As the demand for flexible, durable and cost-efficient metal solutions grows across construction, industrial, and architectural sectors, diamond expanded metal has emerged as a flagship solution for filtration, protection, and reinforcement. This article delivers a data-driven, technical, and practical overview of diamond expanded metal, diamond expanded metal mesh, aluminium diamond mesh, aluminium diamond mesh sheet, and steel diamond mesh sheets, encompassing in-depth industry trends, technical parameters, applications, manufacturing process, and authoritative benchmarks.
1. Industry Trends & Market Statistics
According to a 2023 market analysis by Grand View Research, the global expanded metal mesh market size was valued at USD 3.12 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2030.
The primary growth drivers are:
- Increased infrastructure construction and renovation projects worldwide.
- Growing preference for ventilated, anti-slip, and corrosion-resistant materials in architectural and industrial design.
- Innovations in raw material usage: from traditional carbon steel to high-strength, lightweight aluminium diamond mesh.
- Stricter safety standards (ISO 9001:2015, ANSI, ASTM) shaping product selection and certification.
Key Market Sectors Utilizing Diamond Expanded Metal Mesh
- Petrochemical plant safety and filtration solutions
- Building façades and architectural cladding
- Industrial walkways, safety grilles, stair treads
- Water treatment and pipeline support
- Fencing systems and protective screening
2. What is Diamond Expanded Metal?
Diamond expanded metal is produced by simultaneous slitting and stretching of sheet metal, engineered to form continuous diamond (lozenge) shaped openings. Key advantages include superior load distribution, slip resistance, airflow, and resistance to deformation.
- Materials: Low carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and titanium.
- Structure: Defined by strands, bonds, and diamond-shaped apertures.
Diamond Expanded Metal Mesh vs. Alternatives
| Type |
Aperture (mm) |
Strand Width (mm) |
Thickness (mm) |
Corrosion Resistance |
Typical Usage |
| Diamond Expanded Metal |
10 × 20 / 22 × 50 |
1.2 – 5 |
0.5 – 8 |
High (with coatings) |
Walkways, fences, grilles, enclosures |
| Hexagonal Expanded Mesh |
12 × 30 |
1.5 – 5 |
0.6 – 8 |
Medium |
Architectural paneling |
| Woven Mesh (Wire) |
1 – 50 |
0.5 – 2 |
0.5 – 2.5 |
Variable |
Screens, filtration |
| Punched Metal Sheet |
1 – 25 |
N/A |
0.6 – 10 |
Moderate |
Decor, vents |
3. Manufacturing Process: How Is Diamond Expanded Metal Made?
Diamond Expanded Metal Manufacturing Process
1. Raw Material Selection
→
Roll/Sheet Metal: low-carbon steel, aluminium, stainless steel
2. Feeding & Leveling
→
Material is decoiled and straightened; thickness checked (ISO 9001:2015 standards)
3. Slitting & Expanding
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Simultaneous precision slitting and stretching using CNC expanded metal machines;
4. Heat Treatment
→
Optional for steel; enhances ductility and toughness
5. Surface Treatment
→
Galvanizing, anodizing (for aluminium), powder coating for anti-corrosion
6. Quality Inspection
→
Bond integrity, mesh dimension, burr removal (checked to ISO/ANSI standards)
7. Packing & Delivery
4. Technical Parameters and Data Visualization
| Parameter |
Aluminium Diamond Mesh |
Steel Diamond Mesh Sheets |
Stainless Steel Mesh |
| Strand Width (mm) |
1.2 – 2.5 |
1.5 – 6 |
1.5 – 5 |
| Thickness (mm) |
0.5 – 3.0 |
0.7 – 8.0 |
0.8 – 5.0 |
| Mesh Size (mm) |
8 × 16 / 22 × 50 |
10 × 20 / 22 × 60 |
12 × 30 |
| Weight (kg/m2) |
0.6 – 2.9 |
2.7 – 12.8 |
3.1 – 8.7 |
| Opening Rate |
65% – 75% |
62% – 70% |
70% – 76% |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent |
Good (with coating) |
Excellent |
| Typical Lifespan |
25+ years |
20+ years |
30+ years |
5. Typical Applications & Case Studies
Industry-Specific Uses of Diamond Expanded Metal Mesh
- Petrochemical refineries: Fireproofing barriers, cable trays (conforming to ASTM E119 standards)
- Architecture: Sunshade, privacy screens, wall cladding—aluminium diamond mesh for aesthetics and prevention of facade deformation.
- Municipal infrastructure: Water drainage covers, anti-slip grilles, bridge walkways.
- Industrial: Machine guards, filter elements, staircase safety treads (meeting OSHA 1910 anti-slip mandates).
Case Study: Aluminium Diamond Mesh for Convention Center Façade (Germany, 2022)
- Specification: 2mm thick, strand width 2.5mm, mesh size 22×50mm, anodized silver
- Installed area: 1,600 m2
- Benefit: 30% improvement in mechanical ventilation and up to 18% lower maintenance (compared with perforated sheet)
- End-user feedback: "We selected diamond expanded metal for its lightweight elegance and long-term weather resistance. ISO-certified product fully met our design and sustainability goals."
Case Study: Steel Diamond Mesh Sheets for Offshore Platform Walkways (UAE, 2023)
- Specification: Hot-dip galvanized, 4.5mm thick, mesh 20×40mm
- Project size: 550 m2
- Application: Anti-slip walkways; withstood >1000h salt spray test (ISO 9227:2017 proven)
- Outcome: 5-year accident-free operation with zero corrosion-related shutdowns
6. Technology Advantages
- Structural Integrity: Unlike welded mesh, strands and bonds are integral, non-welded—enhancing load and impact capabilities.
- Ventilation and Light-permeability: 60-75% open area for maximum airflow without compromising security.
- Corrosion Resistance: Aluminium diamond mesh and coated steel sheets meet or exceed DIN EN ISO 9227 (salt spray test).
- Cost-efficiency: Less wastage, as mesh is made from single sheets (no offcuts), lower installation and maintenance outlay.
- Customization: Mesh sizing, strand dimensions, sheet size, surface finish and color can be tailored (CNC slitting) per order.
Certification & Quality Assurance
- ISO 9001: Certified Production
- ISO 9227: Salt Spray Test for Corrosion Resistance
- ASTM F1267, ANSI/AWS Structural Metal Standards
- Third-party SGS, BV, TUV batch testing available
7. Supplier Comparison Table
| Supplier |
Main Material |
Min Order (m²) |
Certifications |
Origin |
Customizing Ability |
Lead Time (days) |
| CC Metal Mesh |
Aluminium, Galvanized Steel, SS |
50 |
ISO, SGS, CE |
China |
Full (size/color/finishing) |
7–15 |
| McNichols |
Steel, Aluminium |
1 sheet |
ISO, ASTM |
USA |
Partial |
3–10 |
| Sefar Metal Mesh |
SS, Aluminium |
10 |
ISO, ROHS |
Australia |
Moderate |
10–18 |
| Graepel |
Steel, Aluminium |
50 |
ISO, EN |
Germany |
Basic |
15–28 |
8. Customization & Delivery
- Custom Dimensions: Length up to 4000mm, width up to 2000mm available on demand
- Opening Size: Aperture from 5×10mm up to 100×250mm
- Surface Finishing: Powder-coated (RAL), anodized, polished—>100 colors for aluminium diamond mesh sheet
- Packaging: Waterproof paper, wood pallets, steel frames; seaworthy export standards
- Lead Time: Standard: 7-15 days/20ft container111; Rush/Express upon request
- Warranty: 5–10 Years (material/surface finish)
- Support: Full technical drawing, CAD sample support, overseas site consultation
9. Diamond Expanded Metal FAQ
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
- Q1: What is the typical strand width for diamond expanded metal?
A1: Common strand width ranges from 1.2mm to 5mm, depending on load requirements and material (see technical table above). For heavy-duty walkways, 5mm+ is recommended.
- Q2: What standards govern mesh dimension tolerances?
A2: Internationally, mesh production must comply with ISO 9001:2015, ASTM F1267, and EN 2013/35/EU, which define strand variation, bond length, and aperture deviations.
- Q3: Are custom powder-coating or anodized finishes available for aluminium diamond mesh?
A3: Yes. Powder coating (over 100 RAL colors) and anodizing are available, especially for exterior or decorative applications.
- Q4: How does installation of steel diamond mesh sheets differ from standard flat sheets?
A4: Mesh sheets require either continuous welding or mechanical fastening to framework, with attention paid to load-bearing direction and edge banding to avoid injury.
- Q5: What is open area (%) and how is it calculated?
A5: Open area is the percentage of the sheet comprised of diamond openings, enabling ventilation and drainage. Calculated as (aperture/overall sheet area) × 100.
- Q6: What anti-corrosion measures are standard for marine or chemical industry?
A6: Hot-dip galvanizing for steel; anodizing or PVDF coating for aluminium mesh. Regular salt-spray testing (ISO 9227) is advised.
- Q7: Is there a standard sheet size for diamond expanded metal mesh?
A7: Industry standard sizes are 1200x2400mm or 1000x2000mm, but sheets can be cut-to-size (customized here).
10. Why Choose Diamond Expanded Metal from CC Metal Mesh?
- Decades of production experience and ISO, SGS, CE certification
- World-class CNC mesh machines for precision and finish consistency
- Solutions validated by end-users in petrochemical, architectural, transport, and public infrastructure sectors
- Full product traceability and post-sales documentation
- Multilingual engineering support and global logistics system
References
- Grand View Research. (2023). Expanded Metal Mesh Market Analysis & Report. [Read]
- American Institute of Steel Construction. Steel Design Guide 22: Expanded Metal. [Download]
- International Stainless Steel Forum, 2023 Whitepaper: "Applications of Stainless Steel Mesh" [Visit]
- Metal Mesh Industry Technical Exchange Forum – Discussion on ISO 9227:2017, mesh anti-corrosion, and global standards [Forum]
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