General Industrial

The industrial industry as a whole is known as one of the most prominent consumers of natural resources with construction at the forefront. However, there are emerging methods of conserving these resources, cutting back on waste and recycling the materials that don't get used. This article will explore some sustainability methods you can put to use on your next project.

Photo-realistic renderings help ensure the product and materials are exactly what the client wants to reduce waste.

What is sustainable construction?

The construction industry contributes between 25% to 40% of the world's carbon emissions according to Thought Leadership Architecture 2030. Construction emits large amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the environment. Infrastructure produced massive amounts of waste from unused materials and using nonrenewable resources.

Locker has found ways to improve the sustainability level of our facilities so construction operations are more efficient overall. Some of these initiatives include:

• Create efficiencies on the construction site.
• Use renewable energy.
• Cut down on energy consumption.
• Choose recyclable materials.

The main objective of creating sustainable and streamlined operations is to lessen the impact the industry has on the environment. The first step in doing so is looking at how operations can cut down on waste. We've taken a critical look at where our business can make better use of the materials available while cutting down on wasted resources like water, metal and energy.

Joyce Msuya, deputy executive director of UN Environment, says there are opportunities for improvements, "It's critical we have a big change over the next couple of years in how we do buildings and construction. We only need to look at the current norms and quality of many buildings to see that we can do much better."

The global impact of construction and the industrial industry as a whole is well known. Fortunately, the number of green-conscious businesses is growing and we've remained ahead of the trend.

Methods for green construction

There are new technologies and methods of improving energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions into the environment. Let's take a look at a few different methods for improving your workflow's sustainability.

1. Sustainable supply chain management

Fleet management and supply chain transport are one of the leading emission factors for CO2 in Australia according to the Australia Vehicle Fleet. This fact indicates how easily the industry can improve its sustainability efforts by simply switching to greener transportation methods like electric vehicles and trains.

Even if you own and operate a smaller business, purchasing from local suppliers and loading up your delivery vehicles properly can cut down on emissions.

2. Choose recycled or natural building materials

Known as green metal, aluminium is one of the most environmentally friendly metals because of its sustainability. As the most recyclable industrial material, aluminium can be recycled infinitely to produce the same product. This is one of our primary materials for our facades, handrails, walkways and more.

3. Better waste disposal methods

Metal, as a highly recycled permanent material, saves raw materials, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. We believe in a real recycling society; no metal packaging should go to a landfill. Recycling 1 tonne of metal scrap uses up to 95% less energy than making 1 tonne of metal from raw material.

The metallurgical properties of steel mean it can be recycled continually with no degradation in performance, making it an intrinsically sustainable construction material.

4. Environmentally conscious building design

Constructing a building or material takes a lot of CO2. However, green buildings use a lot of recycled materials, use the surrounding environment to support the heating and cooling of the building, and don't require many materials to produce.

Our facades help reduce the use of energy by naturally cooling a building with shade. We take into account the building's angle throughout the day and where a facade would be more effective. In addition, they are developed using metal products that are built with longevity and minimal maintenance in mind.

Metal is valuable. There is only a limited amount of it on our planet so it is important to keep it out of the landfill. This way, it can be used again and again. Recycling metal also helps protect water quality and wildlife habitats because it reduces the amount of new metal that must be mined.

Committed to green construction

Locker has been committed to sustainability and efficiencies across our business from the beginning. For example, the holes punched out in our perforated metal are taken to a foundry and melted down so that the metal is available for our next project. Some of this metal was used for car part manufacturing.

Our team of experts will look at your building needs and help you find the best ways to cut down on energy, material and construction waste. We write sustainability into every step of the design process. To learn more or to get your next green project going, contact us today.

Worried about aligning your stairways with the overall aesthetics of your building? Instead of sacrificing function for style or vice versa, there are patterns and metal types that you can coordinate together for safe stair treads that look great. This article will explore how to achieve both with expanded metal while meeting Australian Standards.

Industrial stair treads can prevent slips and falls.

Anti-slip treads

Understanding the purpose of stair treads can help you plan ahead and coordinate where possible. A stair tread is a surface you step upon when you climb or descend a set of stairs. Additionally, picking out the right tread can reduce the likelihood of slips or falls.

You can choose certain styles of expanded metal that work with the function of the stair. Specific decisions regarding the width, length and style of the expanded metal can help improve:

• The load-bearing capacity of the stairs.
• The safety of each step.
• The stairs’ resistant to harsh weather conditions.
• The longevity of the staircase.
• The steps’ draining capacity.

Choosing the recommended widths and lengths of the treads can also help improve the economy of the project ahead.

Stair metal material

The metal type you choose should be determined by where the stairs will be used and the aesthetics of the rest of the building. Each metal type has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on if it is exposed to outside elements, chemicals, high traffic volume, and so on.

Stair treads are available with either bolted or welded fixing and come in several choices of grating styles, in the following materials:

• Steel: Known for its strength, durability and sustainability, steel is a great option for stairs that will not be exposed to weather conditions or chemicals.
• Aluminium: Lightweight, flexible and sturdy, aluminium is best for outdoor stairs because of its natural resistance to corrosion.
• Stainless Steel: Very strong and durable, stainless steel can withstand high payloads and heavy traffic. These stair panels are less expensive and easy to install.
• FRP: Ideal for scenarios where traction is necessary. FRP surfaces are naturally rough and slip-resistant. This material is typically used for outdoor industrial applications also because of its rust resistance.

Webforge offers Australian-made expanded metal steel for our stair treads so you know you can count on the quality of the material while supporting local businesses.

Pattern functions and benefits

The function of the stair tread will determine which pattern you should choose. While you can select any pattern, you will want to pick one that will provide the right amount of safety for pedestrians.

Serrated treads with bar grating are constructed with stair-specific reinforcement and additional safety adjustments. The treads’ nosing will help improve traction, the life of the stairs and the visibility of each tread. Following AS1657, the nosing on a tread should be easily visible against the background of the stair.

The holes in the treads will help minimise any pooling on the stairs from rain, snow or spills. Safety grating, for example, typically has smaller hole sizes for drainage but provides a lot of slip resistance and is ideal for an industrial platform, walkway or set of stairs.

Depending on how much weight the stairs will likely need to endure, the holes and patterns will need to align with requirements. Larger holes will allow for better drainage whereas smaller ones can help support more weight.

Our pattern and load bar recommendations will give you further insight as well. The table draws suggestions based on the material, pattern and load bar selected for your project. Below the table is another that outlines the recommended hole centres.

Safety and style

In most industrial instances, it’s hard to make a set of stairs stylistically aligned with the rest of the building when function and safety are paramount. However, in matching the style and metal type, you can more easily pull together a uniform look. Most metals can also be coated in a painted layer that can improve their longevity as well as change the colour of the metal for a more seamless aesthetic.

Handrails are a necessary part of every stairway project, and matching the expanded metal stair treads and handrails together can help create a put-together look that serves both the eye and the pedestrian.

Webforge Australian expanded metal

If you’re looking to improve the safety and aesthetics of your next stairway project, contact a Webforge professional today. We only source Australian-made expanded metal so you can rest assured that you’re receiving the best metal quality. Webforge professionals are experienced and available to help you with any questions you may have.

Keeping your building structure safe from intruders, insects and other pests is a priority for every property owner. The goal for most designers is to find an option that both looks great and has high functionality.

If you want security built for durability, long-lasting strength aluminium security mesh could be an excellent choice.

A guide to aluminium security mesh

Rely on the strength of an aluminium security mesh fence.

Deciding on aluminium mesh for your project opens up a new level of style and function for your design.

Aluminium security mesh is durable, weather-resistant and long-lasting. Add in our ability to help create any design you need, and you can imagine the possibilities of such material.

While it can be utilised to create an interesting building facade, aluminium mesh serves important security functions as well. This cost-effective material can be used for a variety of functions.

Security mesh stays strong even when facing heavy impacts. This makes it an excellent choice for prisons, farms, high-security buildings and more. Wherever a simple door or chain link fence is not enough security for the building and its occupants, aluminium security mesh could be your solution.

Security screens protect against high impacts and unwanted intrusion. They do so by dissipating force from the location of the impact. Instead of the blow's force focused on one small area, the energy is dispersed throughout the mesh screen.

Aluminium in particular has a high force-to-impact ratio that helps maintain low maintenance costs related to fixing tears over time.

Where are mesh screens used?

We can accommodate any project big or small. However, security mesh is typically used in areas where a high level of security is a must.

Security mesh screens are typically used in correctional facilities. They surround the site or act as a barrier along corridors where staff can both see what is happening throughout the area while maintaining boundaries where they need them. Aluminium security screens are resistant to tearing caused by most other sharp metal materials, making them the perfect medium for building safety.

Similarly, this screen can be used for high-security settings like:

• Government buildings.
• Police offices.
• Military training areas.
• Computer rooms.
• Advanced tech facilities.
• Airports.

Perforated aluminium can be manipulated in different ways for many types of functions, for example, the cutouts in the metal can be changed to fit any style. We also provide stock items for faster installation.

While many high-security settings, such as those listed, may seem to be an uninteresting space to design, any area can be updated and manipulated to look awe-inspiring. You could use security mesh along the facade of a building for added shade, or even control pests.

Aluminium vs. Other metals

While there are many materials to choose from while considering security mesh, perforated aluminium is one of the top options. Along with its durable qualities, it is also less expensive than most metals. Where security mesh is used, aluminium is an option when working with a tight budget.

As an outdoor material, it can last through any weather conditions. The finish applied to aluminium adds a protective layer against corrosion. For this reason, aluminium outlasts steel for outdoor construction.

Stainless steel is also known for its conductivity. In inclement weather, aluminium is less likely to attract lightning than stainless steel. However, this material can still become the site of a lightning strike so be sure to follow safety precautions during thunderstorms.

When considering security walls or fences, you can approach the project in several ways: which material to choose from and how the material is constructed. While perforated or wire mesh is an option, the expanded mesh is most likely the best choice for a security screen for several reasons.

Perforated vs. Expanded mesh

Perforated metal is a material made of stainless steel or aluminium that has cutout holes in it of any shape or size. Expanded mesh is most typically used for security and includes a material that is reinforced by expanding the metal into a diamond pattern. Expanded mesh can be made from galvanized steel, stainless or, of course, aluminium.

The uses of both do vary and overlap in some ways, but the expanded mesh can be used for both partitions, as in a farm or prison, or even for windows and frames.

The difference between the two mainly lies in the manufacturing of the material. Perforated metal was first a sheet that then had holes cut into it. Expanded mesh was once a metal that had a series of cuts made into it before expanding it into a larger, more reinforced sheet. To which, expanded metal is understood as a more affordable option, as there are not any added steps after the metal has been stretched.

Finally, expanded metal is stronger because it doesn't have to go through a hole punch process that breaks down its foundational structure. It was fundamentally perforated before the metal underwent any changes.

Diamond grille security

Locker is the leading manufacturer of expanded aluminium security mesh. We can accommodate your project quickly and with precision, whether you choose a stock option or want a truly unique design.

Contact one of our service professionals and see the difference.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Metal walkway gratings are versatile and dependable flooring options. Their unique design, durability and the many safety features incorporated into them by skilled manufacturers keep employees safe and work moving at the right pace.

There are plenty of reasons why businesses turn to metal walkway grating when designing new facilities and renovating old ones. Air circulation, resistance to corrosion, sure footing for workers and other benefits are all possible with the right type of grating. Of course, its unique aesthetic benefits can also come into play in a variety of ways. Consider these potential uses as you seek out effective flooring for your project.

Metal walkway grating is both safe and versatile.

1. Accessing raised surfaces, equipment and machinery

Warehouses, factories and similar facilities frequently have multiple levels where employees have to travel to complete their duties. While standard staircases and partial flooring can fulfil basic requirements for access, metal walkway gratings are especially effective. Consider these safety-focused benefits:

• Metal walkway grating designed for industrial use includes a substantial emphasis on safety. Cleats in the metal offer increased slip resistance.
• A serrated profile surface is another option for increased traction and employee safety that is especially effective in wet conditions. It is also useful in areas where the grating slopes.
• Kickplating can prevent objects that land near the edge of the walkway grating from falling to areas below the elevated surface.
• Mesh underneath the grating is an effective option for catching objects small enough to fall through the grating, resulting in a similar advantage.

These safety benefits are relevant whether the metal walkway gratings are used slightly above ground level or many storeys in the air inside a large warehouse or production plant.

2. Protecting against rust and corrosion

Industrial facilities may regularly utilise harsh chemicals that could discolour, weaken or otherwise damage standard flooring. That's especially true if the chemicals pool in a specific area and aren't quickly cleaned up. Water and moisture don't have as much potential for short-term danger in terms of corrosion and damage, but can negatively impact a walkway or flooring over time. This is another area where metal walkway gratings, specifically those made of stainless steel, excel.

Because stainless steel and its variants are specifically designed to resist corrosion, using a stainless steel walkway grating can increase longevity and improve safety in areas where chemical spills can't always be avoided. And in places where exposure to moisture – whether within a facility or outdoors – is inevitable, stainless steel provides a similar benefit. There are other options for corrosion resistant walkway gratings as well, including anodised aluminium.

3. Increasing visibility and air circulation

Another key aspect to keep in mind when using metal gratings on elevated surfaces is light and visibility. Solid platforms and staircases limit light flow from the top of the building and may require the placement of additional fixtures to provide a safe level of visibility, depending on the circumstances. Metal grating allows more light to shine through and provide more even coverage to the areas below.

Similarly, airflow can be a concern in many structures. Metal grating allows HVAC systems and fans to work more efficiently, providing gaps where air can flow freely.

These benefits are broadly applicable. In industrial contexts, a certain level of light and airflow may be required for employees to safely go about their work and produce high-quality results. In commercial structures, the advantages may have more to do with aesthetics than safety rules and regulations. Metal walkway grating is versatile enough to support specific goals across a wide range of building types and uses.

4. Creating a unique and engaging atmosphere

Metal walkway grating is traditionally seen in areas where safety and durability is a major concern, namely industrial spaces like warehouses and factories. This view makes plenty of sense, but overlooks what metal grating can do in other applications where design and visual identity are important and special safety needs often aren't present.

Utilising a metal walkway, ramp or staircase in a commercial building like a shopping centre or office complex can help create a more memorable environment with a simple design change. Versatility in terms of choosing finishes for the walkway grating and painting the surrounding handrail and support system can help create the best visual appearance for the setting.

Finding an experienced, dependable provider

The quality of metal walkway grating is deeply tied to the skill and experience of the manufacturer that produces it. A skilled supplier provides consistent results that you can count on, which is vital whether your choice of metal walkway grating is based on aesthetic qualities or a need to emphasise workplace safety.

Webforge has the skill, knowledge and production capacity to provide the highest-quality metal walkway grating for your project. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Grating is a core component of many industrial facilities. This dependable flooring can do it all. It supports workers and the equipment and supplies they carry every day while standing up to heavy loads, high heat, chemical spills and other concerns.

Grating is easily cleaned and relatively simple to install. It has a low cost compared to other types of industrial flooring and doesn't require significant, regular maintenance. It promotes air circulation and, crucially, provides a safe, slip resistant and reliable surface for employees as they go about their duties.

Plastic grating and metal grating are the two major types of industrial grating in common use today. Understanding the differences between them and the best applications for each will allow you to make an informed decision that will address the needs in your facility.

FRP grating offers a number of benefits in industrial environments.

What is plastic grating? When should I use it?

Plastic grating is a more general term for fibre reinforced plastic grating, often referred to as FRP grating. This type of industrial flooring is composed of glass fibres, which have a high degree of resistance to tension and compression, with a durable plastic that can stand up to the demands of modern facilities.

There are a number of benefits when it comes to FRP. Load-bearing capacity, the foundational element of any type of flooring, is important to point out. Because FRP is generally produced in a single piece with a square grid pattern, it allows for efficient weight distribution. That's true on the grating itself as well as the support structure it's connected to. When employees have to carry heavy equipment or large loads of raw materials or finished products across an elevated surface – or any other one where grating is preferred – FRP can capably support their work.

The overall safety of the work surface is improved by a few other key attributes:

• Chemical resistance: Caustic chemicals and related concerns are a fact of life for businesses involved in heavy manufacturing and many other segments of the economy. FRP grating offers a high degree of resistance to corrosion caused by many industrial chemicals. Workers, safety supervisors and managers won't have to worry about hazardous corrosion that could lead to workplace injuries. From a structural integrity perspective, it's a safer choice in many cases.
• Slip and fall protection: While many of the benefits of FRP grating come from the advanced processes and techniques used to fabricate it, a simple addition offers standout protection against frequent sources of workplace injuries: slips and falls. When a coarse grit is added to the top surface of the grating, staff can more safely move across it. In situations where the grit may cause issues, a smooth surface can also be produced.
• Lack of sparking, conductivity and magnetism: Because FRP doesn't contain metal, it won't produce sparks if metal tools or other objects fall onto it or are dragged across it. Similarly, it won't carry an electrical current in the same fashion as metal grating. Additionally, it doesn't have any magnetic field to speak of – making it a preferred choice in some applications.

When should you use FRP grating? Considering its many attributes, it has plenty of applications. But it can perform best in situations where corrosion resistance is a must, slips and falls are a major concern and when metal grating could introduce additional possible hazards in the workplace.

What is metal grating? When should I use it?

Metal grating is an umbrella term that can apply to many grating types, including:

• Stainless steel grating.
• Aluminium grating.

These common types of industrial floor gratings offer an effective combination of support, strength and security. There are also more configurations available for metal grating than for FRP. With steel and aluminium options, your company can select from a variety of top surfaces that promote safe travel now and for years into the future. Different surfaces can be used in areas with especially high risk for or notably negative consequences from slipping and falling, such as on sloping walkways and at high elevations.

Stainless steel grating's major benefit is strong resistance to rust and corrosion. Whether caused by chemicals, ambient moisture or a mix of both, stainless steel doesn't easily rust or corrode. While metal grating has many useful applications, this is one area where the stainless steel variety truly shines.

Aluminium grating also offers strong resistance to moisture, helping to substantially slow the appearance and spread of rust. Anodised aluminium, meanwhile, has enhanced durability thanks to a process that binds the substrate metal with a layer of aluminium oxide. This improves durability. Notably, anodised aluminium can last between 20-50 years, depending on the specifics of its production and its application. Overall, aluminium's value comes from its light weight and its pleasing appearance. In applications where these factors are central to the success of a project, aluminium grating is a strong choice.

Moving forward with your next project

Your organisation understands the unique demands of your construction or renovation project better than anyone else. By developing a detailed list of the intended uses of grating in a specific area as well as the potential hazards that could exist, you can develop a profile that will help guide your decision-making. From there, the next step is finding a reliable and experienced partner that can fabricate and provide the type of industrial floor grating best suited to your project.

Webforge offers a range of industrial gratings, both in premade panels that address the needs of many projects as well as custom-fabricated panels that align with more unique applications. With more than 75 years of experience in producing industrial flooring and many of the products associated with it, we have a strong understanding of the entire process from start to finish.

To learn more, get in touch with us today.

The right grating is vital for a safe and productive facility.

Businesses have to contend with a wide range of factors when it comes to the flooring that literally and figuratively supports their operations. Strong, dependable weight-bearing properties are crucial. Resistance to physical, chemical and other types of corrosion must be carefully considered. Limiting the effects of accidental or inadvertent electrical discharge is another central concern. General durability and resistance to wear and tear has to be considered as well.

What kind of grating can fit the bill for the many demands of modern industrial facilities? Fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) – also sometimes called fibreglass reinforced plastic – is often the answer.

FRP grating reliably supports a variety of industrial applications and needs.

What is FRP?

FRP brings together two core substances that support and strengthen each other when properly designed and fabricated: Plastic and fibre reinforcements. The strength of FRP is recognised and utilised in many different industries, from aerospace and automotive to construction and boat building. Its use in ballistic armour by militaries and security forces is especially notable in terms of demonstrating FRP's strength, resilience and durability.

While a range of fibre reinforcements can be used depending on specific applications, FRP is generally constructed using fibreglass. This is a cost-effective alternative to carbon fibre and doesn't sacrifice the key attributes that are so important when used as as grating in an industrial context.

The fibre reinforcements used to formulate FRP provides additional strength to the final product while also boosting elasticity. This means FRP is better able to consistently support loads and distribute that weight without permanently deforming, cracking or otherwise breaking. When it comes to safe flooring and grating, this is an especially important concern.

FRP has existed in one form or another since the early 20th century. Initial development occurred in the 1930s, driven in part by the growing use and clear potential of the aviation industry. Years of improvement and fine-tuning led to widespread FRP manufacturing by the 1950s. More options and further positive changes and additions to the process have occurred since, with the current product proving even more dependable and useful in a variety of use cases.

Why is FRP so versatile?

FRP's versatility is clear when considering the many applications where it plays a critical role. When it comes to industrial flooring and grating applications specifically, there are a few key considerations to assess.

Customisability to meet individual needs

FRP grating can be can be produced on a standardised basis, addressing many common needs for high-strength flooring in industrial applications. It can also be fabricated according to custom specifications, allowing businesses to ensure each and every walkway and other grating application can be effectively addressed no matter the details.

While customisability is a common benefit across many types of industrial flooring, combining it with the many more distinct advantages of FRP makes this grating especially attractive for industrial facilities.

High strength and dependability

The strength of industrial flooring is one of its most important attributes. Businesses need grating that can support the specific processes and workflows that occur within a facility on a daily basis. By using glass fibre to enhance the plastic, FRP can offer higher strength than is seen in a variety of metal grating types.

The exceptional load-bearing ability of FRP comes from the substances used to form it as well as its design. The standard grid structure helps distribute loads across a wider surface area, reducing the stress on any given point.

The right flooring means individual staff members and the company as a whole can both be more confident in the ability of the grating to offer safe, dependable surface in the long term.

Durability and ease of maintenance

Strength is critical for industrial grating, but it can only go so far if the material used regularly requires intensive maintenance and replacement. It's much easier to select and use a type of grating that can provide the needed support as well as reduce the time, effort and spending associated with repair efforts.

The process used to create FRP offers superior durability, both in terms of the strength of the final product and the general lack of complicated upkeep. FRP grating is produced in large, single pieces, which reduces opportunities for wear and tear in fasteners and similar hardware used to connect or link other types of grating together. This makes it simple to maintain – occasional cleaning may be all that's required for many years of use.

Resistance to corrosion and deterioration

FRP's resistance to the effects of chemical corrosion makes it uniquely suited to many industrial applications where other materials can be damaged and degrade in a significantly shorter period of time. It is similarly resistant to damage caused by exposure to the elements. While no substance is totally resistant to every form of corrosion, FRP offers excellent all-around durability in this context. When businesses choose to use FRP grating, they can be confident that its long life span won't be drastically shortened by chemical splashing, contact with vapours and similar concerns.

Slip resistance and ease of clearing debris

Debris can cause a variety of slip and fall hazards in industrial areas. FRP's standard construction includes 70% open surface area, allowing liquids and small objects to easily fall through and remove themselves as potential obstacles or causes of an accident.

Similarly, general slip resistance is a core need for a safe workplace. The anti-skid surfacing used in Webforge FRP grating helps workers stay safe and on their feet in all conditions.

Finding the best partner for your FRP needs

FRP grating plays a foundational role for many industrial facilities. Your business needs a dependable, proven partner to supply this grating and ensure that it's fit for installation and use. To learn more about Webforge's FRP production process and make an order, get in touch with our team today.