of noise is necessary.

Among the wide range of applications that perforated metals are used are:

• Metal ceiling tiles
• Facades
• Slip resistant walkway panels
• Balustrades
• Industrial filters and screens

On the other hand, expanded metals — known for their malleable nature — offer their own set of advantages and applications; some of these advantages crossover with those of perforated metals while others are more distinct to their specific properties.

The expanded metals' manufacturing process involves strategically slitting and stretching the metal — either mild, stainless and galvanised steel or corrosion resistant aluminium — to create a pattern that allows for expansion without the loss of its structural integrity.

The advantages of expanded metals include:

• Safety: The ability of these metals to expand and contract without the loss of structural integrity makes them generally less prone to breakage in the case of impact or unduly strain.
• Sustainability: Compared to traditional counterparts, the manufacturing of expanded metals offers a more sustainable approach. The manufacturing process generally requires fewer materials, in turn facilitating the minimisation of material waste.

While expanded metals have a large application range, it's commonly used for security fencing, balustrade panels and car park enclosures — environments where durability and robust materials are required.

While they may have their individual advantages, they often complement each other in applications where flexibility, structural integrity and cost-effectiveness is important.

The Locker Approach to Perforated and Expanded Metal Manufacturing

As a leading Australian manufacturer of both perforated and expanded metals, Locker offers high-quality, custom-engineered manufacturing solutions that are personalised to the needs of our clients.

Through our brief-centric approach — one that is tailored to the needs of our clients — we're able to develop custom perforated and expanded metals that meet specific project requirements. Beyond providing a solution that not only offers bespoke functionality, we also offer cost-effectiveness. Our manufacturing process draws on state-of-the-art equipment and technology that allow us to produce high-quality perforated and expanded metals at competitive prices.

When you partner with us, you gain perforated and/or expanded metals that are Australian-made and are always in stock — meaning you can be assured of a fast and reliable delivery. You can learn more about our expanded metal offerings by clicking here; or, if you're interested in perforated metals for your next project, click here.

Alternatively, our team is available to speak with you about your specific project requirements, answer any questions you may have and let you know how our services can meet your needs. Speak with a Locker team member today.