Sweets

Architectural Metal Mesh

The AMICO group of companies includes some of the earliest pioneers of expanded metal. Established for over 120 years, The Expanded Metal Company enjoys unrivalled expertise & understanding of expanded metal production techniques, capabilities and applications. We are constantly pushing boundaries and developing new patterns, products and applications to increase awareness and raise the profile of expanded metal. Our strengths stem from a committed, skilled and knowledgeable workforce coupled with world class machinery, providing us with unsurpassed engineering and technical support. New products and markets are driven by our dedicated sales and marketing teams. The Expanded Metal Company is a major force in new market and product development.

Key benefits of working with The Expanded Metal Company include the availability of a wide range of materials and patterns in standard specifications, combined with a willingness to embrace bespoke new product development. The diverse range of products and industries served, ensure that we remain in touch with our customer and market needs, to ensure strong future growth.

Expanded metal is manufactured at our manufacturing facilities in the USA, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The process for expanding metal was first patented in Hartlepool, UK in the 1880's and despite the amount of time which has elapsed since then, the process remains true to the original idea. Most types of metal, including precious and specially produced metals, can be expanded.

Other materials, such as plastics or other ductile materials can also be expanded. The process is simple but incredibly effective...

Using the unique shearing and stretching process means very little waste is created. The metal is sheared and then stretched in a single process creating the apertures and therefore expanding the metal. The mesh is then either cut into sheets or wound onto coils ready for shipping or further processing.

Features and Uses

Expanded metal offers an excellent solution for solar screening, reducing solar gain by blocking the sun's rays as it moves through the day in turn creating a stunning Day/Night effect, shown via Des Moines Library, USA.

Expanded metal has been used in a number of different balustrade applications. The variety of meshes, materials and finishes available will enable you to create your own bespoke design.

Traditionally, expanded metal mesh has been used to act as a support and a key for plaster and render. Progressing these applications one stage further, we have developed the material to act in a supporting role on much larger projects. Expanded metal can be curved on both elevation and plan to create a shaped and sculptured structure or add strength and support.

The structure of expanded metal aides the disruption of sound waves, deadening noise and reducing echo. This practical feature, in conjunction with its already proven architectural features make it perfect for decorative ceiling tiles. Additionally the open area of the mesh allows sprinkler systems to work effectively whilst hiding the unsightly sprinklers.

Expanded metal is an ideal material for external cladding; it can turn the ugliest of buildings into a work of art. Expanded metal cladding has become particularly popular over recent years and can be seen on many buildings such as, The New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, The Young Vic Theatre, London and the Stephen Lawrence Centre, London.

Lightweight but strong expanded metal is an obvious choice for fencing and plant screening. Simply altering the orientation of the mesh can create unique effects and determine the level of visibility or privacy.

Most malleable materials can be perforated with mild steel, aluminium and stainless steel being the most common. However, more fashionable, precious metals such as brass, copper, gold and even platinum or titanium can all be turned into perforated metal. Each of these materials has its own 'special' characteristics; aluminium gives lightweight longevity, steel brings strength and copper ages beautifully, maturing to a stunning verdigris.

Inspired by some of the finest new architecture appearing across the world, these meshes sit at the forefront of modern design. Soft curves and unusual apertures combine to present mesh that can blend seamlessly into its surroundings or make a bold architectural statement.

AMICO products can be anodized, powder coated or galvanized to help protect and add color to our base materials. Our designers can produce a limitless palette of colors and will work with you to choose the hue that best accentuates your design. More elaborate coatings and finishes such as LIC (Light Interference Coating) Stainless Steel, Anodizing Titanium, Shot Peening and Flocking can be combined with any of AMICO's products to create stunning visual effects.

Alabama Metal Industries Corporation
United States
P.O. Box 3928
Birmingham, AL 35208
Tel: (205) 787-2611
Fax: (205) 786-6527
Tollfree: (800) 366-2642
E-mail: sales@amico-online.com
Web site: http://www.amico-online.com

Canada
1080 Corporate Drive
Burlington, Ontario L7L 5R6
Tel: (905) 335-4474
Fax: (905) 335-5682
Tollfree: (800) 663-4474
E-mail: canada@amico-online.com
Web site: http://www.amico-online.com