PalmSHIELD goes Perforated

For years, PalmSHIELD has been producing a perforated sheet metal option.  The perforated metal sheet has grown in popularity to the point that we will be adding several new pages to our website offering the perforated metal as an option for designers, architects and end users.  No worries.  We will continue to use our one-of-kind PalmSHIELD framework to support the perforated metal.

Perforated metal sheet is offered in a wide variety of perforation sizes, offsets, percentage coverage, etc.  The 1/4″ hole at 1″ offset is very popular.  We will be offering a wide variety of perforated sheet options as each type easily incorporates into the current PalmSHIELD system.

The key to using perforated metal is to avoid “oil canning” with the sheet.  This is done by first utilizing the current 3″ x 3″ x 1/4″ angle PalmSHIELD framework.  This is critical as this framework does not allow any movement in the sheet during installation and under varied temperature changes.  Next, our PalmSHIELD engineers and fabricators use their expertise in understanding how many square feet of materials may go unsupported before dividing the sheet into smaller panels.  Finally, the real impact is in the hands of the expert fabricators.  The sheet must be welded to the frame to avoid curling and that “oil canning” effect.  Oil canning is when the sheet is worked such as the impact to the sheet stretches, expands, or shrinks a portion of the sheet but not equally over the entire sheet.  This effect puts small waves in the sheet.

Recently, PalmSHIELD completed a mechanical equipment enclosure with perforated metal sheeting with a twist.  The project was for the Exeter – Milligan High School in Nebraska.  The project was not only a screening project but a real piece of art.  The last panel in the system incorporated a silhouette of the school’s mascot.   Please see our photos.