(3 4 x 9 expanded metal)
Expanded metal remains a cornerstone material for industrial applications requiring strength, ventilation, and weight efficiency. The 3/4 x 9 designation refers to the strand measurement - 0.75" strand width and 9" diamond length - creating elongated openings particularly effective for walkways and screening.
Available in three primary patterns: plate expanded metal (minimal thickness increase), regular expanded metal (standard diamond pattern), and raised expanded metal sheet (vertical strands creating anti-slip properties). Weight reduction averages 45-80% versus solid sheets while maintaining structural integrity.
Manufacturers produce these using computer-controlled presses that simultaneously slit and stretch metal coils, ensuring dimensional accuracy within ±0.015". Standard sheets measure 96" × 240" for compatibility with framing systems. Carbon steel dominates the market (85% usage) due to cost efficiency, though aluminum and stainless variants serve specialized environments.
Structural benefits derive from the expanded metal manufacturing process. The stretching operation work-hardens the metal strands, increasing tensile strength by 15-30% compared to the original coil material. This creates exceptional strength-to-weight ratios impossible with perforated or woven alternatives.
Test data reveals substantial advantages:
Anti-slip properties meet OSHA standards with raised expanded metal sheets achieving 0.52 coefficient of friction when wet - exceeding diamond plate safety ratings. This makes them ideal for industrial stair treads and catwalks.
| Manufacturer | Thickness Range | Max Width | Finish Options | Production Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McNICHOLS Co. | 0.036" - 0.375" | 96" | Mill, Galvanized, Powder Coated | 3-5 days |
| Direct Metals | 0.023" - 0.500" | 120" | PVC Coated, Hot Dipped Galv | 10-14 days |
| Industrial Metal Supply | 0.016" - 0.250" | 72" | Anodized, Brushed SS | 2-4 days |
Beyond standard sheets, modern fabrication techniques deliver precision components. Waterjet cutting maintains strand integrity for complex contours with ±0.005" tolerance. CNC punching creates custom perforation patterns within expanded fields for hybrid filtration systems. Robotic welding assembles panels into three-dimensional structures exceeding 40' lengths.
Most manufacturers offer:
Specialized treatments like electro-galvanizing add corrosion resistance while maintaining strand definition. Architectural projects increasingly specify non-reflective textured finishes that preserve material character.
Mining Sector: Raised expanded metal sheets reduce conveyor belt maintenance downtime by 70% through rock sifting and walkway safety. Diamond openings prevent small debris accumulation while vertical strands resist material buildup.
Wastewater Plants: 3/4 x 9 configurations handle 1,200 GPM flow rates in bar screens. Type 316 stainless variants last 8-12 years in chloride environments versus 3-5 years for conventional screens. Municipal installations report 29% reduction in rake maintenance costs.
Building Construction: Architects specify expanded metal for rainscreen facades achieving 35% solar heat gain reduction. Plate expanded metal variants serve as decorative cladding with open percentages adjustable from 45% to 72% for daylight optimization.
Performance analysis identifies critical specifications for 3/4 x 9 expanded metal applications. Load calculations require verifying strand thickness rather than nominal sheet thickness. The American Institute of Steel Construction provides load tables showing SWL ratings from 850-6,200 lbs/ft² depending on material and support spacing.
Environmental factors dictate alloy selection:
Open area percentage varies significantly between standard (67-79%) and flattened (80-93%) patterns. For pedestrian surfaces, raised expanded metal sheets consistently outperform alternatives in slip-resistance tests while maintaining underfoot drainage.
(3 4 x 9 expanded metal)
A: This size refers to expanded metal grating commonly used in industrial walkways, platforms, and safety barriers due to its durability. It provides excellent strength-to-weight ratio and ventilation for environments like factories or construction sites. The dimensions ensure reliable slip resistance and support for heavy foot traffic.
A: Plate expanded metal starts as a thicker steel plate, offering enhanced structural integrity for high-load applications such as flooring or machine guarding. In contrast, regular expanded metal is made from lighter gauge sheets and is more versatile for cost-effective uses like fencing or screens. Both types undergo a process of slitting and stretching to create the open mesh pattern.
A: Raised expanded metal sheets feature a textured surface that improves slip resistance, making them ideal for ramps, stair treads, and safety flooring. The raised profile allows for better drainage and debris clearance in outdoor or wet conditions. This design also adds rigidity without significantly increasing weight.
A: Regular expanded metal is frequently applied in architectural projects, such as façades, partitions, and decorative screens, due to its aesthetic appeal and airflow. It's also popular in agricultural fencing, security enclosures, and ventilation grilles. Its standardized patterns make it a cost-effective choice for light-duty industrial or residential uses.
A: The 3/4" x 9" specification indicates strand width and opening dimensions, influencing factors like strength, airflow, and safety features. Larger openings in this size allow for efficient ventilation and debris passage, ideal for grating applications. It optimizes load distribution and visibility, making it suitable for catwalks or machinery guards.
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