Expanded metal

[1] The inventor and patentee of expanded metal is John French Golding, whose first British patent was issued in 1884.

However, if the angles are too small, strength is lost because the shape is too close together, so there is no space for the structure to hold.

Expanded metal is frequently used to make fences, walkways, and grates, as the material is very durable and strong, unlike lighter and less expensive[dubious – discuss] wire mesh.

The many small openings in the material allow flow through of air, water, and light, while still providing a mechanical barrier to larger objects.

In contemporary architecture, expanded metal has been used as an exposed facade or screen material which can be formed into simple or complex decorative shapes.

Freshly-cut expanded metal has a large number of exposed sharp edges, requiring caution and protective clothing, such as leather gloves and aprons to prevent skin abrasions and cuts.