Expanded metals are available in choice of finishes. Greenhouse benches, patio furniture, utility trailers and playground equipment are among the many places that you will find expanded metal with a finished or coated surface.
CLEANING is the first step in a finishing process. Expanded metal is lightly coated with a water-based lubricant therefore will require cleaning prior to finishing. Most finishing services will include cleaning the material prior to processing. Depending on your situation and material type, various cleaning methods are available from mild detergents to sandblasting.
GALVANIZING is a popular and common form of finishing. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW IS ALL FORMS ARE NOT ALIKE. The galvanized finish should cover the entire surface of the material and any exposed or unfinished surfaces should be considered unacceptable. The coating thickness for most applications should be in accordance with ASTM-123 (latest revision) standards. The sheets are dipped in molten zinc and allowed to dry. This may result in a finish with a rough and uneven appearance.
Due to the temperatures that are required to melt the zinc, warping and / or distortion may occur, especially in materials lighter than 18 gauge.
In addition, patterns with openings smaller than 1/2" are not recommended for galvanizing because the openings may become filled.
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