Sometimes confused with wire mesh, expanded metal is a versatile, grate-like surface that comes in sheets.

It's used to make everything from catwalks to protective cages for machinery to security surfaces (added to one side of a sheetrock wall, for instance). Out here in the country, I often see expanded metal used in ramp gates for utility trailers. Expanded metal can be made with either aluminum or steel, but I've only ever seen steel examples.

What's absolutely incredible is the way that it's made. Expanded metal is cut from a single sheet of raw material, and none of the holes are punched out, exactly:

I call that a marvel of modern manufacturing!

Interestingly, the same technique can be used in...pastry making:

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