A distinctive architectural feature that has become a hallmark of any industrial or factory building is the mesh metal floor. These types of floors are a common and unmistakable feature that differentiates a factory building from a common residential or office one. Apart from floors, metal gratings are utilized in diverse architectural structures such as grills, bridges, emergency fire exits, sewer lids, fences, staircases, and much more. Metals commonly used in making these gratings are aluminum, iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. A fine quality metal grating for a floor should be sturdy enough to bear a load and be a non-slippery surface that provides enough grip for people as well as wheeled trolleys without the risk of accidents. In this blog, we are going to explore different types of metal gratings and their applications.
Popular Metal Grating Types
When it comes to industrial applications, there are primarily seven types of metal gratings that cater to a wide range of user requirements. They are constructed from different types of metals for varying levels of strength. The distinctive design patterns of the gratings also serve a functional purpose.
Expanded Metal Grating
This kind of metal grating is forged from a metal plate. A series of slits are made on the metal plate, and then the metal plate is stretched to widen the slits making the plate into a mesh. Since stretching is a vital process in the manufacture of this grating, it is called expanded metal mesh. The stretching gives a rhombic grid-like pattern to the metal plate. This pattern provides a non-slippery grip for flooring purposes. Commonly used materials to produce this metal grating are steel, aluminum, and carbon steel. The manufacture of this type of grating is really cheap; hence it is the most affordable compared to other grating types. Cold rolling of the steel is also done during the manufacturing process to give a finishing touch which makes the surface smoother and shinier.
Widespread uses of expanded metal grating consist of flooring of industrial facilities, protection fences, and mesh stairs.
Metal Bar Grating
This is the type of mesh that most people are familiar with and is most commonly utilized in many places. The design consists of parallel bars joined to vertical bars making an interconnected checked pattern. The joining of the bars is achieved by different methods like welding, press fitting, riveting and press fitting. Steel and aluminum are the most popular types of metal used for the manufacture of bar grating. A typical steel grating manufacturer decides the type of joining method of metal bars by reviewing multiple factors like the bar thickness, material type available, and budget.
Metal bar grating is known for its high strength and is therefore used in making fire escape staircases, walk bridges, and covering road drains in road drainage systems.
Wire Mesh
Grating
Wire mesh grating, also known as wire cloth, is a metal mesh formed using interconnected rows and columns of metal wires. It is available in two designs. One design involves wire mesh that is welded at points where rows and columns intersect each other. The other design consists of rows and columns of interconnected wires that are woven like cloth threads and rise and fall at intersection points in a wave-like pattern.
Due to its easy installation methods, adaptable design, and strength and elasticity, it has diverse applications in making filters, ventilators, and protection fences.
Perforated Grating
Another metal grating that is instantly recognizable by many people and is quite common is perforated metal grating, also called perforated screens. The design pattern involves holes of a specific size or shape, which are formed by punching or stamping a metal sheet. High-quality metals like stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum are used to prepare this metal grille. The stamping of holes is done using industrial methods like rotary pinning and laser cutting.
Perforated mesh metal is typically used in making ventilation sheets, sound insulation, and metal partitions in buildings where visibility between rooms is important. It is particularly preferred due to its lightweight nature and durability.
Safety Metal
Grating
Forged using steel or aluminum, this metal grille has design features consisting of diamond-shaped narrow slits. These slits are essential for providing extra traction. The edges of diamond-shaped slits are connected by the metal sheet giving the sheet a rough surface that is good for an increased grip and increasing friction. For providing flooring for ramps and inclines, this type of metal grille is perfect. Not only does it provide a secure grip, but the slits prevent the floor from getting wet and slippery by draining any liquid. Steel grating like this is also used to create a security fence that provides visibility at both ends and is tough.
Composite Metal Grating
Another variation of the metal grille that is used for floors is composite metal grids. These grilles are a hybrid of two grating types: steel plate grating and bar metal grating. They are made using a bar metal grate attached to a steel plate grid for a multi-purpose design. The steel plates normally range in thickness levels from 3mm to 6mm.
Press Locked Metal Grating
This grating is made using a stamped metal bar that already has slits made at regular gaps. The metal bars lock in together. That is why they are called press-locked grating. The cross bars have a smooth surface and finished top edges, giving it a visually appealing style. The important part of using this manufacturing method is that grating of variable check-sized openings is available. So you can select from a range of pattern sizes that suits a particular purpose.
Some Common Metal Grating Applications
- In buildings, metal meshes are used to make flooring for a range of structures like walkways, mezzanines, balconies, and platforms.
- Another vital use of steel gratings is in water filtration systems. Metal grilles can filter out large-sized trash from the water, such as boxes, plastic bags, and debris.
- Whether it is a residential or industrial property, a wire mesh can be used as a security barrier to prevent trespassing as it is durable and strong.
