Perforated metal has been in use for over 150 years. Technological advances made over the decades have taken the practice of perforating metal from hand-punched single-hole patterns to sophisticated CAD drawing and modern tooling machinery that can execute just about any design. From the simple and basic to the complicated and unusual, perforated metal can, today, be delivered in patterns such as crystal shapes, crosses, squares, triangles and hexagons or round-end rectangle and geometric shapes among many more.

Arrow Metal Systems lists below some of the most unusual perforated metal pattern shapes available and inspirational ideas of how they can be used.

Combination pattern

The new footbridge at the Harris Park train station features a spectacular sequence of shapes punched into each panel. Created using Arrow Metal’s latest machinery with different shapes perforated in a single sheet, the panels featuring this blended perforated metal pattern deliver an incredible visual effect, especially when viewed against the colourful interior columns in the background.

Harris Park train station 

Arrow Metal’s new machinery allows you to achieve different shape groupings in a single sheet, instead of the same repetitive perforation shape.

Hexagon pattern

A highly trending design, hexagon honeycomb shapes were used by Architects HOK to cover a towering hotel in Beijing in the distinctive pattern, creating a steel honeycomb facade lit by LED lights for a shimmering nightlight show.

Image sourced from Architects HOK

Image sourced from Architects HOK

Metal panels at Cranebrook Shopping Centre feature a custom hexagon pattern created by Arrow Metal precisely to the architect’s specifications, which required a specific open area percentage. Arrow Metal also offers hexagon-shaped perforated metal patterns as standard in 10mm and 28mm dimensions for those who don’t have the budget for custom honeycomb patterns.

Arrow Metal also created this pretty starburst-inspired perforated metal pattern for display stands to showcase the Pandora DO jewellery range. A perfect combination of elegance and femininity to suit the products on display, this seemingly complex and intricate pattern is actually a series of triangles, squares and solid circles.

Triangle pattern

Triangles with shape variation are trending in perforated metal design, which can be seen on the architecturally-designed panels created for the Oatley Station footbridge. Expertly perforated by Arrow Metal, the different styles and sizes of triangle create an eye-catching effect.

A similar style can be seen at this Cleveland, USA restaurant Arcadian Food & Drink created by Robert Maschke architects. The perforated facade features a triangle pattern that continues inside on the interior balustrade and walls.

Image sourced from Robert Maschke

Image sourced from Robert Maschke

Arrow Metal’s perforated metal pattern capability

Consult with the Arrow Metal team to explore unusual perforated metal shapes. Choose from standard and in-stock profiles available for immediate dispatch or opt for Arrow Metal’s custom solutions to meet your specific design needs.