Perforated sheet metal

decorativestainless steelgalvanized steel

Overview
Perforated metal with hexagonal holes is valued for its exceptionally high open area and structural stability, making it a preferred choice for applications requiring efficient airflow, filtration, and material flow management. Hexagonal perforation provides a high open area while maintaining material strength. The honeycomb structure of hexagonal holes allows for optimal airflow and efficient material use, making it a common choice for effective ventilation, cooling, and filtration applications.

Key benefits

• Provides maximum open area for ventilation, filtration, and material throughput.
• Available with open areas of up to 85% for high-efficiency airflow.
• Lightweight yet strong, ensuring durability while optimising material usage.
• Suitable for both functional and aesthetic applications, offering modern and clean designs.

Applications examples

• Ventilation and cooling: Ideal for server cabinets, electronic enclosures, and industrial machinery, allowing for effective heat dissipation and airflow control.
• Filtration and separation: Used in food processing, chemical industries, and bulk material handling, providing efficient material flow while maintaining strength.
• Industrial screening: Used in sieves and screening systems for agriculture, recycling, and material sorting, ensuring high throughput.
• Architectural applications: Applied in facades, balustrades, and sunscreens, combining functionality with an appealing and distinctive pattern.

Arrangement of holes
Hexagonal holes (H) can be arranged in several pitches offering different balances between open area, strength and visual effect. Common arrangements described for hexagonal perforation include:

• T = Triangular pitch (60° staggered triangular pitch): Widely used arrangement offering high mechanical strength and optimal open areas; equal spacing between holes maintains uniform strength even with reduced pitch.
• U = Rectangular pitch: Holes align in straight, uniform rows, creating a grid-like pattern with predictable strength and open areas; suits controlled airflow or structured decorative appearance.
• Z = Staggered pitch: Provides balanced open areas and structural stability; ideal for applications requiring airflow and durability.
• M = Diagonal pitch (45° staggered pitch): Offers unique design options and moderate open areas; adds visual appeal without sacrificing strength.

Beginning and end of perforated areas
Perforated areas may be finished differently at their start and end depending on visual and production requirements:

• Closed end pattern: Special tooling creates a uniform, finished edge at the start and end of the perforated area for a clean continuous look; typically used for decorative and architectural applications (higher cost).
• Semi-closed end pattern: Balances cost and appearance by offering a partially finished edge that improves visual appeal without the full expense of a closed pattern.
• Open end pattern: Standard economical option where the perforated area begins/ends with partial or irregular rows from the stepped perforating process; efficient for non-decorative applications or when the area will be framed.

Materials
Hexagonal perforation is available in a wide range of materials, including:

• Mild steel
• Stainless steel
• Galvanised steel
• Aluminium
• Brass
• Other alloys