Production and Uses of Perforated Sheet Metal

Perforated aluminium or mild steel sheet is used in a large number of applications, including auto parts, computers, rock quarries, household appliances, cooking and serving utensils, commercial signs and retail shelving. Methods of perforated sheet metal production vary according to the metal and the purpose for which it is manufactured. Aluminium, mild steel, galvanised and stainless steels and copper are often used in production of perforated sheet metal. Width and gauge of the raw metals also vary and have an effect on production methods. Aluminium and mild steel are the most common types of perforated metal, as they are very versatile and durable.

Given the high demand for perforated mild steel and other metals, it is necessary that the perforation process itself be quick and economical. Sheet metal is fed through a machine which utilises hole punches to perforate the metal. The hole punches are usually cooled with lubricating oil as the metal-on-metal friction makes them very hot. When operational, the perforating punches continuously move up and down, creating holes in the metal. The perforating tools determine the size and shape of the holes. With each strike, the perforating punch creates a line of holes across the metal. Whether the perforating punches create a single row or multiple lines of holes also depends on the perforating tool used.

The choice of metals, width, gauge, hole size and shape is determined by the use to which the perforated metal will be put. For instance, perforated metal with very fine holes is often used in filtration applications. Each application calls for a specific perforation pattern. Most uses for perforated sheet metal are utilitarian in nature, but ornamental patterns are sometimes called for. Often, metal suppliers will custom-design perforation patterns to meet customers’ specific needs.

In some cases, sheet metal will be processed further after perforation. It may be sheared to a specific length, coiled into a roll, cleaned, painted or bent to form various shapes. The perforated mild steel or other metal can then be used to make any number of products or components.

Perforated sheet metal has been used in a number of industrial applications since at least the late nineteenth century. Today, numerous companies use large amounts of perforated metal in manufacture nearly countless products. Perforated sheet metal is used in agriculture, mining operations, aerospace technology, audio equipment, lighting, security applications, textile manufacture, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, sugar processing and many other industries.