The manufacturing process for perforating metal starts with sheet metal. Sheet metal is thin and flat, and can be cut and bent into different shapes. In many area of the world, sheet metal thickness is measured in millimeters.

The most common method of perforating metal uses a rotary pinned perforation roller. This is a large cylinder with sharp, pointed needles on the outside to punch holes into the metal. As the sheet metal is run across the perforation roller, it rotates, continuously punching holes in the passing sheet. The needles on the roller, which can produce a wide variety of hole sizes, are sometimes heated to simultaneously melt the metal which forms a reinforced ring around the perforation.

Another common method is “die and punch” perforating. During this process, a sheet with needles is repeatedly pressed onto the passing metal which punches holes into the sheet. The pieces remaining from the punching are then sheared off and the surface is smoothed. The die and punch method is very efficient and can perforate a large surface of sheet very quickly.

2.  Sun protection and climate control: Perforated metal sheets are excellent at providing rooms with air flow and shade, often used as sun protection screens in rooms that require ventilation. Although they appear to be a design element, their permeable nature allows the free movement of air, resulting in substantial energy savings on heating, ventilation and air conditioning.