How to Measure Perforated Sheet

What is a perforated sheet?

A perforated sheet is a metal that’s punched or cut to produce a pattern of holes, slots or shapes – for practical or aesthetic purposes. It’s also known as “perforated metal.”

This type of metal sheet includes decorative hole patterns such as circles, squares, triangles, diamonds, hex, slots and bars. By combining shapes, it is possible to create more complex designs.

The most common cutting methods for perforated sheets include a punch press, plasma cutter, laser cutter, nibbler machine or a water jet cutter.

How do you measure it?

Using common perforated sheet terminology, we’d start by looking at the hole pattern (‘staggered hole”) followed by the hole size (i.e., a circle diameter) [A], the “stagger’ (the distance between holes from centre to centre) [B] and finally the sheet gauge (or thickness) [C]. You typically measure the dimensions in either millimetres or inches.

Example: Staggered Hole 10mm X 15mm X 1.5 mm. This refers to a staggered hole pattern with 10 mm diameter holes spaced 15mm apart on 1.5 mm thickness sheet material.

A hole pattern is the arrangement of holes on a sheet in either staggered or straight rows.

In a staggered hole pattern, the direction of the stagger is typically parallel to the short dimension of the sheet. 60° staggered is the most common pattern. Although other designs are available, 60° staggered is the strongest, most versatile and most economical perforated pattern.

What are the advantages?

In addition to coming in a wide range of materials, patterns and sheet thicknesses, perforated metal sheets are extremely versatile.

The applications are many – some functional, others decorative. These include (but are not limited to) metal guards, filters, vents, screens, diffusers, safety barriers, signage as well as architectural uses.

Why? Its high strength-to-weight ratio.

Perforated metal sheets are the perfect choice for diffusing sound, enhancing acoustic performances and tuning out those unwanted frequencies.

You can also use it to diffuse light, augment lighting environments and create more privacy.