Sheet metal is an incredibly versatile material, with many uses across the industry, Perforated sheets are a variation of traditional sheet metal, with a few niche but vital applications.
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We have put together this guide to allow you to understand more about perforated sheets, including where they are commonly used and how they are made.
What is perforated sheet and how is it made?
Sheet metal is a thin and flat material used across the industry, found in everything from cars to computers. Perforated sheet is this but with many holes punched in, at regular patterns.
Perforated sheet can have a few different shaped holes in it, including squares, rectangles and oblongs, but the most common type is circular holes, usually on a staggered pattern. This is done for ease of manufacture, aesthetics, and strength.
Perforated sheets are made by punching holes in regular sheet metal, this is done using either CNC-controlled or mechanically-controlled automated punching machines.
What sheet material can be perforated?
Almost any material that exists as sheet metal can be punched to produce perforated sheets, but the most commonly used are steel and aluminum. Perforated sheets can be bought in a range of thicknesses from 0.019&#; to 0.250&#; thick.
Sheet sizes typically follow the standard sheet metal sizes, but at Metal Supermarkets we can cut to any size you require.
What are the uses of using perforated sheets?
Perforated sheets find many uses across many industries, the below is far from an exhaustive list!
Automotive uses for perforated sheet
- Exhaust baffling &#; perforated sheet is often used inside mufflers, to both dissipate sound waves and to allow wadding to be contained, without impeding gas flow.
- Speaker grilles &#; this is typically made from thin aluminum sheets.
Construction and architectural uses of perforated sheet
- Facades on buildings &#; aluminum or painted steel perforated sheet is sometimes used as a feature on the front of modern buildings, providing both an interesting design feature as well as acoustic damping.
- As aggregate filters &#; Heavy perforated sheet as part of a filtration system is often used when landscaping on construction sites, allowing grading of bulk materials into particle size.
Perforated sheet used in acoustic applications
- Acoustic panels &#; Perforated sheets can be used to dampen, reflect or dissipate sound waves, when installed as part of an acoustic barrier. These are usually placed on walls and ceilings of sound-critical rooms such as recording studios.
- Acoustic equipment framework &#; As an integral part of a sound system, perforated sheet can enhance the performance of sound equipment, whilst providing structural support and encasement of the electronic components.
Perforated sheet in bespoke fabrications
- Cooling and ventilation &#; Panels on electrical equipment are often made from perforated sheet, to allow closing off from people and objects but also allow good airflow for cooling.
- Store displays &#; another use that makes the holes in the sheet a feature, some shop display designers have used perforated sheets to break up the design of a store display.
Filtration in the water & waste management industry
- Filters and screens &#; the small holes in a perforated sheet and their range availability are ideal for making filters and screens. They can allow water and small particles to pass through whilst stopping larger debris.
- Staged filtration &#; as the hole size and frequency are customizable, a perforated sheet can be used to produce stages of filtration, blocking smaller and smaller particles as the fluid passes through the system.
What are the benefits of using perforated sheets?
Cost
Mesh screens can be made using laser cutting, whilst this process allows more customization, it can be prohibitively expensive. A perforated sheet is an extremely economical way to allow filtration, air flow, or any of the other uses mentioned above, in an off-the-shelf package.
Workability
If bespoke shapes and sizes are needed, perforated sheets can still be processed by laser, guillotine, and press brake as regular sheet metal is. To read more about these processing methods, we have a great guide here.
A wide range of sizes for all applications
The selection of thicknesses and material options allow its use in both light and heavy-duty applications, from painted architectural or design features to corrosion-resistant filtration devices.
With the smallest available hole size being 0.063&#; and the largest being 2.0&#;, there is sure to be a type of perforated sheet to suit your needs!
At Metals Supermarket we carry both mild steel and aluminum perforated sheets, in a wide variety of thicknesses. Check them all out or find your nearest store here.
Perforated metal panels is a popular choice by both contractors and homeowners for its unique style and wide variety of uses.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we offer perforated products including perforated metal panels, perforated coil, and perforated flat sheets in addition to our large selection of non-perforated metal roofing and siding panels.
This article goes over what perforated metal can be used for as well as considerations to make before you decide whether or not perforated metal is right for your project.
Perforated metal coil
What Are Perforated Metal Panels?
Perforated metal panels are steel panels that consist of a pattern of small holes or shapes throughout the surface. These openings have a mesh like appearance that have several benefits including allowing airflow and light to pass through while also creating an eye-catching aesthetic appeal. Perforated metal panels are just as popular for their appearance as they are for their function.
Corrugated Perforated Metal Panel
How Are Perforated Metal Panels Made?
The process begins with a metal coil that is turned into flat sheets. From there, the sheet metal is mechanically stamped or laser cut to create the desired patterns or hole shape in the steel.
Perforated Metal Panel Specifications
Each perforated panel will specify:
- The perforated pattern
- Hole size
- Staggered pattern (amount of space between each hole)
- The open area
Perforated pattern
The open area is a percentage that represents how much of the metal has been removed, or how much of the panel is &#;open&#;.
For example, if a panel has a .127 size holes and the stagger is 7/32", then the open area is 30.5 %, meaning that roughly 70% of the metal panel remains after the perforations have been made in the panel.
What Are Perforated Metal Panels Used For?
Perforated metal panels have many uses including:
- Roof coverings for patios or shade structures
- Soundproofing/ acoustic wall panels
- Windscreens
- Fences
- Ceilings
- Interior design accents
- Building cladding
- Partitions
- Stair treads
- Metal screens
- Signage
- Filters
We discuss some of the more popular uses in greater detail below for both exterior perforated metal panels and interior perforated metal panels.
Perforated Metal Fence
A perforated metal fence has a unique style that does not give total privacy, but rather allows for some airflow and sunlight while still serving as a barrier. It&#;s common to see perforated metal fences used for wind screens, equipment screens, parks, sports complexes, and other outdoor commercial areas.
Perforated Metal Roofing
It seems funny that you would use a metal roofing panel with holes, but it makes sense in certain situations. Normally, perforated roofing panels are used in a canopy application in which weather tightness is not an issue. The perforated canopy will provide both shade and airflow. In addition, it looks great.
Perforated Metal Ceiling
Using perforated metal on a ceiling not only creates visual interest, but it also serves an important purpose when it comes to sound. Perforations in ceiling panels actually help reduce noise by absorbing the sound in a room. It&#;s more common to see perforated metal ceilings in public areas where there is more heavy foot traffic and noise as opposed to inside of private residences.
Perforated Metal Facade
Perforated metal facade is decorative architectural cladding that serves a large variety of uses.
For more information, please visit gaite.
Perforated Corten AZP Raw Facade
Incorporating perforated metal onto a commercial building can:
- Allow natural sunlight in
- Reduce noise
- Enhance curb appeal
- Create more privacy
- Increase design options for architects
Perforated Metal Guardrail
Photo credit: DeMax
A perforated metal guardrail or railing system is a unique and attractive alternative to more conventional railings. Perforated railings create an illusion of a space being more open since you are able to see through the material.
Pros Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Design And Aesthetic Appeal
- Enhances Energy Efficiency
- Soundproofing
- Exceptional strength
- Lightweight
Design And Aesthetic Appeal
Whether you&#;re using perforated aluminum, steel, copper, or zinc, metal with perforations has an eye-catching and unique aesthetic that fits with almost all design styles. People love to use decorative perforated metal in their projects because of how it enhances the visual appeal of the space where it's being installed. It&#;s a versatile product that has a seemingly endless amount of ways it can be used.
Enhances Energy Efficiency
Perforated metal helps regulate temperatures which in turn makes your cooling systems not have to work as hard. It deflects heat build up while also allowing for ventilation and the admittance of natural sunlight.
Soundproofing
Perforated metal helps diffuse sound. When used along a ceiling, it helps reduce echoes.
Strength And Durability
The structural strength of perforated sheet metal is greater than many other building materials. It has an inherent strength that provides great durability and resistance to the elements when used in exterior applications.
Perforated Metal Is A Lightweight Material
Metal panels are already known for being lightweight. Now remove 10-40% of that panel, and you have perforated metal. Since the hole patterns remove some of the metal, it makes the perforated panels even lighter than non-perforated panels which makes them easier to transport and install.
Cons Of Perforated Metal Panels
- Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
- Higher Cost
Perforated Metal Panels Are Hard To Find For Smaller Projects
Perforated panels and perforated sheet metal are much easier to find for larger projects which are generally those that are 5,000- 10,000 pounds or greater.
For a smaller project, or a project that is less than 5,000 pounds, ordering perforated panels is too expensive to justify for a smaller job. You will have to find a manufacturer or supplier that keeps perforated panels in stock which can be difficult. On top of that, you will be limited in the colors you have to choose from for a small project.
At Western States Metal Roofing, we can make any panel or color we sell perforated for larger jobs. However, we also keep the following perforated metal in stock and available for smaller projects:
Perforated Metal Panel
Gauge (Thickness)
Galvalume®
20 Gauge, 24 Gauge
Painted Polar White
24 Gauge
A606-4 (Aka Corten)
22 Gauge
Painted Corten AZP Raw
24 Gauge
Perforated Metal Panel Cost Is Higher Than Standard Metal Panels
Perforated metal comes at a premium price point compared to other types of metal panels. The cost of perforated metal panels can range anywhere from 50% higher to double the amount of non-perforated metal panels.
Request A Quote For Perforated Metal Sheet Or Perforated Metal Panels
Using perforated metal in your construction projects brings a variety of functional and aesthetic benefits, making it one of the most popular and unique metal products on the market today.
Ready to purchase your perforated metal products? Get your project started by taking the first step and request a free quote today.
Want more information on perforated mechanical guard mesh? Feel free to contact us.