Designing with Expanded Metal and Perforated Screens is a fascinating and dynamic field that has transformed the way architects, interior designers, and builders approach their craft. By incorporating perforated screens and expanded metals into their projects, professionals have been able to imbue spaces with a unique atmosphere, transforming mundane environments into works of art.
The interplay of light and shadow, solidness and space, uniformity and randomness, has enabled designers to create awe-inspiring visual effects and redefine the aesthetic value of a space. This article aims to explore the world of designing with expanded metal and perforated screens, uncovering the art and science behind this exciting field and showcasing the limitless possibilities of these versatile metal products.
Standard or Regular Expanded Metal has a raised surface and is commonly used in industrial and architectural applications for fencing, walkways, and security barriers. Flattened Expanded Metal, on the other hand, has been put through a cold rolling process that flattens the raised diamond pattern, resulting in a smooth and flat surface. This type of expanded metal is often used for decorative purposes, such as in interior design, ceiling tiles, and facade cladding.
Perforated Screens, on the other hand, are made by punching or drilling holes into a metal sheet, leaving a pattern of holes of different sizes, shapes, and spacing. These screens are highly versatile, and the size and pattern of the holes can be customized to suit the specific needs of a project. Perforated Screens are used for a variety of purposes, such as screening, ventilation, and sound attenuation.
One of the biggest advantages of using Perforated Screens and Expanded Metals in architectural and interior designing is their ability to control light and sound. By varying the size, shape, and pattern of the holes, designers can create dynamic and visually interesting spaces that play with light and shadow. These screens also offer an excellent way to reduce noise in buildings, making them ideal for applications in noisy environments such as airports and train stations.
Perforated Screens and Expanded Metals are highly durable and require very little maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for building facades, interior partitions, and ceiling tiles. These screens can be made from a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass, offering a wide range of options for designers to choose from.
Technology plays an essential role in the production of expanded metal and perforated screens. The manufacturing process for both materials has been refined and automated over time, resulting in faster production times and greater precision.
For expanded metal, specialized machines have been developed that can cut and stretch the metal sheet to create characteristic diamond-shaped openings with great accuracy and efficiency. Computer-controlled machines can even produce custom patterns, allowing for greater flexibility in design.
Similarly, the production of perforated screens has become increasingly automated with the use of computer-controlled punch presses. These machines can create intricate patterns of holes in the metal sheet with high precision and consistency.
In addition to manufacturing technology, digital tools such as CAD software have also made it easier to design and customize expanded metal and perforated screens. Designers can create complex patterns and test their performance using simulation software before the actual production process begins.
Hi-Top Merchandising, Inc. (HTMI) is a Filipino company that specializes in the manufacture and distribution of industrial and architectural products made of metal, including perforated screens, expanded metals, and other metal products. The company was established in 1969 and has since become one of the leading suppliers of metal products in the Philippines. HTMI has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that is equipped with modern machines and technology to produce high-quality metal products in various sizes, shapes, and designs. The company serves various industries such as construction, architecture, interior design, and engineering, among others. Its mission is to provide customers with innovative, reliable, and cost-effective metal products and solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements.
HTMI takes pride in its ability to produce high-quality Perforated Screens and Expanded Metals that are customized to meet the specific needs of its clients. Backed by a team of experts that works closely with architects and designers, the Filipino company ensures that its vision is realized, providing them with a range of options to choose from, including hole size, shape, spacing, and material.
Visit the HTMI booth at WORLDBEX happening from 16 to 19 March 2023 at World Trade Center Metro Manila.