Expanded Metal Sizes | Complete Standard & Custom Size Guide
ANPING METAL MESH – Full Expanded Metal Sizes Catalog
As a professional China expanded metal mesh manufacturer with 19+ years of experience, we provide a complete guide to expanded metal sizes, including standard diamond openings, sheet sizes, thicknesses, and custom options. Our size range covers micro-fine to heavy-duty industrial patterns. We are also a trusted expanded metal mesh facade supplier offering custom-sized panels for architectural projects worldwide.
Understanding Expanded Metal Size Terminology
Before reviewing expanded metal sizes, it is critical to understand the standard industry terms used to describe dimensions:
SWD (Short Way Diamond) – The shorter diagonal measurement of the diamond opening (the primary “size” of expanded metal).
LWD (Long Way Diamond) – The longer diagonal measurement of the diamond opening (typically 2x the SWD).
Strand Width – The width of the metal strip forming the diamond edges.
Sheet Size – The length and width of the finished expanded metal sheet.
Thickness (Gauge) – The thickness of the base metal sheet before expanding.
All expanded metal sizes follow these global standards (ASTM, EN, ISO).
Standard Expanded Metal Sizes (Diamond Openings)
| SWD Size | LWD Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8" (3mm) | 1/4" (6mm) | Micro filter screens, fine security |
| 1/4" (6mm) | 1/2" (12mm) | Filters, vents, small grilles |
| 1/2" (12mm) | 1" (25mm) | Architectural facades, fencing |
| 3/4" (19mm) | 1 1/2" (38mm) | Machine guards, industrial panels |
| 1" (25mm) | 2" (50mm) | Grating, flooring, platforms |
| 1 1/2" (38mm) | 3" (75mm) | Heavy grating, construction |
| 2" (50mm) | 4" (100mm) | Heavy industrial, structural |
These are the most widely used expanded metal sizes for industrial, architectural, and construction applications.
Standard Sheet Sizes for Expanded Metal
Expanded metal is produced in standard sheet sizes that fit common shipping and fabrication requirements:
US Standard Sheet Sizes
• 4' × 8' (1220mm × 2440mm) – Most common
• 4' × 10' (1220mm × 3050mm)
• 5' × 10' (1525mm × 3050mm)
Metric Standard Sheet Sizes
• 1m × 2m
• 1.2m × 2.4m
• 1.5m × 3m
All standard expanded metal sizes can be cut to custom dimensions at our Anping expanded metal factory.
Expanded Metal Thickness Sizes (Gauge & mm)
Expanded metal thickness is measured in both US Standard Gauge and metric millimeters:
| Gauge | Thickness (mm) | Application Type |
|---|---|---|
| 22ga | 0.7mm | Fine filters, craft |
| 18ga | 1.2mm | Grilles, vents |
| 16ga | 1.5mm | General purpose, fencing |
| 13ga | 2.4mm | Machine guards, panels |
| 11ga | 3.0mm | Grating, flooring |
| 9ga | 3.8mm | Heavy industrial, structural |
| 7ga | 4.8mm | Heavy-duty platforms |
Thickness directly affects strength, weight, and load capacity – thicker expanded metal sizes are used for structural applications.
How to Select the Right Expanded Metal Sizes
Follow these simple guidelines to choose the correct expanded metal sizes for your project:
1. Choose Diamond Opening (SWD)
• Small (1/8"–1/4"): Filtration, security, fine vents
• Medium (1/2"–3/4"): Architectural, fencing, general use
• Large (1"+): Grating, flooring, industrial
2. Choose Thickness
• Light (18–22ga): Decorative, filters
• Medium (13–16ga): General industrial, fencing
• Heavy (7–11ga): Flooring, structural, high-load
3. Choose Sheet Size
• Standard 4'×8' for most projects
• Custom cut sizes for large installations
Custom Expanded Metal Sizes Available
We offer fully customized expanded metal sizes to meet unique project requirements:
• Non-standard diamond openings (custom SWD/LWD)
• Custom sheet lengths and widths (any size)
• Special thicknesses (0.5mm–6mm)
• Cut-to-size panels, strips, and parts
• Rolled, formed, and fabricated sizes
Our custom expanded metal service supports architects, engineers, and contractors with exact expanded metal sizes.
Popular Size Combinations by Application
Architectural Facades: 1/2" SWD × 16ga × 4'×8' flattened
Security Fencing: 1/2" SWD × 13ga × 4'×8' raised
Machine Guards: 3/4" SWD × 13ga × 4'×8'
Industrial Grating: 1" SWD × 11ga × 4'×8'
Filtration Screens: 1/8"–1/4" SWD × 18–22ga
Stucco Lath: 3/8" SWD × 18ga expanded metal lath
Frequently Asked Questions: Expanded Metal Sizes
What is the most common expanded metal size?
What does SWD mean in expanded metal sizes?
Can you supply custom cut expanded metal sizes?
What thickness expanded metal should I use for flooring?
Do you offer metric expanded metal sizes?
Order Custom Expanded Metal Sizes Today
All standard sizes | Custom cut-to-size | Any thickness | Any diamond opening | Global shipping
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