Perforated Sheets
Perforated sheets are planes of metal that have been punched or stamped with holes or other shapes in a pattern or series. While “sheet” is not a quantitative descriptive term, it is usually used in reference to comparatively thin metal planes. Perforated metal sheets are generally lightweight and feature higher load-bearing capacity than wire mesh, expanded metal, and other alternatives to perforated metal.
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Applications of Perforated Sheets
Perforated sheet metal is used in a wide variety of different industries, including:
- Automotive
- Lighting
- Architecture
- Construction
- Agriculture
- Petrochemical Development
- Mining
- Defense Contracting
- Interior Design
Some of the most common perforated metal sheet constructions are:
- Vents
- Filters
- Lighting Fixtures
- Screens
- Sunshades
- Facades
- Ceiling and Wall Panels
- Room Dividers
- Fireplace Screens
- Outdoor Furniture
Perforated sheet metal can also be used as a component in acoustical dampening systems in recording studios and large, noisy transportation venues like train stations and subway stops. A wide assortment of other products like baskets, cooking tools, and trash cans can all be made out of perforated sheet metal. Because of the versatility of the material, there are few limits to the possibilities for its application.
Perforated Sheet Design and Customization
There are many different kinds of perforations, and they are employed depending on the application for which the metal is intended.
These different kinds of perforations include:
- Circles
- Squares
- Triangles
- Hexagons
- Clover Leaves
- Diamonds
- Custom Shapes
The size, quantity, and spacing of perforations determine the function of the finished product. Perforated screens feature a very high number of perforations in close proximity to each other, which gives them a greater amount of transparency than other configurations. Stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and zinc can all be formed into perforated sheets.
Equipment Used in Manufacturing Perforated Sheets
There are two types of presses used to perforate sheet metal: all-cross punch presses and sectional two-axis punching presses. All-cross punch presses are made for simple, repetitive patterns that expand across the whole sheet. These metal shaping machines use rams in the shape of the desired pattern to puncture the thin sheet of metal. Sectional two-axis punching presses are employed in the punching of more complex and custom patterns. Sectional two-axis presses move metal sheets under a stationary punching ram to produce holes that are non-repetitive. They are usually computer controlled and can produce designs with high precision.