Stainless Steel Perforated Metal: Everything You Need To Know
- September 21, 2021
- 10 min
Stainless Steel Perforated Metal
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 discuss Stainless Steel Perforated Metal and why it can suit your business needs, no matter 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.
You can perforate several metal materials, including:
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Galvanized Steel
- Titanium
- Brass
- Bronze
Perforated Metal also comes in varying hole types, such as round holes, square holes, 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, and filtration, among others.
Benefits of Stainless Steel Perforated Metal
You can choose from a variety of materials for Perforated Metal. 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
Stainless Steel is a popular choice for various applications, such as walkway gratings and security infill panels. It contains chemical elements like Chromium, Nickel, and Molybdenum in its alloy, providing excellent corrosion resistance. Stainless steel Type 316, specifically, demonstrates higher durability against corrosive elements. It is especially strong against Chlorides found in seawater, pool water, and de-icing salts.
Note that Stainless Steel can become susceptible to corrosion if it comes in contact with carbon or plain steel. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep carbon steel far away from any stainless steel varieties.
It's Decorative
Stainless Steel is not only durable; it's also decorative!
For example, Stainless Steel has become an attractive option for home appliances. It 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 you can polish or finish it to achieve the shine you'd expect when you hear stainless steel.
Because Stainless Steel is so durable and resistant to corrosion, it will maintain its appearance for longer than other materials. You can also customize steel perforated metal sheets in a variety of patterns and shapes to fit your design needs.
Privacy
Perforated Metal 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 Metal panels work to reduce noise by dispersing sound waves. This effect applies to indoor and outdoor spaces and can 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 Metal panels can improve ventilation by improving airflow. You can use them as sun protection screens to enhance the 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 Metal 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 was added to a building’s façade by the city of Chandler, Arizona. City architects specified using McNICHOLS® 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 Stainless Steel Perforated Metal 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 has provided superior function and aesthetic value to our customers.
Are You Looking to Buy Stainless Steel Perforated Metal?
When you invest in Perforated Metal, you want your investment to last. Stainless Steel Perforated Metal is suitable for a wide variety of projects and 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 browse our inventory online. We carry a wide variety of Hole Products to meet your metal needs, including Perforated Metal, Expanded Metal, and 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 Inspired to Serve® you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.