Case Study:
Expanded Metal—Hidden in Green
Posted
08/1/2008
Wow! Two words you
usually do not hear when talking about expanded metal. "Green" and
"hidden." Why not, and is that really the case?
In part, the expanded metal industry anxiously promotes its
process capabilities and attributes in a variety of visible markets
and is usually part of a final product that includes an expanded
metal derivative. Generally we strive to identify the superiority
and/or cost effectiveness of expanded metal compared to alternative
processes and highlight the visual aspects of the finished product.
In addition, expanded metal is usually a part of a final product,
and, we as an industry, overlook our contribution to supporting
environmentally friendly (green) end-use products.
Sun screens, ceiling panels and a variety of architectural designs
(inside and outside) are among the list of many "visual"
applications that immediately come to mind. Industrial guarding,
the trailer industry and a newly developed interest in security of
all types illustrate the combination of functional strength and
visual appeal. Are there applications for expanded metal that
contribute to a green finished product and the expanded metal
portion is not visible? Yes.
Spantek Expanded Metal, Hopkins, Md., has participated in
supplying product to manufacturers in the insulating concrete form
industry for many years. It has worked with companies in Canada and
the United States to develop expanded metal patterns to improve
flow, structural integrity and overall end-product performance,
including green building criteria when appropriate.
American PolySteel LLC, Albuquerque, N.M., is a leader in the ICF
industry. Spantek has worked closely with American PolySteel for
many years. In general, the following information is taken
specifically from American PolySteel but illustrates many
attributes of the ICF industry.
According to the
American PolySteel Green-Guide Materials & Resources: "The
materials that go into the construction of a Green Building must be
considered from the very beginning of the project. Where the
materials come from, the energy and resources that went into the
manufacturing of transportation of the product, minimizing waste on
the construction site and recycling the materials that are used or
after they have fulfilled their function in the building. The
chemical composition of the products used, in addition to how they
are used, can influence their effect on the site and the indoor air
quality of the building. The objectives of Green Building in this
regard are to minimize or eliminate any toxic materials from the
project, use recycled, reclaimed, and locally sourced materials
whenever possible, minimize the quantity of materials used and use
them in a way that minimizes waste at all points of manufacture,
use and disposal.
"A PolySteel ICF wall is simply a reinforced concrete wall which
utilizes high-density [expanded polystyrene] as the formwork for
the concrete prior to fulfilling its permanent 'stayin- place' role
as a superior insulating material for the building. This
combination provides the design flexibility, strength and
durability of concrete with the superior and long-lived thermal
performance of EPS. The PolySteel wall system combines three
primary components: EPS, galvanized steel (expanded metal or other
competing steel product processes) and reinforced concrete."
Over the course of
time, a variety of expanded metal patterns have been developed and
used for each specific need. Bead flow, structural integrity,
"attachment" capability, ease of mold assembly and cost are just a
few of the parameters to consider when developing a new expanded
metal pattern. The pictures shown here depict a few of the
different expanded metal configurations used in ICF
applications.
The ICF industry is vibrant and growing. The positive
contributions of companies like American Polysteel to our economy
and general well being will only continue to grow as we become more
aware of managing our precious environment.
Spantek (www.spantek.com) is proud to be a part of the ICF
industry and we appreciate the opportunity to work with such great
customers. A special note of thanks to:
American PolySteel LLC
6808 Academy Parkway East NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109 www.polysteel.com
In conclusion, the expanded metal industry does participate in
applications where the expanded metal is "hidden" in the final
product. Also, expanded metal is a great product to consider in new
applications that desire or require environmentally friendly
composition due to the highly green aspects of our process and
product.
www.polysteel.com; www.spantek.com