Perforated Sheet Metal for A Range of Applications, Including Metal Art
Metal Perforation is abundant in today’s world. It has an almost unlimited number of applications, ranging from noise reduction to climate control. It is a popular material all over the world, and most often, is made of stainless steel, cold-rolled steel, aluminium, and a range of other metals.
Perforated sheet metal refers to a layer of metal with a series of holes or patterns punched into it by a machine. Commonly made from steel and aluminium, it has a wide range of uses and applications. From industrial machine components to metal art for community installations, we can do it all.
Around 150 years ago, metal perforation was invented for the mining industry as a technique for screening coal. The method was inefficient in its early stages, requiring labourers to manually punch holes in the metal sheet. This time-consuming and labour-intensive process, therefore, meant that sheet metal was not being utilised to its maximum capacity – there simply isn’t enough of it.
Most people will come across some form of perforated sheeting or screening throughout their day. It is all around us now that it can be so easily and efficiently produced. It has numerous advantages, ranging from aesthetics to usability.
Here at Acorn Metal, our focus is on creating high-quality designs for our customers, which we do by offering a huge variety of patterns to choose from. Our precise machinery in conjunction with our 3D CAD software Image2Punch can perforate up to 5mm thick, meaning we can create perforated mesh, screens or panels for any requirement. From practical functions to metal art displays, there are unlimited ways in which metal perforation can be put to use.
The Sheet Metal Perforation Process
- Sheet Metal Loading: Sheet metal is loaded into the Fin Power CNC Turret Punches C6 & F5 and correctly aligned for cutting
- Tool Selection: Appropriate perforation tools are selected based on hole size, shape, and pattern requirements
- Machine Programming: Machine settings are programmed to align with material thickness, type, and design specifications, optimising punch speed, spacing, and force
- Perforation Process: The process is executed, creating uniform or custom patterns while maintaining structural integrity
- Inspection: Perforated sheets are inspected for accuracy, edge smoothness, and adherence to design tolerances
- Removal and Organisation: Perforated materials are removed and organised for further fabrication or finishing processes such as bending, welding, or powder coating
Capabilities of Our Machine
- Sheet thickness: For Steel and Stainless steel sheets, a thickness of 0.55mm up to 3mm can be perforated. For Aluminium and other soft metals, a thickness of 0.55mm up to 5mm can be perforated.
- Sheet size: The maximum sheet size that can be handled is 4000mm x 1500mm
- Customisation: Perforation patterns can be customised with the supplied design or developed with the customer
- Multi-stage process: The Fin Power CNC Turret Punches can handle multi-stage preforation processes in a single run
- Perforation force: The maximum perforation force the machine can apply is 30T
- Complete solutions: Perforation can be combined with other fabrication services for the perfect solution
Applications for Perforated Sheet Metal
Sound Proofing
- Visual Appeal: Perforated sheet metal can be a visually pleasing answer to typical acoustic problems.
- Sound Control: Adding a layer of it to a room can help to scatter, absorb, or reflect sound and cut out certain frequencies.
Filtration
- Keeping Systems Clean: Perforated sheet metal filtration is a strong and effective way to keep systems clean, with first-class products built to withstand pressure.
- Cleaner Air: Utilise filtering screens, tubes, and strainers to create cleaner air with exhaust systems and keep debris out of unwanted places in machinery.
Lighting Fixtures
- Reducing Glare: Installing a stylish perforated screen light cover or diffuser can control the direction and quantity of light emitted while still allowing ventilation.
- Customisation: Acorn Metal has a massive selection of lighting fixture patterns to choose from.
Decorative Use in Homes
- Lightweight: Thanks to its lightweight yet durable qualities, perforated screens can be fitted almost anywhere with unlimited uses on walls, ceilings and floors.
- Ventilation: Choosing a custom privacy screen, light fixture, stairwell, or seat with a unique sheet metal design pattern can provide ventilation.
Security
- Durability: With quality materials, perforated metal pattern designs made for security-focused products can be durable and long-lasting.
- Aesthetics: Metal screens and guards become aesthetically pleasing with a one-of-a-kind design and can divide up space while still allowing air, light, and sound to carry through.
Pharmaceutical/Medical
- Precision: Designs made from quality materials ensure high quality and precision.
- Versatility: Metal Perforation can create product storage options such as container trays and pans, as well as room organisation with racks and cabinets.
Here at Acorn Metal, our highly skilled team is on hand to combine their experience with the latest technology to provide metal perforation services for each of our customers. From practical functions to metal art displays, there are unlimited ways in which metal perforation can be put to use. So if you want to learn more about how Acorn Metal can provide a lightweight, durable solution to your problem, contact us today!
Call one of our expert team members today on 08 9248 8888 to discuss your requirements.
Is perforated sheet metal expensive?
The cost of perforating sheet metal can vary based on several factors. The type of metal used, the complexity of the perforation pattern, the size of the metal sheet, and the material thickness all influence the final price. At Acorn Metal Products, we work closely with our clients to understand their budgets and find the most cost-effective solution without compromising quality.
What is the process of metal perforation used by your fabricators?
At Acorn Metal Products, we primarily use CNC (computer numerical control) turret punching to create precise perforations in sheet metal. This advanced technology allows us to produce complex and intricate patterns with exceptional speed and accuracy. Our skilled operators can handle a wide range of perforation designs, from simple hole patterns to complex geometric shapes.
Is turret-punching metal a better solution than laser cutting?
Both turret punching and laser cutting have their strengths, and the best method often depends on the specific project requirements. Turret punching excels in tasks like perforation and forming due to its speed, precision, and ability to handle thicker materials. While laser cutting offers great flexibility in terms of cutting intricate shapes, it can be slower and more expensive for large-scale perforation jobs.
What is the maximum thickness for a turret punch?
Acorn Metal Products is equipped with state-of-the-art CNC turret punching machines capable of handling metal sheets up to 3mm thick for hard steels and 5mm thick for softer metals. This capacity allows us to accommodate a wide range of perforation projects, from thin gauge materials to heavier-duty applications.
How does CNC punching work?
CNC punching is a computer-controlled process that involves using a punch press equipped with a rotating turret holding various punching tools. The machine precisely positions the metal sheet and punches out the desired shapes, holes, or patterns according to a digital design. This method eliminates the need for manual tooling changes, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy.
What is a CNC turret punch press?
A CNC turret punch press is a high-precision machine tool used in metal fabrication to create various shapes and features in sheet metal. It features a rotating turret holding multiple punching tools, allowing for rapid tool changes and versatile processing capabilities. Our CNC turret punch press at Acorn Metal Products is equipped with advanced technology to ensure optimal performance and product quality.