perforated

Perforated is an adjective describing a material or object that contains a regular array of holes or openings, usually through its thickness. Perforations can serve functional purposes, such as drainage, ventilation, filtration, light diffusion, or acoustic control, as well as decorative or aesthetic roles.

Geometries and metrics: Holes may be circular, square, triangular, or other shapes, with common patterns including round-hole grids and slotted patterns. The open area ratio, hole diameter, pitch, and pattern regularity determine strength, weight, transparency, and how the piece interacts with sound or fluid flow.

Materials and methods: Perforated products are made from metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or brass; plastics; ceramics; and composites. Manufacturing methods include punching with dies, laser cutting, water-jet cutting, and chemical etching. Finishing steps may include deburring, coating, plating, or bonding to a backing or frame.

Applications: In architecture and design, perforated sheets or panels are used for facades, sunscreens, screens, and interior dividers, often with acoustic backing. In industry, perforated materials act as filters, sieves, or drainage components. They are also used in packaging, cookware, and consumer appliances to enable ventilation or drainage.

Considerations: Perforation can reduce material strength and stiffness; corrosion resistance, hygiene, and ease of cleaning are important in food, medical, and architectural contexts. Perforated structures are designed with tolerances to account for deformations and the intended open area.