Expanded metal (mesh) S.Mash
The main material is aluminium alloy EN 5754, which ensures lightness, corrosion resistance and durability. On custom orders, the product can also be made from copper alloys or brass, allowing the noble appearance of these metals to be used in interior and facade solutions, including patination effects.
Thanks to the expanded metal technology, the mesh maintains a monolithic structure: in the event of local damage, the mesh does not fall apart into separate segments. The material is supplied in coils, flat sheets or ready-made facade cassettes.
Copper alloys, brass (with the possibility of natural patination or protective coating application).
Thickness of source sheet: from 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm (choice of thickness affects cell size and rigidity of finished product).
Each index determines the geometry and cell size:
•CS-4, CS-6, CS-8, CS-10, CS-16, CS-25, CS-42, CS-62, CS-75
•Specialised patterns are also available: each has a unique cell shape (diamond, hexagon, "fish scale" and others), suitable for various design and functional tasks.
•Ready-made facade cassettes (with flanging around the perimeter for concealed fixing).
What is expanded metal and where is it used
Expanded metal is a metal sheet in which a mesh structure with diamond-shaped or hexagonal cells is formed without material removal (waste-free) by punching and stretching. The technology makes it possible to create a material that is both rigid and "transparent".
How expanded metal is produced
The source sheet (steel, aluminium, copper, brass) is fed into a special machine. Knives punch cuts, after which the sheet is stretched. The cells open up and the sheet itself increases in length and width without loss of metal. The result is a lightweight, durable mesh with diamond-shaped cells.
Where expanded metal is used
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Ventilated facades. Expanded metal is mounted as an external layer over insulation. It creates a "second skin" for the building, protects against precipitation but allows air to circulate for ventilation.
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Sun protection screens (brise-soleil). Regulates room lighting and reduces building heat gain in summer.
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Decorative screens. For car parks, garages and technical structures (hides equipment but does not create a solid wall).
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Railings and balustrades. Balconies, stairs, terraces.
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Interiors. Space dividing, decorative partitions, suspended ceilings.
Benefits of using expanded metal in ventilated facades
Expanded metal for ventilated facades is not just cladding but a functional element.
Ventilation. Air freely passes through the cells, preventing moisture and condensation build-up inside the facade structure.
Wind load reduction. The mesh structure reduces the sail effect compared to solid sheets.
Light transmission. The mesh screen maintains natural lighting of rooms.
Concealment. Expanded metal hides uneven base surfaces and engineering equipment without creating a solid wall.
Metal savings. The weight of expanded metal is 3–6 times less than a solid sheet of the same area and thickness.
Ease of installation. Sheets are easy to cut, bend and fix.
Types of metals and their characteristics
Cladding Solutions offers expanded metal from various metals. The choice depends on operating conditions and budget.
| Material | Corrosion resistance | Weight | Price | Appearance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black steel | Low (requires painting) | Heavy | Low | - | Only for temporary structures or with mandatory painting |
| Galvanised steel | High | Heavy | Low | Silvery-grey | Budget option for facades, roofing, railings |
| Aluminium | Very high | Lightweight | Moderate | Silvery, matte | For high-rise buildings, coastal structures |
| Copper | Very high (patinates) | Heavy | Very high | Rosy-gold → brown → green | Premium projects, temples, historic buildings |
| Brass | High | Heavy | High | Golden | Premium facades, designer interiors |
Tip: for a standard ventilated facade, aluminium (lightweight, rust-free) or galvanised steel with subsequent painting is optimal. Copper and brass are for special projects.
Sizes and geometry of expanded metal
To find out the dimensions for expanded metal sheets, you need to consider several parameters.
Main characteristics
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Source sheet thickness: from 0.5 to 3.0 mm. The thicker the source sheet, the stiffer and more durable the expanded metal.
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Cell size (diamond): length from 3 to 20 mm, width from 2 to 12 mm. Fine cells give a "dense" mesh, coarse cells give a more "transparent" one.
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Coil or sheet width: from 500 to 2000 mm (standard - 1250–1500 mm).
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Length: sheets - up to 3000–6000 mm, coils - up to 30 m.
Pattern types
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Diamond (standard). Most common. Cells are oriented with the long diagonal along the direction of rolling.
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Hexagon. More decorative. Creates a "honeycomb" effect.
Prices for expanded metal per m² in Moscow
Approximate prices for expanded metal per m² in Moscow (order from 500 m², standard cell size, source sheet thickness 1.0 mm):
| Material | Price per m² |
|---|---|
| Black steel (uncoated) | from 400 ₽ |
| Galvanised steel | from 550 ₽ |
| Aluminium | from 1,200 ₽ |
| Brass | from 2,500 ₽ |
| Copper | from 3,500 ₽ |
Prices are approximate. The exact cost is calculated based on current metal prices, source sheet thickness, cell size and order volume.
Additional options:
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Painting expanded metal (polyester, PVDF) - from 300 ₽/m².
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Complex cell shape (hexagon) - + 15–20%.
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Fine cells (up to 3 mm) - + 20–30%.
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Large order (from 2000 m²) - discount 5–15%.
Why you should buy expanded metal from Cladding Solutions
If you decide to buy expanded metal for ventilated facades, working with us offers several key benefits.
Wide choice of materials
You can buy brass mesh as well as order expanded metal from steel, galvanised steel, aluminium and copper.
Any size
We manufacture sheets and coils to your specifications. You can order non-standard width, length and cell shape.
Quality and accuracy
All sheets undergo geometry control. Cells are uniform throughout the area with no torn edges or burrs.
Delivery throughout Russia
We ship products to any region of Russia through trusted transport companies.
Technical support
We will help you select the optimal thickness, material and cell size for your project (taking into account wind load and light transmission requirements).
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the difference between expanded metal and welded and woven mesh?
Expanded metal is a solid sheet with punched holes — it is rigid and holds its shape. Welded and woven mesh are individual rods or wires connected at joints. Expanded metal is more durable and does not fall apart into separate strands when cut.
2. Can expanded metal be used as anti-vandal protection?
Yes. A source sheet thickness of 1.5 mm and cell size up to 10 mm make expanded metal resistant to impact. It protects glazing and engineering equipment from vandals without creating a "solid" wall.
3. What expanded metal to choose for a facade in a coastal zone?
Aluminium or copper only. Galvanised steel, even with good coating, will "salt efflorescence" over time. Aluminium and copper resist marine atmosphere.
4. Do I need to paint aluminium expanded metal?
Not necessary, but recommended. Without painting, aluminium dulls over time and can be covered with a white coating (oxide). Painting (especially PVDF) protects and provides any RAL color.
5. How to care for an expanded metal facade?
Natural rain is sufficient. For heavy soiling — soft cloth, water and neutral soap. Do not use abrasives or acids. For copper and brass, there are special cleaning products for restoring shine.
A modern, functional and aesthetic material
Expanded metal for ventilated facades is a modern, functional and aesthetic material. It provides ventilation, reduces wind load, allows light to pass through and protects the building. Cladding Solutions offers expanded metal from any metals: steel, galvanised steel, aluminium, copper, brass. You can buy brass mesh, find out dimensions for expanded metal sheets for your project. Delivery throughout Russia — we work with any region.
If you want to buy expanded metal for ventilated facades at the best prices from the manufacturer, contact Cladding Solutions. We will help you select the optimal material, cell size and thickness for your facility. Make your facade lightweight, stylish and durable.