MicroGrid®
Precision-Expanded Foils

Process Variations for
Specific Expanded Metal Applications

	Dexmet's process variations can meet your requirements for specific material qualities, including thickness, strength, conductivity, resistivity, corrosion resistance and ease of material handling. The samples included throughout this Web Site demonstrate the interesting versatility of several variations. Please be sure to note the availability of Dexmet's specialized manufacturing features.
Variable Overall Thickness	After the material is expanded, the overall thickness of the mesh is greater than the original metal thickness. The final mesh thickness can be controlled to meet your needs. Each configuration has a practical range of overall thickness. As a rule of thumb, the maximum thickness is 1.6 times the strand width. The minimum thickness is the original metal thickness, or slightly below the original thickness in the case of a reduced product. For example, the range for 5 Cu 7-125 would be .004" - .011". The overall thickness is not specified in the product code. Simply tell us what you require.
Flattened	The flattening process reduces material thickness and creates a smoother mesh surface that's similar to perforated metal. Pocket depth is also reduced or eliminated. The flattening process increases material coverage while reducing the size of the open mesh area. Please consult the company for further information on flattening.
Distex Brick	Pulling the mesh after expanding can result in several desirable features. Pulling changes the shape of the opening. It increases the overall thickness in most configurations, and can increase the stiffness or tensile strength. Distex Brick material creates a deeper pocket, to accept more filler or coating, and adds longitudinal strength in some configurations.
Double Distex Brick	Double pulling of the material changes the shape, so that the long way of the opening runs with the coil. Double pulling can also be used to change the symmetry of the electrical conductivity.
Selvage Edged	Custom-designed, selvage edge equipment folds over the edge of the MicroGrid® material to the desired width. The resulting closed edge provides greater strength in the direction of the coil. Selvaging is a perfect example of our response to customer requests. Easier material handling, increased safety, and ease of use were all requests which selvaging accomplished by eliminating the normally rough edge. Many engineers also find that the selvage edge can be soldered or welded more easily.
Solid Sections	Dexmet can provide MicroGrid® configurations with solid (unexpanded) metal portions combined with expanded metal portions. Expanded/solid combination metal foils offer a wealth of new applications.
Annealed	Dexmet has developed a proprietary process that continuously anneals long rolls of MicroGrid® foils. Strand-annealed stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance, as well as consistent levels of tensile strength and flexibility. In fact, the enhanced corrosion resistance achieved with the process often permits the replacement of a more expensive foil, such as titanium, for many applications. Dexmet also has equipment to perform batch annealing, the traditional method for annealing copper, silver and aluminum. Dexmet's annealed MicroGrid® foil mesh is also soft and flexible, very bright and clean, and exceptionally flat. The annealing process retains the precision shape, tightness and straightness of the foil material without stretching. The annealed material can be precision-manufactured to specification for unique electrical and mechanical characteristics.
Coated	Numerous applications require a coating or hermetic sealing to prevent oxidation, corrosion or galvanic action with adjacent materials. Or, more expensive materials like nickel may be plated on a lower-cost substrate like steel to reduce overall material costs. Tin on copper is another common combination. Coatings normally add no appreciable thickness or weight and may be metallic or polymer, conductive or nonconductive.
Blanked	Customers frequently turn to us to provide a finished piece, blanked to specification. Dexmet blanks parts from MicroGrid® materials for some of the most critical applications, and we are always prepared to discuss your needs.
Sub-Assembly	In addition to blanking, Dexmet can also offer various forms of fabricating and subassembly work. Please call us to discuss your specific needs
Packaging and Delivery Systems	Whether our unique, recyclable blue spools; special splicing; weight and outer-diameter criteria; or just-in-time delivery is called for, we'll work with you to ensure that your MicroGrid® arrives when, where and how you want it.
Other Value-Added Services	Dexmet engineers are always ready to assist you with your unique product development or process integration issues. We can also help with your overseas requirements, from crating to customs and freight forwarding. Let us assist with your MicroGrid® product.