Flattened Expanded Metal is used primarily for walkways, guards, screens and facades that need a strong, one-piece slit-and-stretched mesh. This page lists the industries and assemblies where it is specified, the selection criteria that matter for each application, handling and installation practice, and the cases where a different mesh, screen or filter type is the correct choice. It is supplied to DIN 791 / ASTM F1267.
Typical Applications for Flattened Expanded Metal
The most common settings where this is specified:
- Industrial filtration & separation: removing particulates from liquids, gases and slurries in process plant.
- OEM & fabrication: cut, formed and welded into filter assemblies, screens, guards and enclosures.
- Maintenance & replacement (MRO): matching an existing mesh, screen or element spec when servicing installed equipment.
- Walkways & platforms: anti-slip grating, treads and catwalks.
- Security & infill: fencing, grilles and partition infill.
How to Specify Flattened Expanded Metal for Your Application
- Mesh count / micron rating: Match the aperture or micron rating to the smallest particle you must retain or pass. The table below lists mesh count, aperture and micron for each option — for woven cloth, specify the aperture or micron, not just the mesh count.
- Pattern & thickness: Choose standard (raised) for grip or flattened for a smooth face, and the strand and sheet thickness for the load and span.
- Material / alloy: Select the alloy for the environment — 304 for general use, 316L for chlorides, food and chemicals, brass or copper for shielding, and Monel, Inconel or Hastelloy for marine, acid and high-temperature service.
- Environment: For damp, coastal, chemical or high-temperature service move up to 316L or a nickel alloy; for dry indoor duty 304 or a coated steel is usually enough.
- Standard: This product is supplied to DIN 791 / ASTM F1267. Quoting the standard on your order guarantees interchangeable dimensions and filtration data between suppliers.
Handling & Installation Practice
- Orient the long way of the diamond (LWD) across the span for maximum stiffness, and support the short-way edges.
- Band or frame the cut edges — the strands are sharp — and fix through the bond points, not the strands.
Common Selection Mistakes with Flattened Expanded Metal
- Confusing standard (raised) with flattened expanded metal — raised has a three-dimensional grip texture, flattened is smooth and lower.
- Loading the short way of the diamond, where the mesh is weakest, instead of the long way.
Where Flattened Expanded Metal Is Not the Right Choice
Not for precise particle separation (the aperture is not a controlled filtration opening) and not where a perfectly flat, smooth surface is required.