Perforated metal
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 05 70 00
Applications
- Equipment enclosures
- Operable sun shades
- Guardrail infill panels
- Service/weather rolling door
- Slip resistant stair treads
- Dividers
- Architectural Accents
- Interior Ornamentation
- Lighting Enclosures
- Security Ceilings
- HVAC
- Filtration
Emerging uses / trends
- Interior partitions
- Magnetic walls
- Furniture
- Acoustical wall and ceiling panels
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- The variety of possible shapes is limited only by the designer’s imagination. Some possible perforations include round holes, square holes, rectangles, triangles, slots, and decorative patterns.
- Typically, perforated metals are aluminum, stainless steel, copper, or carbon (plain) steel.
- Custom colors and finishes are available, like a powder coat, or dry paint finish.
- To prevent corrosion, Hot Alkaline Salt Solutions or Alkaline Additions are added.
- Aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, tin, copper, and titanium do not need additional protection because they are naturally protected surfaces. However, if metals with different chemical properties are used, acid oxidation erosion must be inhibited by adding corrosion resistance.
- Either honed or polished surfaces
Surface forms / shapes
- Comes in sheets or rolls.
- It is cut or sheared to the desired size. Typically a +/- 1/8” standard shearing tolerance exists.
- Perforated metal is formable, but is not self-supporting, so it needs structural support. The number of connection points depends on the vertical load dispersion.
- Methods of attaching include Standard Hook Flanges, Welded Hook Flanges, Bolts, Joints, or Brackets.
Standard Dimensions
- Standard stock size sheets (36” x 96”, 36” x 120”, 48” x 96”, 48” x 120”).
- Thicknesses vary, but typical widths include 1/8", 3/16”, 1/4”, 5/16”, or 3/8”.
Price per Square Foot
- Varies greatly, but an approximate average is $2 - $5.
- On large orders you can lower cost by specifying “standard” tolerances. Standard tolerance is +/- 10%. So on an order of 50 sheets with a “standard” tolerance, you would receive at least 45 sheets and no more than 55 sheets.
- Other cost influences include material type, material thickness, hole shape and pattern, hole size, open areas; if possible stay under 70%, stick to standards.
- $5-$20
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Applied
Material performance
- Attractive appearance
- Easily shaped
- Lightweight and durable
Opening restriction
- Perforated metal can be cut to create an opening, but needs to be fixed to a supporting structure with brackets, flanges, or joints.
- Can be custom cut to form any shape and size.
Acoustic property
- Highly transmittable
Manufacturing process and assembly
- The metal is put into a Modern Broad Press, a Strip Press, or a CNC (computerized numerical control) punching machine, where the sheet or roll is punched to create the perforations. It is possible to punch holes from 1mm to approx. 500 mm. After the punching process, the metal needs to be straightened because of the perforation energy.
- The balance of the presses can be set up to accommodating almost any punching configuration desired. Typical metal sheets are made of Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass, Muntz Metal, Aluminum, and plastic.
Special Installation Issues
- Unpleasant noises can be produced by thermal expansion at points where metal components are in contact. This is avoided by placing plastic spacers at the various points of contact.
- When delivering or storing, separate layers because even small kinks in the metal create visual flaws.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
Sustainability, Off-gasing issues Maintenance/Resilience/Durability
Metals are among the basic materials the earth is made up of. Perforated metals are maintained by dusting or cleaning with specialty metal cleaning products.
The durability and resiliency depend on the thickness of the metal, and the size and shape of the perforations. The more open space, the weaker the metal becomes.
In interior applications, surface stains can often be removed with chemical cleansers. In exterior applications, acid rain, industrial pollution, and exhaust fumes may cause severe deterioration.
Veins can cause weak points that might cause cracking or crumbling.
Flammability rating
- Varies based on particular
metals. 10 minute ratings, and most commonly non-conbustable.
Coefficient of friction
- Varies from 0.6 - 0.15
Abrasion Resistance
- A minimum of .35C and a minimum of 1.20 mm
References
Notes
Student contributions
- Heather Patnode, Fall 2005
- Meaghan Oneil, Spring 2007
- Hazel Echevarria, Spring 2008
- Laura Harrison, Spring 2010
See also
Similar materials
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Stainless steel
- Metal ceiling panels
- 3-dimensional ceiling system
- Acoustic wall panels
Building references
- Kiss & Cathcart Architects
44 Court Street Tower C Brooklyn NY 11201
- conTEMPorary
14 Charles Lane New York City 10014
External links
Additional resources
General material resources
Bell, Victoria Ballard and Patrick Rand. Materials for Design. New York: 2006.
Ojeda, Oscar Riera and Mark Pasnik. Materials: Architecture in Detail. Glouster, MA: Rockport Publishers, 2003.
Van Hinte, Ed. Material World:Innovative Structures and Finishes for Interiors. Amsterdam: Frame Publishers.
Kaltenbach, Frank. Detail Practice: Translucent Material: Glass, Synthetic Materials, Metal. Birkhauser, 2004.
Leading manufacturers
- McNichols
- Hendrick Corporation
- Chemetal Company
- Ametco Manufacturing Corporation
- Argus Steel Products
- Accurate Perforating
