Architectural Perforated Metal
There are a wide range of fancy, complex and ornamental patterns to choose from when designing an architectural component with perforated metal. Some products like sunscreens, doors and facades use perforated metal to provide partial shade from the sun while still letting in some light. Other building components like wall panels, room divides, ceiling panels, signage, building cladding, infill panels, lighting covers, company logos and graphic symbols are made of perforated metal simply because of the style and aesthetic look. Outdoor benches and stairs are often manufactured out of perforated metals not only as a design choice, but also to prevent rainwater and snow from building up and creating a hazard.
All perforated metal, whether made for decorative or practical purposes in any industry, is manufactured by a punching press. Rolls of sheet metal are first fed into the press. Large punches with the hole pattern puncture the metal at anywhere from 50 to 400 strokes per minute, depending on the thickness and strength of the metal. For more complex and custom made punch designs, a CNC machine is used to carry out the pattern with more precision and detail. Perforated metal manufacturers offer many different punch patterns, including standard round holes as well as square, oval, slotted, fish scale, hexagon, cross, diamond and triangle shapes. Custom made patterns are also available for a higher price, as specially made punches are used to carry out the unique pattern. Custom made perforated metal product design incorporates the sheet metal dimensions, the type of material and the punch pattern to produce a one-of-a-kind metal product. After the punching process is complete, the perforated metal is often galvanized in a bath of molten zinc, which enhances corrosion resistance properties. The metal may also be painted any color or coated with a thermoplastic.
