Micromesh LSP™ by Niles Expanded Metals is an innovative expanded metal foil designed to provide superior lightning strike protection (LSP) for composite structures in industries such as aerospace and renewable energy. Available in both copper and aluminum, Micromesh LSP™ delivers exceptional performance and reliability for safeguarding critical components such as aircraft parts and wind turbine blades. Engineered with precision through a controlled manufacturing process, this advanced mesh optimizes key properties to reduce the risk of lightning-induced damage or failure in composite materials.
Micromesh LSPTM is an expanded metal foil used for aircraft lightning protection where composite materials are used. Expanded metal foil has been evaluated by most U.S. airframe manufacturers and found to have numerous advantages over other systems. Micromesh LSPTM products include a variety of configurations in both copper and aluminum to meet a wide range of design objectives.
Available in 1 meter wide coils, Micromesh LSPTM is simultaneously slit and stretched (expanded) into a single, uniform, precision structure. The manufacturing process is closely controlled to meet weight, conductivity, and open area requirements.
Composite materials are now widely used in structures of all kinds. A continuing concern is how to protect these structures from lightning to composite strikes.
Composite structures are more vulnerable to lightning strikes compared to their metal equivalents. Without proper protection, carbon composites can be significantly damaged without proper channeling for electrical currents induced by lightning strikes. Expanded copper and aluminum have been developed and proven to protect composite structures when applied in the outer layer of the composite materials.
Wind turbines are a natural lightning target due to their height. The blades are one of the most expensive components, and the longer the blade, the greater the risk of being struck by lightning.
When struck by lightning, an unprotected wind blade experiences an electric arc from the point of contact through conductive components to the root of the structure, and components may reach temperatures of up to 30,000°C (about 54,000°F) and possibly cause the blade to explode. Wind turbines continue to increase in size and Micromesh LSPTM serves to protect these composite structures from lightning strikes and ensure the functionality of the components.
AEROMESH TPS
ALUMINUM
A.L 66
AL 66F
AL 78
AL 78F
AL 137
AL 137F
AEROMESH TPS
COPPER
CU 73
CU 73F
CU 142
CU 142F
CU 195
CU 195F
CU 815F
Micromesh LSPTM lightning strike mesh is produced from copper and aluminum foil that is simultaneously slit and stretched (expanded) into a single, uniform, precision, non-woven structure. The manufacturing process is closely controlled to meet weight, conductivity, and open area requirements. The design provides significantly greater conductivity than woven mesh and a smoother surface to improve formability and adhesion to composite structures.
