Strength to weight ratio research boosts expanded metal
Strength to weight ratio research boosts expanded metal
Keywords: Metalworking industry, Aerospace industry
Independent research by the University of Teesside 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 Hartlepool-based Expanded Metal Company Ltd (Expamet) 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 per cent with a comparative loss of strength of only 20 per cent. 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 with the process being suitable for all ductile metals including steel, stainless steel,brass, copper, titanium and platinum. Expamet 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 Expamet Added Value Unit, commented, The strength of expanded metal has been one of industry 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 great news for designers and development engineers, especially in the 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.
Expamet believe that they 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 the aerospace industries. Their own R&D data and prototyping capacity is available for new product development.
A typical average example of test results taken at random with samples of same area and thickness:
Solid steel sample weighed 64.8g – took 7.02N/mm2 of force to bend.
Expanded steel sample weighed 30.2g – took 5.35N/mm2 of force to bend
Thus, the weight reduction was 43.6g, or 53.3 per cent for a loss of strength of only 23.4 per cent – losing over half the weight with a comparative reduction in strength of just over a fifth in the long way of the mesh.
The additional strength is gained during the expanding production process whereby steel is slit and stretched creating continuous consistent knuckle across the long way of the mesh and openings in the sheet to increase the surface area of the metal from its original form. The expanding process creates these uniform strengthened areas whilst maintaining a continuous sheet without any weak points such as welds or breaks. Titanium, stainless steel and other malleable materials can be processed to material giving the same expanded properties of strength and weight reduction.
A comprehensive report and all test data can be requested from the Expanded Metal Company and will be made available to assist with research and new product development.
Details available from: Expanded Metal Company, Tel: (0) 1429 851862, E-mail: carlr@expamet.co.uk
