Expanded metal mesh is a coil of thin metal that has been precisely slit and stretched to form a uniform, mesh-like material with a regular pattern of openings (often diamond-shaped). Unlike woven wire mesh, expanded metal is made from a single piece of metal that is never completely cut—this creates a one-piece mesh with no welded joints, resulting in excellent conductivity and structural integrity.
The example above shows a fine micro-expanded metal foil with miniature diamond-shaped openings.
CThru Metals specializes in micro expanded metal products, sometimes called expanded metal foil, which are made from very thin gauges of metal to create extremely fine meshes. The expanded metal process produces a material that offers precision, valuable in applications like lightning strike protection, current collection, filtration and EMI shielding— with significant weight savings compared to solid sheet metal (since much of the sheet becomes open area).
Expanded metal’s combination of strength and low weight makes it ideal for aerospace, energy storage, and other high-performance industries. Specifications are critical when discussing expanded metal because they determine the mesh’s performance characteristics—everything from filtration efficiency and airflow to structural rigidity and weight per area depends on getting the specs right.
In this post, we’ll explore the key expanded metal mesh specifications—such as SWD, LWD, strand width, gauge, open area, and more—and explain how to choose the right spec for your application.
Key Expanded Metal Specifications & Definitions
When reviewing expanded metal mesh specifications, you’ll encounter a variety of technical terms and acronyms. Understanding these definitions is important for engineers to correctly specify the mesh and ensure it meets the application’s requirements. If you’ve ever wondered about SWD’s meaning or LWD’s meaning on a spec sheet, here we clarify those and other key expanded metal terms:
LWD stands for “long way of the diamond,” referring to the length of the longer diagonal of each diamond opening. It is measured from the center of one node to the center of the next node along the long axis of the diamond. LWD is typically larger than SWD, since it’s the longer dimension of the diamond shape.
A larger LWD yields greater overall open area and can improve airflow or visibility through the mesh. But it can also make the mesh less flexible and more rigid along the long axis. Conversely, a smaller LWD (closer in size to the SWD) results in a more uniform, square-like opening and can enhance the mesh’s strength because the strands are closer together.
. SWD(Short Way of the Diamond)
SWD stands for “short way of the diamond.” This refers to the length of the shorter diagonal of each diamond-shaped opening, typically measured from the center of one node (intersection of strands) to the center of the adjacent node along the short axis of the diamond.
In simpler terms, it’s the short dimension of each opening including the material between nodes. A smaller SWD generally means a tighter mesh (more diamonds per area), which can increase the mesh’s flexibility in one direction and create a finer filtration screen. A larger SWD means the diamonds are elongated in the short direction, usually making the mesh slightly more rigid along that axis and reducing the number of openings per area. The SWD is critical for applications that need a certain mesh density or are concerned with how the mesh will flex or drape in the direction of the short diagonal.
Together, SWD and LWD define the basic geometry of the expanded mesh openings and are usually given in inches or millimeters. For example, an expanded metal spec might list SWD = 0.25″ and LWD = 0.50″ for a certain mesh pattern.
. SWO and LWO (Short Way of Opening, Long Way of Opening)
These terms refer to the clear opening size of the mesh. SWO is the short way of opening, meaning the distance between the inner edges of the strands along the short diagonal. LWO is the long way of opening, the distance between inner strand edges along the long diagonal.
In other words, SWO/LWO measure only the open gap, whereas SWD/LWD measure from center-to-center of nodes (including the material). For any given mesh, SWO is slightly smaller than SWD (by roughly one strand width), and LWO is smaller than LWD. These opening dimensions are very relevant for filtration and open area.
For example, if you’re designing a filter and need to block particles above a certain size, you would look at the SWO/LWO to know the actual free space a particle could pass through. Similarly, for applications like architectural screens or EMI shielding, SWO/LWO tell you how much light or electromagnetic waves can pass. Designers will specify SWO/LWO when the exact aperture size is critical to the function (whereas SWD/LWD are used for the overall mesh pitch including the strands).
. Strand Width (SW)
Strand width is the width of the metal strips that make up the sides of each diamond opening (the material between the openings). In the expansion process, strand width corresponds to how much metal remains after slitting and stretching. A wider strand width means each “ligament” of metal is broader. This has a direct effect on strength and open area: wider strands yield a stronger, more rigid mesh (since there’s more metal mass in the pattern) but they reduce the open area percentage (because thicker strands take up more space, leaving smaller gaps). Narrow strands increase the open area and improve airflow or transparency, but the mesh will be less robust and may be more prone to deformation. Engineers will choose a strand width based on the needed balance between strength and open area. For example, a heavy load-bearing platform might use an expanded metal with thick, wide strands for maximum strength, whereas a fine filter or shielding mesh uses very thin strands to maximize open space. (Note: Strand width is different from strand thickness – width is the measurement in the plane of the coil, while thickness is the gauge of the metal.)
. Thickness (Gauge)
The thickness of expanded metal is essentially the thickness of the original sheet or coil before expansion, often expressed as a gauge or in millimeters or inches. This is sometimes called strand thickness. For standard (raised) expanded metal, the final thickness is approximately twice the strand width. In flattened expanded metal, the coil is run through flattening rolls after expansion to make it flat; this process compresses the strands a bit, so the finished thickness of a flattened mesh is usually close to the original metal thickness.
When specifying expanded metal, one should clarify if the thickness refers to original material thickness or final mesh thickness (especially for flattened mesh). CThru Metals specializes in ultra-thin expanded metal foil, which can be made from extremely thin gauges. Standard expanded metal products might use thicker gauges (e.g. 16 gauge, 0.062″ steel, or even heavier for grating). In contrast, micro expanded metal foil is made from foils just a few thousandths of an inch thick. Our advanced expanding technology can produce metal foils as thin as around 25–50 microns (0.025–0.05 mm) into mesh.
Thinner gauge expanded mesh yields a very lightweight product which is excellent for weight-sensitive applications like aerospace, but handling and supporting such thin mesh requires precision (it’s flexible and delicate compared to thicker meshes). Always note whether a thickness spec is “pre-expansion” (the raw material gauge) or “post-expansion” (for flattened mesh or final product) to avoid confusion.
. Open Area (%)
Open area is the percentage of the total sheet area that is open space (the holes) after the metal is expanded. It is calculated based on the strand width, strand thickness, and SWD/LWD of the pattern. For example, a pattern might be specified as having 70% open area, meaning 70% of the mesh is empty space and 30% is metal strands.
Open Area is a critical spec for many functional reasons: if you need maximum airflow or fluid flow through the mesh (like in ventilation panels or filters), a high open area percentage is desirable. High open area also correlates with better visibility through the mesh (important for applications like security screens or window guards where you want to see through the mesh). However, increasing open area (by using thinner/narrower strands or larger openings) will reduce the mesh’s strength. Engineers must strike the right balance—just enough open area to meet airflow or filtration targets, while still retaining sufficient metal for strength.
Expanded metal can be made with open areas from just a few percent (very heavy, secure meshes) up to over 90% (extremely fine, thin meshes used for things like EMI shielding or battery current collectors). Knowing the required open area helps in selecting the SWD, LWD, and strand dimensions that achieve that target.
. Material Weight (Weight per Area)
Expanded metal is often specified with a nominal weight per unit area, such as pounds per square foot (lbs/ft²) or grams per square meter (g/m²). Because expanded metal removes a lot of material to form openings, it provides a huge weight advantage. For standard expanded metal used in construction, weight might be given in lbs per 100 square feet, for instance.
For expanded metal foil (micro-mesh), it’s common to use grams per square meter since the material is so light. For example, an ultra-thin expanded aluminum mesh might weigh only ~30 g/m² (versus a solid aluminum sheet of the same thickness which would be many times heavier). Weight per area is a handy spec for engineers concerned with overall system weight or comparing materials. In aerospace and automotive design, specifying a lighter mesh (lower g/m²) can contribute to fuel efficiency and performance. Keep in mind that material type affects weight too (steel is heavier than aluminum for the same geometry; copper is heavier than aluminum but offers other benefits like conductivity).
When comparing expanded metal options, consider both the open area and the base material density to get the weight-per-area. CThru’s expanded metal foils are designed for lightweight design optimization — for instance, our thin expanded titanium or aluminum foils provide the necessary strength or conductivity at a fraction of the weight of a traditional expanded sheet.
In summary, these specifications (SWD, LWD, SWO, LWO, strand width, thickness, open area, and weight) define an expanded metal mesh’s geometry and performance. An engineer will use these parameters to ensure the mesh meets the precision requirements of the project. For example, specifying the correct SWO/LWO ensures your filter will catch particles of the right size; choosing the right strand width and gauge will make sure the mesh supports structural loads; and targeting the appropriate open area and weight will meet goals for airflow and weight savings.
Understanding this terminology will also help you communicate with suppliers and compare products accurately.
Choosing the Right Micro Expanded Mesh Specs for Your Application
With an understanding of the key specs, the next step is selecting the right expanded metal mesh specification for your specific application. Micro expanded metal (ultra-fine foil mesh) offers a lot of tunability to meet different design goals. Here is a simple guide for engineers on how to choose specs based on various project objectives:
If you need maximum airflow or visibility:
Choose a mesh with a high Open Area %. This usually means a pattern with larger openings (higher SWD/LWD relative to strand width) and/or thinner strands. For instance, a mesh meant for a speaker grill or an air ventilation panel might have 80%+ open area to allow sound and air to pass freely. Keep in mind you may sacrifice some rigidity, so ensure the frame or mounting supports the mesh if it’s very open. High open area meshes will have higher SWO and LWO values and small strand widths.
If structural strength is a priority:
Opt for a spec with wider strand width and possibly a smaller opening pattern. A thicker (lower gauge number) metal and a tighter diamond pattern (lower SWD/LWD values) means more metal is present to carry load. Materials like steel or stainless steel expanded mesh are often chosen for strength-critical applications (e.g. platforms, protective guards) because of their high yield strength and the mesh can be specified with heavy strand widths. While this reduces open area, it provides a tough, rigid mesh. For example, a stainless steel expanded sheet with 50% open area and thick strands can support considerable weight and resist impact better than a mesh with 80% open area.
For lightweight designs:
Use thin-gauge expanded metal foil and specify a low weight per area (g/m²). Materials like aluminum and titanium are excellent for minimizing weight. An ultra-thin aluminum expanded foil with, say, 75% open area can be incredibly light while still offering needed functionality (as seen in aerospace applications like aircraft lightning strike protection mesh). When weight is crucial, also consider the pattern: a moderately open pattern with just enough metal to hold shape will give you the best weight-to-strength ratio. CThru Metals produces expanded foils in very thin gauges (down to ~25 micron thick), enabling extremely lightweight meshes. Checking the material weight spec in the product data will help you compare how light different options are.
If corrosion resistance or environmental durability is needed:
Select a material such as stainless steel or aluminum (which can be anodized for extra protection) for your expanded mesh. The specifications like SWD/LWD, etc., can remain based on your mechanical needs, but material choice becomes key. For instance, in a marine or chemical environment, you might choose an expanded titanium or stainless steel mesh with the right opening size to avoid rust and degradation. Coatings can also be applied to expanded metal, but using a corrosion-resistant base metal is often preferable for longevity. So in choosing specs, ensure the material type (and any surface treatment) is noted along with the mesh pattern dimensions.
For EMI/RFI shielding applications:
Prioritize electrical conductivity and appropriate opening size. Copper and aluminum expanded foils are commonly used for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding because of their excellent conductivity. A micro expanded metal foil with very fine openings (small SWO/LWO) can effectively block high-frequency electromagnetic waves while still allowing air flow for cooling.When selecting a mesh for shielding, you should consider the frequency range to block – smaller openings and thicker material increase shielding effectiveness (though at the cost of transparency and weight). Copper expanded metal foil, for example, provides a good balance of conductivity and malleability, and it can be made in a tight mesh pattern to enhance EMI attenuation. Aluminum foil mesh is also used in Faraday cages and enclosures due to its light weight and conductivity (often with a slightly larger pattern if weight saving is paramount).In summary, choose a high-conductivity metal and a mesh pattern fine enough that the openings are significantly smaller than the wavelengths of concern for optimal EMI/RFI shielding performance.
In practice, you may need to balance multiple factors. For example, a fuel cell or battery might require a very light and highly conductive expanded metal current collector (favoring thin copper or aluminum foil with high open area), but it also needs enough structural integrity to be handled in manufacturing (so not too fragile). Or an expanded metal filter in an HVAC system needs both good airflow (open area) and a certain stiffness to hold its shape. The good news is that with modern micro-expanded metal technology, you can fine-tune these parameters. At CThru Metals, we offer a wide range of expanded metal foil options in different materials and specifications to meet these diverse needs. Whether it’s ultra-thin copper mesh for electronics or sturdy stainless mesh for industrial filtration, our team can help you identify the optimal spec for your goals.
Contact CThru Metals for Custom Expanded Metal Foil Solutions
Choosing the right expanded metal mesh specification is easier when you have an experienced partner. CThru Metals prides itself on technical precision in manufacturing expanded metal foil, industry-leading turnaround times, and expert guidance tailored to your application. We understand that every project has unique requirements—whether it’s achieving a specific filtration rating, minimizing weight for aerospace components, or developing a custom mesh for a new technology. Our engineers will work with you to customize diamond sizes (SWD/LWD), strand widths, materials, and more, to ensure you get the perfect mesh for your needs. We maintain tight tolerances and use advanced, proprietary production techniques to deliver high-quality expanded metal products on your timeline.
If you’re ready to discuss a custom expanded metal foil solution or need help selecting the right specifications, we’re here to help. Get in touch with CThru Metals for personalized assistance and quick-turnaround manufacturing. We can take your project from concept to completion with a mesh design optimized for performance and cost-effectiveness.
Selecting the right expanded metal for your project depends on the application’s requirements for strength, durability, appearance, conductivity, and a range of other factors. Because expanded metal is so versatile, we’ve put together this guide to assist engineers on how to choose the ideal expanded metal material based on their specific applications and goals.
Expanded metal is created by slitting and stretching solid sheets of metal into mesh patterns. This process forms a strong structure with uniform openings. Unlike perforated metal, expanded metal does not punch holes through the sheet metal, which produces more waste material. And unlike woven wire mesh, which is made by interlacing individual wires, expanded metal does not unravel and thus offers greater structural integrity.
Comparing Expanded Metal to Other Similar Materials
Expanded metal is often compared to perforated metal and wire mesh:
Expanded Metal vs. Perforated Metal: Expanded metal has higher strength, less scrap waste, better cost efficiency, and typically greater open area.
Expanded Metal vs. Woven Wire Mesh: Expanded metal provides structural integrity without fraying, making it ideal for industrial and precise applications.
Engineers should choose standard expanded metal for heavier duty/structural applications, and expanded metal mesh for projects requiring lightweight and durable solutions as well as current collectors.
Benefits of expanded metal over perforated and woven wire include:
Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio
Enhanced airflow and visibility
Cost-effective manufacturing process
Expanded metal materials will depend on the end use, but commonly include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, nickel, and brass, each offering unique properties such as corrosion resistance or conductivity. Leaders in the space like CThru Metals can also implement specialty materials like monel, phosphor bronze, and silver.
Types of Expanded Metal
Understanding different types of expanded metal ensures the best selection for your project:
Standard Expanded Metal: Ideal for heavy-duty structural applications, standard expanded metal has a slightly raised surface and is suitable for heavy-duty applications requiring stability. Examples include flooring in industrial and commercial areas to make the surface non-slip.
Typical thickness: ½” to 1½”
Typical applications: Metal grates, security fencing, racks or shelving, strainers, speaker grilles, equipment enclosures.
Flattened Expanded Metal: Standard expanded metal can be flattened to provide a smooth, level surface suited and is typically lighter and more agile than standard expanded metal.
Expanded Metal Mesh: Unlike its thicker counterparts, expanded metal mesh requires higher levels of precision and smaller openings for its common end uses. Versatile and extremely lightweight, expanded metal mesh is thinner and flexible with precise openings. It is the material of choice for lightning strike protection, battery electrodes, EMI shielding, filtration, and other precision applications.
Key Selection Factors for Engineers and Manufacturers
When selecting the right type of expanded metal for their project, engineers and manufacturers should consider the following specifications:
Material:
There are various raw material alloys available for expanded metal, each offering its own unique properties and benefits. Consider your application’s requirements for cost, corrosion resistance, density, hardness, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, magnetism, and bend rating when choosing the right expanded metal material. View our guide for more information about the performance, properties, and potential applications of different expanded metal foil materials.
Thickness and Strength:
Today, metals can be expanded with gauges as thin as 25 microns (0.001”) and as large as more than 1 meter in width, with more advanced technologies capable of expanding metals even wider.
Coil Width:
Often, the wider the coil that the expanded metal is wound into, the lower the application cost. Custom expanding and leveling equipment is capable of expanding metal foil as wide as 1 meter or more, or 40+ inches. Some manufacturers, like CThru Metals, can also produce expanded metal that’s cut to length. In this case, the metal is uncoiled, flattened, designed or annealed to custom specifications, and packaged appropriately.
Weight & Length:
Expanded metal is the perfect solution for applications in which weight limitations apply since it is much thinner than other open-area materials. Long coil lengths are possible — only limited by the weight of the finished coil and raw material availability.
Surface Treatments & Coatings:
Important for projects requiring enhanced durability, electrical conductivity, and aesthetics. For example, annealing expanded metal mesh normalizes the material from work hardening in the expanding process.
Opening Patterns & Measurements:
The primary measurements of expanded metal mesh include:
Strand Width (SW): The amount of material that needs to be slit from the parent substrate to create the opening.
Short Way of the Diamond (SWD): The distance from the center of one joint to the center of the adjacent joint across the short axis of the diamond.
Long Way of the Diamond (LWD): The distance from the center of one joint to the center of the adjacent joint across the diamond’s long axis.
It’s also ideal for engineers to select a vendor who not only offers customization in mesh size, materials, and coatings, but who can be a true partner and assist you with selecting the right specifications and manufacturing processes to ensure optimal performance.
For example, selecting the right diamond size and number of openings per square inch will impact the performance of its application. Whether your application’s end use requires corrosion resistance, the ability to disperse electrical currents, or to screen or filter materials, the right expanded metal mesh partner will ask questions to determine the right material based on these requirements and ensure superior performance in its environment.
An industry expert like CThru Metals will guide you through this process during the quoting stage.
CThru Metals: Your Trusted Manufacturer of Lightweight Expanded Metal Mesh & Foil
CThru Metals manufactures lightweight expanded metal mesh in standard diamond sizes from 0.030”- 0.500”, with the number of openings per square inch varying from 25 to 5,000. We can also manufacture your custom expanded metal configuration based on pattern, thickness, width, material, and blanking/forming the design.
Our proprietary expanding process runs faster than our competitors, with CNC-controlled smart technology that manufactures the mesh with greater consistency. As a result, our customers enjoy superior quality and faster delivery at a competitive cost.
Customization & Versatility:
Custom tailored thicknesses, strand widths, and mesh sizes.
Advanced proprietary expanding technology for precision.
Wide Material Range:
Aluminum, copper, stainless steel options.
Solutions for corrosion resistance, conductivity, filtration, and more.
Quality You Can Trust:
Lightweight yet superior performance compared to traditional materials.
CNC-controlled expanding machinery ensuring consistent quality without defects.
Stronger material that lasts and won’t fray or break.
Lower Cost:
Because CThru Metals uses less materials, our customers see savings as high as 50% when compared to competing materials like woven wire mesh.
Fast Lead Times & On-Time Delivery:
Domestic manufacturing capabilities for US clients ensure rapid turnaround.
UK-based distribution center for efficient service in Europe.
Have Questions? Contact CThru Metals for Expert Support
Selecting the right expanded metal significantly impacts your project’s success. At CThru Metals, our mission is to deliver the highest quality, ultra-lightweight expanded metal at a cost to meet every budget. After working in the stamped metals industry for over 35 years, we realized we could provide a much-needed solution to our customers with superior expanded metal at a level of quality that no other competitor could deliver.
Leveraging our engineering expertise, we built our own proprietary equipment to innovate a century-old industry with 21st-century smart technology. The result: lighter, stronger, and better performing material.
Let’s talk through what your project needs today. Contact CThru Metals for expert assistance in choosing the best materials for your engineering needs.
Posted by Ron Delfini on | Comments Off on A Buyer’s Guide to Expanded Metal Mesh Foil
Expanded metal mesh foil offers superior conductivity or resistivity while providing strength and light weight. It has many advantages compared to perforated metal and wire/woven mesh, and its use is beneficial in varying applications.
The main differences between each product type are the manufacturing process, the intended end-use, and the characteristics of the material. Expanded metal foil has unique properties that outperform other perforated and woven wire metals, such as:
Enhanced Stability
Increased Strength
Excellent Conductivity
Reduced Waste Generation
Expanded mesh is the preferred material choice in many industries due to the material’s ability to allow air, light, and fluid to pass through. The uniform diamond pattern creates structural integrity during fabrication, mitigating the risk of unraveling during manufacturing, which is often the case with woven mesh products.
The many advantages of expanded metal foil make it an ideal material choice that is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.
Posted by Ron Delfini on | Comments Off on Visit CThru Metals at The Battery Show
CThru Metals is excited to announce our return to The Battery Show, the annual premier event for the battery and electric vehicle industry. This year’s show is a hybrid event with the Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo, and our team will be available to both battery and EV communities at Booth 323.
Our team will be on site to share our latest product developments in expanded metal mesh. This technology has proven to be critical to battery and electric vehicle applications for its unique ability to provide high-level strength and conductivity, while still allowing air, water and light to pass through.
Join us at the show as we share free samples of our expanded metal mesh materials. Our knowledgeable team will also share videos and other collateral so you can see how expanded metal mesh fits into your applications:
Battery Components: Expanded metal foil is lighter and provides increased formability when compared to solid material. It is a perfect application for current collection due to its superior conductivity and the ability to tune resistivity by adjusting the expanding parameters.
Electric Vehicle Applications: In addition to battery applications, expanded metal foil also offers advantages in the following areas: >> EMI/RFI shielding for vehicle electronics, wiring harnesses, etc. >> Grounding and wiring replacement — works well as a conductive layer in laminated materials. >> Fuel cell construction. >> Weight reduction.
About CThru Metals
Our extensive capabilities in expanded metal foil manufacturing allow us to produce custom metal mesh in a wide range of shapes, thicknesses and configurations. As an industry leader in advanced expanded metal foil solutions, we offer fast lead times and competitive prices using proprietary expanded metal manufacturing equipment that we design and build in-house. This equipment enables us to expand faster with improved control over process parameters.
Posted by Ron Delfini on | Comments Off on Getting Your Expanded Metal Mesh Project Quoted: What You Need to Know
When working with a custom expanded metal mesh supplier, the company you choose should work closely with you to develop a custom product that suits your exact requirements and specifications. This checklist will guide you through the primary information to provide your supplier during the quoting process to ensure they can meet your needs and provide high-quality expanded metal mesh within your timeline.
What to Have Ready for Your Supplier
Before you request a quote from a prospective supplier, have a list of your project needs ready. You should provide information such as:
Type of Raw Material Alloy. There are various raw material alloys available, each offering its own unique properties and benefits. It is crucial to consider your application’s requirements for cost, corrosion resistance, density, hardness, yield strength, tensile strength, elongation, magnetism, bend rating, and more when choosing the right expanded metal material.
Raw Material Thickness. Years ago, metal foil could be expanded as thin as 50 microns and up to 36 inches in width. Today, metals can be expanded down to 30 microns and 40+ inches in width, with more advanced technologies capable of expanding metals even wider.
Coil Width. Creating expanded metal foil involves slitting and stretching a lightweight metal coil to produce a consistent mesh pattern of openings.
Raw Expand Length. Expanded metal is an ideal solution for applications where weight is crucial due to its ability to be produced thinner than alternative open area materials. Long coil lengths are only limited by raw material availability and finished coil weights.
Strand. Key measurements of expanded metal mesh include strand width (SW), short way of the diamond (SWD), and long way of the diamond (LWD).
SW. This refers to the amount of material that should be slit from the parent material to form the opening.
SWD. This refers to the distance from one joint’s center to the adjacent joint’s center across the diamond’s short axis.
LWD. This refers to the distance from one joint’s center to the adjacent joint’s center across the diamond’s long axis.
Leveling. If your project is working with leveled materials, you must provide the thickness of the leveled/flattened material (manufactured material thickness).
Get Your Expanded Metal Mesh Project Quote From CThru Metals
Before you request a quote from a supplier for your expanded metal mesh project, you must gather the necessary information regarding certain measurements and specifications for your project. Everything from the type of alloy required to specific dimensions and more must be provided to ensure the most accurate quoting process.
At CThru Metals, our extensive capabilities in expanded metal manufacturing allow us to produce custom metal mesh in a wide range of shapes, thicknesses, and configurations to meet your specific needs. Our standard diamond sizes range from 0.030’’ to 0.500’’ LWD, with the number of openings ranging between 25 to 5,000 per square inch. As an industry leader in advanced and innovative expanded metal foil solutions, we offer faster lead times and competitive prices using custom expanded metal manufacturing equipment that operates two times faster than standard metal expanding equipment.
For more information about our custom expanded metal mesh capabilities, or to work with us on your next project, request a quote today.
Posted by Ron Delfini on | Comments Off on How CThru Metals Helped Michigan’s Racing Team across the Finish Line
MRacing — the University of Michigan’s Formula SAE team — is tasked each year with designing a formula-style race car to race against other college teams worldwide. This year, the design engineering team wanted to make sure their 36th vehicle was built for strength and speed to compete against fully electric race car competitions in both North America and Europe.
Ranked 5th in the world out of 600 teams, the MRacing team had a reputation to uphold. They reached out to CThru Metals, hoping to leverage our expanded metal foil’s high strength-to-weight ratio to complete the vehicle’s design specifications, and our team was happy to help.
The MRacing vehicle contains carbon fiber throughout its battery pack housing and monocoque chassis. By inserting expanded metal foil under the top ply of the car’s composite layups, the foil acted as a grounding layer across the surface of the carbon fiber parts. Because the car can become conductive, this expanded metal foil solution delivered the dual benefit of shielding the car’s high-voltage electronics in accordance with FSAE regulations, while also allowing the car to maintain top speed and performance.
More on Expanded Metal Foil’s Benefits
Expanded metal foil outperforms woven wire and perforated metals in conductivity, strength, stability and waste generation. More industries and applications are turning to expanded foil for these reasons — CThru’s foil is used in lightning strike protection for aircraft, wind turbine blades, and other carbon fiber uses for batteries, and fuel cells.
From one engineering team to another, we hope our donation of expanded metal foil helps bring the MRacing team another winning season in their upcoming competitions! If you have any questions about how expanded metal foil can assist in your project, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today.
Standard Expanded Metal:
