FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expanded Metal & Expanded Metal Grating   |   Bar Grating   |   Safety Grating   |   Fiberglass Grating

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• What are the two types of expanded metal?  Regular and Flatten
   
• What are the various styles of expanded metal?  
  - Mini-mesh - small openings (ex. filter mesh), 
  - Expanded metal - larger openings 3/16" to 2" (ex. guards for windows and  equipment, shelving), 
  - Expanded grating - 3.0# to 7.0# per sq. ft. (ex. walkways and platforms designed for pedestrian foot traffic).
   
• What type of metal are suitable for expanding? Normal stocked styles are carbon steel, aluminum, stainless, pre and hot dipped galvanized. Non-stock material suitable for expanding are copper, silver, nickel plus many other ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
   
• Why is the percent of open area important? The open area is necessary in determining the passage of light, water or air.
   
• What does S W D mean?  Short Way of the Diamond (see page 2)
   
• What does L W D mean?  Long Way of the Diamond (see page 2)
   
• What are the diamond conditions on stock sheets? Closed diamonds or closed bonds (See page 3, sketch A)
   
• What are the diamond conditions on sheared sheets? Open diamonds (See page 3, sketch B, C and D)
   
• When ordering expanded metal, what dimension is written first?
  Always the S W D dimension.
   
• What are the five main areas that expanded metal is used? 
  - Enclosures - cages, tool partitions and lockers
  - Supports - shelving, racks, trays and baskets
  - Protection - guards for machine and heaters, skylights and lamps
  - Security - behind drywall, fencing
  - Decoration - store fixtures, stands, balcony railings and stair enclosures
   
• Are mill test reports available on expanded metal? AMICO does not routinely supply mill test reports on the exact steel used. A Letter of Certification stating that it meets military specification can be provided. With special orders, arrangements can be made for mill test reports.
   
• What is the ASTM on expanded metal? See our catalog.
   
• What is the military specification on expanded metal? See our catalog.
   
• What are your standard pallet sizes? Standard pallet sizes vary by style. See our catalog.
   
• What is the tolerance for shearing expanded metal? Expanded metal can be sheared to + or - 1/8". Expanded Metal grating can be sheared to + or - ¼".
   
• What are the deflections for expanded metal grating? See our catalog.
   

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• What is the most common type of bar grating? The most common type is 19-W-4 (194).
   
• What are the most commonly stocked panel sizes for bar grating? The most common panel sizes are 3’ X 20’, 3’ X 24’, 2’ X 20’, and 2’ X 24’.
   
• What are the most commonly stocked bar sizes (height and thickness)? The most common bars are 1" X 1/8", 1" X 3/16", 1¼" X 3/16", 1½" X 3/16", and 2" X 3/16".
   
• Is a deflection chart or load table available for bar grating? See our catalog.
   
• What is the difference between serrated and non-serrated bar grating? Serration is done for slip resistance. It is grating which has the top surfaces of the bearing bars notched.
   
• What finishes are offered on bar grating? Bar grating comes in painted, galvanized, mill finish, stainless steel and aluminum. Paint is offered on AMICO bar grating only for protection from rust during transportation.
   
• Does AMICO make or fabricate stair treads? Yes.
   
• Does AMICO fabricate bar grating? Yes, at selected locations.
   
• What is trim banding versus load banding? In load banding, every bar is welded. Trim banding is done to protect the bars and for aesthetics.
   
• Does AMICO cut bar grating? Yes, AMICO does cut bar grating. Banding can also be provided.
    
• Does AMICO offer engineering and take-offs? Yes, at selected locations.
    
• How do I order bar grating?  When ordering bar grating, specify the type of grating to identify the material and spacing (center to center) of the bearing bars and cross rods. Specify the depth and thickness of the bearing bars and their surface (plain or serrated). Specify the number of panels, their length, width, and finish (mill, painted or galvanized). Include any anchors or fasteners, extras such as banding, and complete shipping instructions.
   
• How do I order stair treads? When ordering treads, specify the type of grating, depth and thickness of the bearing bars, length and width of the tread, and type of nosing. Also specify whether the surface should be plain or serrated and the finish. Be sure to include complete shipping instructions.

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• What types of patterns are available for safety tread flooring?  Safety-Tread flooring is available in SAFETY-TREAD full pattern, SAFETY-TREAD star (in drainage flooring only), SAFETY-TREAD square, and SAFETY-TREAD V pattern (in stainless steel only).
   
• What material and finishes are offered on safety grating? Safety grating comes pre-galvanized, stainless steel, aluminum. and hot rolled pickled and oiled (HRPO).
    
• What are the most commonly stocked panel lengths for safety grating? The most common stocked lengths are 10’ and 12’. Note that Diamond Grip 10’ panels are actually 121½" (10’ 1½").
   
• What are the most commonly stocked channel depths? 1 1/2" and 2"
   
• How is safety grating (or plank grating) ordered? Specify the width, height, gauge and length desired.
    
• How is safety grating fastened? J clip assemblies are offered as an add-on product.
   

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• What are the different types of fiberglass? Pultruded, Open-Molded, and Compression Molded.
   
• What are the standard colors for fiberglass? Yellow, Green, Orange, Light Grey, and Dark Grey.
   
• How is fiberglass grating fastened? See Page 103.
   
• Is there a chemical compatibility table for fiberglass grating? Yes