Strength to Weight Ratio

Created by

<< Return to Previous Page - View All News Articles

Independent research by the University of Teesside’s School of Engineering has proved that expanded metal has a higher strength to weight ratio than solid steel, opening the door to a host of new applications in numerous industrial sectors.

The research, the data of which is readily available, was commissioned by the Hartlepoolbased Expanded Metal Company Ltd and showed that the expanding production process, whereby ductile metal is slit and stretched to form knuckles and openings in the sheet, reduces the weight of the sheet on average by over 50% with a comparative loss of strength of only 20%. Testing a wide variety of patterns revealed that expanded metal consistently had a higher strength to weight ratio than solid sheet.

The use of expanded metal is rapidly diversifying from the traditional construction, structural, filtration equipment and walkways sectors to innovative architectural facades, sports car grilles and an increased range of filtration components. The process is suitable for all ductile metals including steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, titanium and platinum.

EMCo is now actively involved in new product development and prototyping whilst also seeking further partner organisations to investigate other possible applications.

Carl Rogers, General Manager of EMCo’s Added Value Unit, commented, “The strength of expanded metal has been one of industry’s best kept secrets. This research now gives us quantifiable results to prove what many have known for a long time in that it can be a true solution where weight is a critical factor, with corresponding cost savings in many instances.”

“It’s great news for designers and development engineers, especially in the architectural, automotive and aerospace industries, who can now be assured that expanded metal offers a real alternative to solid steel and other materials with its higher strength to weight ratio proving a decisive factor.”

“Our current product range includes everything from disposable Bar-B-Q grills, automotive and aerospace fittings, filtration housings, marine walkways to construction components and architectural claddings. We are slowly changing traditional perceptions about the material and are now looking for partners to further increase the range of applications and welcome approaches from many areas including the defence, marine, architectural, automotive and aerospace industries. Our own R&D data and our prototyping capacity is available for new product development.”


Related Links: | | | |