aluminum expanded metal
Expanded Metal
Flattened Expanded Metal Sheet
Raised expanded metal cold-rolled flat for a smooth, level surface. SWD 3/16"-2", gauges No.6-22, 30-89% open. Slightly larger openings, ideal for shelving, infill panels and architectural use.
Description
Product Introduction
Raised expanded metal cold-rolled flat for a smooth, level surface. SWD 3/16"-2", gauges No.6-22, 30-89% open. Slightly larger openings, ideal for shelving, infill panels and architectural use.
Product Introduction
Flattened expanded metal begins life as standard raised mesh and is then passed through a cold-rolling mill that presses the angled strands and knuckles down into a single smooth plane. The result is a flat, level sheet that retains the strength of one-piece expanded metal but loses the three-dimensional texture. Rolling also stretches the diamonds slightly, increasing open area and giving a cleaner, more refined appearance. Zhongman produces flattened expanded metal in cold-rolled and hot-rolled carbon steel, with hot-dip galvanizing available for corrosion resistance. Because the surface is even, flattened mesh stacks tightly, paints uniformly and sits flush against frames and substrates, making it the preferred choice wherever a smooth working or decorative surface is required without sacrificing the open, ventilated structure of expanded metal.
Key Features & Advantages
The defining benefit of flattened expanded metal is its smooth, snag-free surface, which is comfortable to handle and presents a tidy finished face for visible installations. Cold rolling work-hardens the strands, adding stiffness and flatness so panels lie true without bowing. The flattening process enlarges the diamonds, raising open area and light transmission compared with the raised version of the same pattern. Like all expanded metal, it is made from a single sheet, so it cannot unravel and distributes loads evenly. Flat panels nest closely for efficient shipping and storage, and the level surface accepts paint, powder coat or galvanizing with consistent coverage. Available across gauges No.6 to No.22, it spans lightweight decorative screens through to sturdy structural infill.
Specifications & Options
Zhongman offers flattened expanded metal in diamond short-way dimensions from 3/16" to 2" and strand gauges from No.6 through No.22, with open areas ranging from roughly 30% to 89%. Customers select the combination that best matches their visibility, strength and weight goals. Base materials include cold-rolled carbon steel for indoor and decorative work, hot-rolled steel for heavier service, and hot-dip galvanized steel for outdoor durability. Standard sheets are supplied in 4ft x 8ft and other common formats, with custom widths, lengths and cut pieces available to order. Optional services include de-burring, framing, forming and powder coating. Because flattening tolerances affect final open area and dimensions, we confirm each specification before production to guarantee the finished panels meet your drawings.
Applications & Industries
The smooth face of flattened expanded metal makes it the go-to product wherever appearance, comfort or a flush fit matters. It is widely used for shelving and storage racks, where the level surface keeps stored goods stable, and for cabinet and enclosure panels that must look clean. Builders and fabricators specify it for infill panels in railings, partitions and balustrades, and for protective screens around equipment. Its refined texture suits architectural and interior applications such as ceiling panels, sunshades and wall cladding. Flattened mesh also serves as walkway and platform infill where a less aggressive surface than raised mesh is preferred, as well as filtration screens, ventilation grilles and signage backing across manufacturing, retail and construction industries.
Why Choose Zhongman
Zhongman manufactures flattened expanded metal in-house, controlling both the expanding and the precision cold-rolling steps that determine flatness and open area. This integrated process lets us deliver panels that are genuinely level and dimensionally consistent, batch after batch. We source quality steel coil directly, keeping costs down and lead times predictable for orders large and small. Our team supports custom sheet sizes, finishes and forming, and provides full export service including inspection, protective packing and container loading. Years of supplying expanded metal to fabricators, builders and OEMs worldwide mean we understand the tolerances that matter for a smooth finished product. Reach out with your diamond size, gauge and quantity, and our engineers will recommend the optimal flattened specification for your application.
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