Q&A: How To Design & Buy Perforated Metal Sheet - Arrow Metal

28 Jul.,2025

 

Q&A: How To Design & Buy Perforated Metal Sheet - Arrow Metal

Is perforated metal on your project materials lists this year?

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Arrow Metal manufactures, designs, and delivers perforated metal Australia-wide. Here’s your useful Q&A guide all about us, what we do, and how you can create and buy perforated metal sheet with us for your contracts.

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Who is Arrow Metal?

Australia’s perforated metal experts

Arrow Metal is an Australian-owned and operated perforated metal manufacturer. From our Silverwater factory in New South Wales, we produce and supply quality, Australian-made perforated metal to the architecture, design, building, and construction industries.

With nearly three decades of expertise in metal perforation, we have the technology and know-how to create perforated metal for every type of project, from stunning custom-made installations in your own design to functional and decorative perforated metal solutions that meet your contract and tender briefs.

Bespoke perforated metal balcony screens, Riverview Apartments

Who do we work with?

Perforated metal partners for architecture & design

We work across all Australian architecture and design sectors, collaborating with:

  • Small to large-scale architecture studios and practices
  • Interior designers
  • Building and construction companies
  • Project managers
  • Fit-out firms
  • Trade specialists – balustrade, metal fabricators, and facade installers
  • Artists and creative professionals

If you need to specify and buy perforated metal in any form, we can help – just contact our friendly team on (02) .

What types of projects have we worked on?

Public and private sector expertise

Arrow Metal perforated metal has been used for many key public and private sector projects across Australia, from multi-million-dollar commercial CBD complexes and residential developments to retail schemes, transport and infrastructure upgrades, hospitality, hotels, and public buildings.

Notable projects include:

  • ASICS Oceania HQ, Sydney: Perforated metal signage and green wall
  • Carrington assisted living, Riverview apartments, Camden: Balcony screens, signage, and walkway panels
  • The Westin, Perth: Exterior decorative perforated panels
  • Myer Sydney: Christmas Wonderland perforated metal cloud sculptures for artists McDermott Baxter
  • NUspace, University of Newcastle: Perforated metal study booth walls
  • George Street commercial precinct, Sydney CBD: Perforated metal lobby panels
  • Wynyard to Barangaroo tunnel, Sydney: Perforated metal ceiling panels
  • Brisbane ferry terminal upgrade: Perforated metal balustrade and screens
  • Wayside Chapel, Sydney: Custom logo perforated metal facade

Look through our Projects page for more details and explore some of our other completed works for ideas and inspiration.

Perforated metal underpass, Como train station, Sydney

What types of metal do we perforate?

We perforate an extensive range of metals, including the most common types of metal used in construction, architecture, and interior design:

  • Mild steel
  • Pre-galvanised steel
  • Galvanneal
  • Stainless Steel
  • Aluminium
  • Brass

Our team can advise on the right metal grades for your installation, to ensure performance and longevity.

What are the pattern options?

Standard and exclusive ranges

Whatever your project requirements, we have a pattern to suit. Choose from classic and cost-effective round perforations, square, hexagon, geometric or round-end slot, made to your exact specifications in open area percentage, pitch, and size.

Responsive to the latest trends in architecture and design, we also produce our own designs in-house, using our specialised tooling machinery to create high-end, impactful, and innovative designs that you won’t find anywhere else.

Our exclusive in-house designs are part of our made-to-order range, giving you even more creative scope for your budget when you collaborate with us.

How do I get a custom perforated metal design made? 

Bespoke orders and briefs

If you have your own architectural design or a challenging brief to achieve, we can make it happen.

We have the expertise and the specialised tooling machinery to produce even the most complex perforated metal patterns on a single sheet, without compromising on quality or performance.

The company is the world’s best Custom Perforated Metal supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Through CAD drawing, we can produce panels that feature imagery, words, illustrations, or branding, custom made in sizes up to mm in length for an exact fit on site.

From giant, poetry-themed building facades to logo and JPEG photo replication, our highly skilled manufacturing team can replicate your design down to the tiniest detail, working with you throughout every stage of production to ensure that your custom panels perform, look, and seamlessly fit exactly as you need them to.

What finishes and effects are available?

Colours, effects, and folding

You can further customise your perforated panels with a wide range of finishes and effects. A coloured or metallic finish is a cost-effective and popular way to upgrade standard perforation profiles when the project budget is limited.

You can also specify a finish that protects your metal panels, ideal for harsh environmental conditions. We can also fold, bend, and curve your panels, depending on the pattern specification.

What are typical delivery timescales?

Buy perforated metal for Australia-wide delivery

How soon your perforated metal panels are ready depends on:

  • Whether you’re ordering an in-stock, made-to-order, or customised product
  • The size of your order
  • Profile specifications
  • Any required finishes such as colours or durable coatings

We will always do what we can to fulfil last-minute orders and meet tight timescales. Ordering in-stock, ready-made panels is the fastest option if you have a short lead time and need quick delivery. Your product will be dispatched the next working day from our Silverwater factory if your order is received and paid for before midday.

For made-to-order and custom panels, we will advise current lead times when you order.

Who do I contact about an order?

Customer service and communication

You’ll always know how your perforated metal is progressing, through regular updates from one of our team.

When you order from us, your job is assigned its own project coordinator, who oversees every stage and keeps you informed. From initial enquiry to on-site delivery, we manage it all, giving you expert guidance at every stage for project success.

Work with Arrow Metal

If you have an idea for a perforated metal design, need costs for a tender pitch, or want to work with us for your next project, get in touch with our team to chat through your design brief on (02) . Or send us an online enquiry here and we’ll get back to you promptly.

5 key questions architects ask about perforated metal facades

1.What are the practical advantages of perforated cladding?

The primary benefit of perforated cladding is that is allows architects and designers to control the influx of natural light and ventilation within a building. The use of large perforations facilitate the passage of ample natural light and airflow, reducing the dependence on air conditioning systems, which is particularly important for tropical climates in Singapore and Asia.

The design of perforated metal also mitigates the risk of water retention, preventing potential issues associated with humidity, such as rust or degradation. Additionally, using finishes such as Powder coating or Fluorocarbon (PVDF) coating, architects and designers can ensure that the perforated cladding maintains its functionality and visual appeal with minimal maintenance requirements. This combination of practicality and adaptability makes perforated cladding a reliable and sustainable choice for architectural projects in humid, tropical climates.

2. Are there limitations regarding the number and size of perforations?

While ensuring the panel's rigidity and adherence to structural specifications is crucial to ensure that panels do not warp, there are minimal restrictions on the number and size of perforations. We have the flexibility to incorporate large perforations or numerous smaller ones across the panel, depending on the open area percentage that you prefer. For privacy concerns, some architects select a design where the open area percentage is less than 40%, such as in applications for front facades and gates. Importantly, perforations are not confined to round shapes; they can take on any size or form, enhancing the design possibilities.

3. Can perforated claddings be customised?

Perforated claddings are a canvas for customisation - you can dictate the panel size, design, fabrication and bending, and finishing coating, to suit the specific needs of your project. Standard panel size is 1.2m x 2.4m (4FT x 8FT), but custom sizes can be manufactured. Our team will advise on the maximum panel size possible for your project while ensuring panels adhere to structural specifications and do not warp. We have hundreds of perforated designs available, ranging from round to slotted to unique designs - from 3mm hole openings to 15mm hole openings.

For aluminium and steel perforated panels, the finishing can be Powder coating or Fluorocarbon (PVDF) coating.

4. Can we fit perforated cladding on an existing building?

Absolutely, the adaptability of perforated cladding extends to existing structures, making it a viable option for renovations and redevelopment projects. Whether it's a subtle addition or a bold transformation, perforated cladding can be tailored to suit the unique characteristics of existing buildings, offering architects a versatile tool to redefine and revitalise architectural spaces. Many perforated claddings have been used as internal facades and wall dividers in heritage shophouses in the Katong and Joo Chiat areas.

5. How does perforated cladding impact energy efficiency?

Architects are increasingly focused on sustainable design, architects frequently inquire about the role perforated cladding plays in advancing sustainable design. By strategically managing natural light, these facades reduce the reliance on artificial lighting while preventing overheating in interiors. This dual functionality not only enhances the building's eco-friendliness but also aligns with modern architectural trends emphasising sustainable practices.

For further details on how our perforated metal facades can be used, visit our Supply Bay Metals Portfolio Gallery or read our blog What are perforated metals?

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