Stainless Steel Perforated Metal: Everything You Need To Know

Perforated stainless steel is a dynamic material that practically pays for itself over time. It excels in both high-end and industrial settings by bringing strength and style to many different settings.

Depending on your application and need, every specification matters. So, what are some of the most important considerations when you are looking at Stainless Steel Perforated Metal as an option?

In this blog, we share more about Stainless Steel Perforated Metal and why it may be the right choice for your business needs, regardless of your industry.

What is Perforated Metal?

The process of perforation often refers to cutting or punching small patterned holes into a material. While many people are familiar with perforated paper products, some would be surprised by how often perforated metal is part of our daily lives. It is becoming more popular to transform plain sheet metal into functional and eye-catching perforated metal due to its benefits and the relative ease of conversion technique.

What was once a rudimentary and uncertain practice has now become standardized and efficient. The current standard methods of making perforated metal are laser, rotary pinned, and, the most common method, punch press.

Several metal materials can be perforated, including:

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Galvanized steel
• Titanium
• Brass
• Bronze

Perforated metals also come in varying hole types, such as round hole, square hole, slotted, hexagonal, and decorative patterns.

Not only does Perforated Metal bring strength and style to structures, but it also serves as both functional and decorative. Primary uses of this metal product include light control, sound control, ventilation, filtration, among others.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Perforated Metal

When it comes to perforated metals, you can choose from many materials. However, there are several benefits to choosing a stainless steel option.

Stainless steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing reduced material thickness that yields considerable cost savings. Additionally, stainless steel contains elements that offer corrosion-resistant benefits, particularly to fire and heat, and liquids containing chlorides. Stainless steel comes in numerous grades that can form into Perforated Metal sheets. Here are some examples of the advantages when opting for Stainless steel material for projects requiring Perforated Metal.

Corrosion Resistance to Elements

Because stainless steel contains chemical elements like Chromium, Nickel and Molybdenum in its alloy, this material is a popular choice for applications, such as walkway gratings to security infill panels, due to its corrosion resistance. Stainless steel Type 316, specifically, demonstrates higher durability against corrosive elements, especially Chlorides found in seawater, pool water and de-icing salts. Note that stainless steel can become susceptible to corrosion if it’s cross-contaminated with carbon or plain steel, so, it’s a good idea to keep carbon steel far away from any stainless steel varieties.

It's Decorative

Stainless steel isn't just durable, it's also decorative!

For example, stainless steel has become an attractive option for home appliances and is often a top upgrade choice for cabinet inserts during new home builds or home renovations. Perforated metal sheets can add a unique look to any space, whether it’s indoor or outdoor or commercial or residential.

McNICHOLS® Stainless Steel Perforated Metal comes mill finish but can be polished or finished to have that shine you'd expect when you hear the words stainless steel.

Because stainless steel is so durable and resistant to corrosion, it will maintain its appearance for longer than other materials. Steel perforated metal sheets can also be customized in a variety of patterns and shapes to fit your design needs.

Privacy

Perforated panels create privacy without making people feel confined.

These distinct panels can divide workspaces without isolating the individual areas and allow for visibility and airflow. The panels will also absorb sound and echoes, keeping workspaces quieter.

Your employees or guests will appreciate the extra privacy without the feeling of being shut off from the rest of the area.

Noise Reduction

Perforated panels work to reduce noise by dispersing sound waves. This effect applies to indoor and outdoor spaces and can help keep areas quieter—likely appreciated by both guests and employees.

In some industrial settings, perforated metal is often used for wall or ceiling cladding to dampen or disperse sound, particularly for massive units like power generators.

Ventilation

Perforated panels can improve ventilation by improving airflow. They can be used as sun protection screens to increase shade.

Installation of these panels can save money on heating and cooling costs and other costs that you might incur when attempting to improve ventilation in your space.

End-Use Applications for Stainless Steel Perforated Metal

Perforated metal can serve multiple purposes across different industries such as agriculture, automotive, medical, industrial, food production, construction, chemical, HVAC, branding, retail, and appliances.

Products commonly made using perforated metals include:

• Filtration systems
• Grain dryers
• Speaker grills
• Architectural applications
• Electronic enclosures
• Metal fencing
• Metal partitions
• Metal guards
• Backlit panels
• Sunshades

Applications like the ones listed above could serve many different industries. If you have any questions about how our perforated stainless steel could be used in your industry, one of our customer service specialists would be happy to assist you.

Perforated Stainless Steel in Action

McNICHOLS is proud of how our products have been incorporated and specified into plans for our customers to create beautiful and efficient structures.

Our stainless steel perforated metal panels were added to a building’s façade by the city of Chandler, Arizona. City architects specified using our stainless steel perforated metal material to create “Turbulent Shade.”

The panels allowed Chandler City Hall architects to recreate elements of nature, provide shade for guests and employees, and reduce the amount of solar heat for the structure.

Another example of our perforated stainless steel panels in use can be found at The Creek Nation’s River Spirit Casino.

McNICHOLS stainless steel perforated metal was used to build the large metal sign that features the casino’s name, logo, and video screens. Residents and visitors of Tulsa, Oklahoma can see our sign from miles away.

These are just a couple of the ways our perforated metal panels have provided superior function and aesthetic value to our clients.

Are You Looking to Buy Stainless Steel Perforated Metal?

When you invest in perforated sheet metal, you want your investment to last. That is why we offer stainless steel perforated metal for a wide variety of projects. Stainless steel perforated metal will hold up over time while also providing aesthetic value.

To see what McNICHOLS® Perforated Metal can bring to your next project, we invite you to visit our main website. We carry a wide variety of Hole Products to meet your metal needs, from Perforated and Expanded Metals to Wire Mesh as well as Bar Grating, Plank Grating and Fiberglass Grating. If you would like more information on our Stainless Steel Perforated Metal, our Customer Service Specialists are ready and eager to serve you at 855.318.8791, sales@mcnichols.com, or via Live Chat!