Gratings
A grate is a framework of metal bars used to keep solid fuel such as coal or wood within a fireplace, stove or furnace. Moving horizontal grates, fixed sloping grates, moving sloping grates and multi-stage grates are common types of grates used for grate furnaces.In construction and systems of all types, gratings are barriers with parallel or crossed bars used to cover any type of opening. These barriers block passages but admit air. Gratings are used for everything from sewer systems, sidewalks, subway systems and safety to ventilation/windows, walkways, airports and floors. Floor gratings are common in factory, industrial or production environments and gratings such as manhole covers are used for sidewalks and sewer systems. In industrial settings, floor gratings are also used for drainage and for safety issues such as slip resistance and extra grip for equipment such as forklifts.
Gratings are either custom made or they are available in a wide variety of sizes, “spacing's” and strengths. The most heavy duty gratings are usually made of interlocking pressure-locked bars. There are many different materials that are used for gratings including: aluminum, carbon steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, silver, nickel and any ferrous or non-ferrous metals. In addition, plastic and fiberglass are also commonly used for gratings.
Aluminum grating is light-weight and it has excellent corrosion resistance. It also has high strength to weight ratio. Metal gratings such as stainless steel and iron are commonly used in the floor grating world—typically in high traffic areas. Aluminum is common as well, but it is used most often in lower traffic areas. Plastic grating is typically reinforced with fiberglass. Fiberglass is lightweight, durable and good corrosion resistance.
Other types of grating include: welded grating, bar gratings and pressure locked grating. These types of gratings are made using various techniques. Welded gratings are created by electrically fusing cross bars to steel load bars and bar gratings are created by riveting, pressure locking or welding thick fiberglass or metal bars together. Bar gratings are used in environments requiring strong support. Pressure locked grating is considered one of the most versatile types of grating as it offers the widest variety of bar spacing's.
There are literally thousands of gratings manufacturers and retailers available. If you are searching for a grating manufacturer, a great place to begin your search is ThomasNet (www.thomasnet.com). This online industrial product and service search lists thousands of manufacturers along with products and services for each.