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bar grating infill panels on wall

Ask Our Experts: What Are Infill Panels?

Before you decide whether infill panels are right for your specific architectural design or other application, you need to have a firm grasp on what they actually are. Infill panels, otherwise called infill walls, are non-load-bearing. They are installed between floors on the primary structural frame of a building to support the structure’s cladding system. These panels are also used internally to create separating walls that enhance acoustic insulation and fire resistance within a building.

Originally, infill panels were created mostly from masonry, concrete and other heavy materials. Today’s architectural designs, however, commonly use light metal infill panels to create a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing structure. Specific metals used in this material range from galvanized, aluminum and plain steel to variants of stainless steel, welded stainless steel and more. Just a few common structures that often contain custom infill panels include:

  • Pedestrian partitions
  • Divider walls
  • Fencing
  • Green spaces in living walls
  • Suspended walkways

Types of Metal Infill Panelsperforated metal infill panels

Once you’ve decided that these panels are correct for your building design, it’s time to consider options:

  • Expanded metal infill panels: Created through a process of simultaneous stretching and slitting, this metal is strong, lightweight and more cost-effective than many other fabricated metals. It has diamond-shaped openings over its surface, giving it a unique appearance. Because the material in this process can be expanded up to 10 times the size it started at, the final product weighs about a fifth what it did but still maintains its fundamental integrity and rigidity.
  • Bar grating infill panels: These panels provide superior strength for a building facade or other application. Options for this type of infill include welded steel, press-locked and riveted bar grating, all of which join bars together to create a heavy-duty final product that can enhance safety and offer an appealing building appearance.
  • Perforated metal infill panels: For structural stability and an addition to the style of your building, stairway, walkway or other location, choose these infills. Holes in the shape you need are punched into metal sheets to provide a strong material that stays durable. You can get round, square, slotted and other holes in several different patterns that work for the design you have in mind. Other customizable options include metal type, material thickness, opening size and margin size.
  • Wire mesh infill panels: Many people love the look and feel of wire mesh infill. If you choose wire mesh, you’ll also gain the benefits of flexibility and functionality. This material offers an appealing combination of high visibility and safety no matter where it’s installed. Wire mesh applies to both residential and commercial building designs. The versatility it offers in appearance and functionality makes it a popular choice.

Marco Specialty Steel as Your Infill Panel Supplier

No matter what applications you have in mind for your infill panels, you’ll get unique fabrication from experienced and highly skilled technicians when you choose our company. We’ll create custom panels that suit your precise specifications. We provide quotes for any job size and material type you need. If you’re unsure what type of infill panels are right for your job, contact us right away and we’ll take the time to help you make the right decision every time.