Description

How to Specify Diamond Expanded Aluminum Mesh Accurately: LWD, SWD, Strand Width and Thickness

Expanded aluminum mesh is widely used in architectural facades, ceiling systems, decorative screens, partitions, sunshade panels, fences, and other modern building applications. To ensure accurate communication between architects, contractors, engineers, and manufacturers, the mesh opening dimensions and material specifications must be clearly defined.

The four key parameters for diamond expanded aluminum mesh are:

• LWD (Long Way of Diamond)
• SWD (Short Way of Diamond)
• Strand Width
• Thickness

Understanding these terms helps customers select the correct mesh pattern, strength, and visual effect for their projects.

1. What is LWD (Long Way of Diamond)?

LWD stands for Long Way of Diamond.

It refers to the longest diagonal measurement of a diamond-shaped mesh opening, measured from one corner of the diamond to the opposite corner.

LWD is one of the most important dimensions used to describe expanded metal mesh patterns.

Example:

Aluminum Expanded Mesh
LWD 100mm × SWD 50mm × Strand Width 8mm × Thickness 3mm

This means:

• The long diamond opening is 100mm
• The short diamond opening is 50mm
• The aluminum strand width is 8mm
• The original aluminum sheet thickness is 3mm

A larger LWD creates a more open and decorative appearance, while a smaller LWD produces a denser mesh structure.

2. What is SWD (Short Way of Diamond)?

SWD stands for Short Way of Diamond.

It represents the shorter diagonal dimension of the diamond-shaped opening.

The combination of LWD and SWD determines the overall appearance, transparency, and ventilation performance of the expanded aluminum mesh.

Common diamond opening sizes include:

• 25mm × 50mm
• 30mm × 60mm
• 50mm × 100mm
• 60mm × 120mm
• 100mm × 200mm

For architectural applications:

• Smaller SWD provides higher privacy and stronger visual density.
• Larger SWD provides better airflow, transparency, and decorative effects.

3. What is Strand Width?

Strand Width refers to the width of the aluminum strip between two adjacent openings.

It is the solid aluminum section that forms the structure of the expanded mesh.

For example:

Strand Width: 8mm

means the aluminum rib connecting the diamond openings is 8mm wide.

The strand width directly affects:

Larger Strand Width:

• Higher strength
• Better impact resistance
• More solid appearance
• Improved structural performance
  

  

Smaller Strand Width:

• Higher transparency
• Lighter appearance
• Better ventilation
• More decorative effect

Common strand widths:

• 2.5mm
• 3mm
• 5mm
• 8mm
• 10mm
• 15mm

4. What is Thickness?

Thickness refers to the original thickness of the aluminum sheet before the expansion process.

During manufacturing, the aluminum sheet is simultaneously cut and stretched to create the diamond openings while maintaining the original material thickness.

Common aluminum expanded mesh thickness:

• 1.5mm
• 2.0mm
• 2.5mm
• 3.0mm
• 4.0mm
• 5.0mm

A thicker aluminum sheet provides:

• Higher load capacity
• Better durability
• Stronger wind resistance
• Longer service life
  

  

Correct Way to Write Aluminum Expanded Mesh Specifications

A professional specification should include all important parameters.

Recommended format:

Aluminum Expanded Mesh

Material: 3003 Aluminum Alloy
Thickness: 3.0mm
LWD: 100mm
SWD: 50mm
Strand Width: 8mm
Surface Treatment: PVDF Coating / Powder Coating

Example product description:

3003 Aluminum Expanded Mesh Panel with LWD 100mm × SWD 50mm Diamond Opening, 8mm Strand Width and 3.0mm Thickness for Architectural Facade Decoration

How Are LWD and SWD Determined?

LWD and SWD are not calculated directly from thickness. They are determined during the manufacturing process by:

• Expansion machine settings
• Cutting blade dimensions
• Expansion ratio
• Mesh pattern design

The final mesh structure depends on the relationship between:

Opening Size + Strand Width + Thickness

Different combinations create different appearances and performance levels.

Relationship Between Mesh Opening and Appearance

Weight Calculation of Expanded Aluminum Mesh

The weight of expanded aluminum mesh depends on several factors:

• Aluminum alloy grade
• Original sheet thickness
• LWD
• SWD
• Strand Width
• Expansion ratio

Because the aluminum sheet is stretched during production, the final weight per square meter is different from a solid aluminum sheet with the same thickness.

For accurate weight calculation and quotation, manufacturers normally calculate based on the complete specification:

Material + Thickness + LWD + SWD + Strand Width

Common Specification Mistakes

Incorrect:

❌ Aluminum mesh 100mm hole

This description is unclear because it does not indicate whether 100mm refers to LWD or SWD.

Correct:

✅ Aluminum Expanded Mesh
LWD: 100mm
SWD: 50mm
Strand Width: 8mm
Thickness: 3mm

Conclusion

Accurate communication of diamond expanded aluminum mesh requires four essential parameters:

1. LWD (Long Way of Diamond) – Long diagonal opening size
2. SWD (Short Way of Diamond) – Short diagonal opening size
3. Strand Width – Width of aluminum connecting ribs
4. Thickness – Original aluminum sheet thickness

By specifying these parameters correctly, architects, engineers, and buyers can select the ideal expanded aluminum mesh solution for facade systems, ceilings, partitions, and decorative applications.

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