DIN 24041 is a German standard for perforated plates. It sets out the hole shapes, arrangements, dimensions and designation system used to describe regularly perforated sheet metal, independent of the base material. For buyers specifying aluminum perforated sheets to a European or German project, understanding DIN 24041 helps read drawings, compare supplier quotations and avoid mixing dimensional rules with material standards.
This article explains what DIN 24041 covers and what it does not, how its hole-type symbols and dimension letters work, and how it relates to aluminum material standards such as EN 485 and ASTM B209. The exact numeric tolerances and the current clause text must always be read from the official standard edition.
What Is DIN 24041?
DIN 24041, titled Perforated plates - Dimensions (Perforationsbleche - Maße), is published by DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung), the German institute for standardization. The current valid edition is DIN 24041:2022-06, which supersedes the earlier DIN 24041:2021-03 and older revisions.
The standard applies to rectangular plates with regular patterns of holes - round, square or elongated (slotted) - arranged in staggered, diagonally staggered or straight-row layouts. Later editions also cover hexagonal patterns. Importantly, DIN 24041 is material-independent: it applies regardless of whether the plate is steel, stainless steel or aluminum.
DIN 24041 is a dimensional and geometric standard for the perforated plate. It is not a material standard and does not specify aluminum alloy grades, tempers or mechanical properties, nor does it act as a finished-product certification. Those requirements come from the relevant base-material standard and the purchaser's order specification.
What Does DIN 24041 Cover?
Scope of Application
The standard covers plates with regular, repeatable hole patterns and defines how those patterns are described. It is aimed at manufactured perforated plate where hole size, pitch and arrangement follow a defined geometry. Irregular or fully custom artistic patterns are generally outside its designation system, even if a supplier can still produce them.
Hole Shapes and Arrangements
The standard recognizes three principal hole shapes - round, square and slotted (elongated) - plus hexagonal in current editions. Each can be arranged in three ways: staggered (versetzt), diagonally staggered (diagonal versetzt) or straight rows (gerade).
Dimensions and Designations
It defines the dimension letters and the designation string used to identify a perforated plate type. These dimensions include hole width, pitch, bridge width, sheet thickness and open area, explained in detail below.
Material and Weight
Because the standard is material-neutral, it does not list alloys. It does provide a method to calculate theoretical weight from open area, plate dimensions, thickness and material density. The density value itself is taken from the applicable material standard.
Technical Delivery Conditions
DIN 24041 references general tolerances for hole size and pitch, and allows special ("fest", fixed) tolerances to be agreed in the order when tighter control is needed. Delivery conditions around burrs, flatness and inspection are described, while the base sheet thickness tolerance remains governed by the material standard.
DIN 24041 Perforation Types and Designations
Every DIN 24041 hole type is written as a letter for the shape followed by a letter for the arrangement.
Round Holes – Rv, Rd and Rg
Round holes use the letter R (Rund). The three arrangements are:
- Rv - round, staggered rows (versetzt).
- Rd - round, diagonally staggered (diagonal versetzt).
- Rg - round, straight rows / grid (gerade).
Rv is the most common arrangement for perforated aluminum sheet because it gives the highest open area for a given hole and pitch.
Square Holes – Qv, Qd and Qg
Square holes use the letter Q (Quadratisch), again with v, d or g for the arrangement: Qv (staggered), Qd (diagonal), Qg (straight). Square holes are used where a geometric, grid-like appearance is wanted or where the process favors square tooling.
Slotted Holes – Lv, Ld and Lge
Slotted (elongated) holes use the letter L (Langloch). The arrangements are Lv (staggered), Ld (diagonal) and Lg / Lge (straight, gerade). In many catalogs the straight slotted type is written as Lg; "Lge" appears where the elongated length is treated as a separate dimension. Slotted holes are useful for directional drainage, airflow paths and stronger linear visual expression.
How to Read DIN 24041 Hole Pattern Symbols
The rule is consistent: the first letter is the shape (R, Q, L, SK for hexagonal Sechseck), and the second letter is the arrangement (v, d, g). So "Rv" always means round staggered, "Qd" square diagonal, "Lg" slotted straight. Reading the symbol this way tells the buyer the geometry before any dimension is given.
Key Dimensions Used in DIN 24041
Hole Width or Hole Diameter (w)
w is the hole width. For round holes it is the diameter; for square holes the side length; for slotted holes the slot width (the slot length is a separate dimension). It is the primary control on light, air and material passage.
Pitch (t)
t is the pitch - the center-to-center distance between adjacent holes measured in the pattern direction. Pitch controls how densely holes are placed and therefore the bridge width and open area.
Bridge Width (c)
c is the bridge (Stegbreite): the unperforated metal strip between adjacent holes. For straight patterns it is simply t − w. For staggered patterns the relationship is calculated from the triangular pitch geometry. The bridge width affects remaining strength and the visual solidity of the panel.
Sheet Thickness (s)
s is the base sheet thickness before perforation. It is normally governed by the material standard (for aluminum, EN 485), not by DIN 24041's perforation rules. Thickness drives stiffness, panel weight and the feasibility of bending or folding.
Open Area (A₀)
A₀ is the open area - the percentage of the perforated surface that is open. It is derived from hole size, pitch and arrangement. For round holes in a 60° staggered layout, open area is approximately 90.69 × (w² / t²); for a 90° straight layout, approximately 78.54 × (w² / t²). These formulas apply only to regular round holes.
Perforated Area and Unperforated Margins
Real panels usually leave solid edge margins (unperforated borders) for fixing and structural support. DIN 24041 treats the perforated field separately from these margins, so a drawing should state both the perforated pattern and the solid edge width.
How to Read a DIN 24041 Perforated Sheet Designation
Hole Type and Arrangement
The designation starts with the hole-type code (for example Rv, Qg or Ld). This alone communicates shape and layout.
Hole Size and Pitch
After the type, the hole width w and the pitch t are stated, typically in millimeters. An illustrative example is DIN 24041 - Rv 6,3 12, meaning round staggered holes, 6.3 mm hole diameter and 12 mm pitch. The exact formatting and decimal convention should be confirmed against the current edition.
Sheet Thickness and External Dimensions
Thickness and overall panel length and width are listed separately from the perforation code, because they belong to the material and cutting specification rather than the hole pattern itself.
Example of a Perforated Sheet Order Specification
A practical order line combines all fields: hole type and arrangement, hole width, pitch, sheet thickness, panel length and width, alloy, finish and quantity. The example values above are illustrative; the purchaser must state the project's actual requirements, and any special tolerances must be agreed explicitly.
DIN 24041 Tolerances and Quality Requirements
This section describes the tolerance framework. The specific allowable deviations must be taken from the official standard text, not from this summary.
Hole Size and Pitch Tolerances
DIN 24041 defines general tolerances for hole diameter and pitch, and for the accumulated deviation over a number of pitches (measurement length). Where a project needs tighter control, so-called "fest" (fixed) tolerances are agreed in the order. The applicable values depend on the nominal hole size, pitch and measured length.
Sheet Thickness and External Dimensions
The thickness tolerance and the overall length/width tolerance of the base sheet are governed by the material standard (for aluminum, EN 485), not by DIN 24041. Perforation does not change the base thickness tolerance, but the cutting-to-size tolerance is a separate production item to confirm.
Burrs and Edge Quality
The standard addresses burr height and cut-edge quality produced by punching. Acceptable limits depend on sheet thickness and the agreed processing condition. Buyers should state whether deburring or edge finishing is required.
Flatness and Processing Conditions
Perforation removes material unevenly and can affect flatness, especially on large or thin panels. DIN 24041 provides flatness expectations as part of its quality requirements. Achieving them may require leveling or designed support, which should be reviewed during quotation.
Inspection and Measurement
Inspection follows the standard's defined measurement rules - for example how hole size and pitch are measured and over what length deviations are assessed. A mill test certificate (such as EN 10204 3.1) covers the material, while dimensional inspection covers the perforated result.
Does DIN 24041 Apply to Aluminum Perforated Sheets?
Yes. Because DIN 24041 is material-independent, it applies to aluminum perforated sheets as a dimensional standard. The aluminum-specific choices, however, come from separate material and project requirements.
Applicable Aluminum Materials
DIN 24041 does not list aluminum alloys. Common perforated-sheet grades such as 1050, 3003, 5005, 5052 and 6061 are selected per the material standard (EN 573-3 for designation, EN 485 for dimensions and tolerances). The purchaser states the alloy and temper in the order.
Aluminum Sheet Thickness and Perforation
Aluminum's lower strength and higher formability affect punching force and tool wear compared with steel, but the resulting hole geometry is still described by DIN 24041's dimension system. Very thin aluminum sheet needs attention to flatness and burr control.
Aluminum Alloy and Temper Selection
Alloy and temper are a material decision driven by stiffness, corrosion environment, formability and finish route - not by DIN 24041. For example, 3003-H24 and 5052-H32 are widely used for architectural perforated panels, while 6061-T6 is chosen where higher strength is needed.
Surface Finish and Post-Processing
Surface finish (mill, anodizing, powder coating, PVDF) and post-processing such as bending or cutting are outside DIN 24041. Coating after perforation can affect hole-edge coverage and effective hole diameter, so finish and hole size are balanced during design.
DIN 24041 vs Other Perforated Metal Standards
DIN 24041 vs ASTM B209
ASTM B209 is a specification for aluminum-alloy sheet and plate - it governs the base material (composition, tempers, mechanical properties, thickness tolerances). DIN 24041 governs the perforated geometry after the sheet is punched. They cover different stages and do not replace each other.
DIN 24041 vs EN 485
EN 485 covers dimensions and tolerances of aluminum and aluminum-alloy strip, sheet and plate before perforation. DIN 24041 covers hole size, pitch, arrangement and open area after perforation. A finished aluminum perforated sheet is described by both: EN 485 for the base sheet, DIN 24041 for the perforated pattern.
Material Standards vs Perforated Sheet Dimensional Standards
The key point for buyers: material standards (ASTM B209, EN 485) answer "what is the sheet made of and how thick is it"; DIN 24041 answers "what is the hole pattern and how is it dimensioned". Treating one as a substitute for the other leads to incomplete specifications, so both should appear in a complete order.
Specification of DIN 24041 Aluminum Perforated Sheets
| Parameter (DIN 24041) | Symbol | Typical range / options |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum alloy and temper | - | 3003-H24 / 5052-H32 / 6061-T6 (other 3xxx / 5xxx / 6xxx by order) |
| Base sheet thickness | s | 0.5–6.0 mm before perforation |
| Hole shape and arrangement | - | Rv (round straight), Qg (square staggered), Ld (long-round), SK (custom) and other DIN 24041 codes |
| Hole diameter or width | w | From ~1.0 mm; typical 2–10 mm |
| Pitch (center distance) | t | Typical 3–15 mm; t > w |
| Bridge width (solid gap) | c | c = t − w |
| Open area | A₀ | Round: A₀ = 90.69 × (w/t)² (%); square/long-round use their own formula; target set per project |
| Panel dimensions | - | Length × width per drawing (typical width 1000 / 1220 / 1250 / 1500 mm) |
| Unperforated margins | - | 10–20 mm typical solid edge for fixing and folds |
| Surface finish | - | Mill / Anodized / Powder coated / PVDF (fluorocarbon) |
| Applicable standards | - | DIN 24041:2022-06 with base material ASTM B209/B209M, EN 485, EN 573 or GB/T 3880 |
| HS code | - | 7606.12 (rectangular alloy perforated aluminum sheet; subject to destination customs final classification) |
| Inspection and certification | - | MTC to EN 10204 3.1, plus dimensional and visual inspection; alloy and temper verified against the order standard |
| Packaging | - | Protection film or interleaved paper, edge guards, seaworthy export packing on wooden pallets or in cases, labeled per order |
DIN 24041 defines the perforation code system, dimensions and open-area method; it is a perforation standard, not a base-material alloy standard, so it is applied together with ASTM B209 / EN 485 / EN 573 for the aluminum sheet itself. Exact w, t, c, s and A₀ values, tolerances and margins are fixed from the drawing and production review; confirm against the current DIN 24041 edition before ordering.
Aluminum Alloy and Temper We Supply to DIN 24041
GNEE supplies DIN 24041 perforated aluminum sheets in 3003-H24, 5052-H32 and 6061-T6 as standard options, with other 3xxx / 5xxx / 6xxx grades available by order. The alloy and temper are verified against the selected base-material standard, and the perforation is then laid out to the requested DIN 24041 code (for example Rv, Qg or Ld) with the specified w, t and margins.
Thickness, Width and Length We Supply
Base sheet thickness before perforation runs 0.5–6.0 mm. Typical panel widths are 1000 / 1220 / 1250 / 1500 mm, and lengths are cut to drawing up to 3000–6000 mm or fabricated into modules. Unperforated solid margins of 10–20 mm are kept for fixing and folds unless the drawing states otherwise.
Inspection and Certification
Every order is supplied with an MTC to EN 10204 3.1 confirming alloy and temper, together with dimensional and visual inspection of thickness, hole pattern, open area, flatness and edge quality. The base material is verified against the selected standard (ASTM B209/B209M, EN 485, EN 573 or GB/T 3880), and the perforation is checked against the agreed DIN 24041 designation. Specific non-destructive or mechanical tests are confirmed per project requirement.
Packaging and Delivery
Sheets are protected with interleaved paper or a surface protection film, fitted with edge guards, and packed for seaworthy export on wooden pallets or in cases. Each package is labeled per order with alloy, thickness, dimensions and purchase reference. The packing method is adjusted for sheet size, coating and transit route to protect the visible face.
Standards and HS Code
DIN 24041:2022-06 is applied for the perforation, together with the base-material standard ASTM B209/B209M, EN 485, EN 573 or GB/T 3880. As a perforated aluminum product the sheets are typically classified under HS code 7606.12 (rectangular alloy perforated aluminum sheet); final classification is subject to the destination customs authority.
Commercial Terms for Custom Perforated Metal Sheet Orders
MOQ: Flexible - both small trial orders and large-volume orders are accepted; larger orders are welcome.
Lead time: Typically 15–30 days, depending on material, processing route and order volume.
Mill test certificate: EN 10204 3.1 MTC available.
Pricing basis: Benchmarked to SMM (Shanghai Metals Market) with the agreed material and processing scope.
Response: Project review and quotation reply within 24 hours of receiving a complete drawing and specification.
Incoterms & payment: FOB / CIF available; T/T and L/C accepted.
About GNEE
GNEE has supplied aluminum products to overseas buyers since 2008, with exports to 100+ countries and regions. For perforated aluminum sheets, GNEE provides material supply and custom processing to drawings, with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates and pricing benchmarked to SMM. MOQ is flexible for both trial and volume orders, with typical lead time of 15–30 days and quotation reply within 24 hours of a complete inquiry.
Request a Quote for DIN 24041 Aluminum Perforated Sheets
Need aluminum perforated sheets specified to DIN 24041, or help reading a European drawing? Share your alloy, thickness, hole type, pitch, open area, panel dimensions and finish. We can review your requirements and confirm the suitable supply and processing route.
FAQ
Q: What is DIN 24041?
A: DIN 24041, "Perforated plates - Dimensions", is a German standard published by DIN that defines hole shapes, arrangements, dimensions and the designation system for regularly perforated plates. It is material-independent and applies to steel, stainless steel and aluminum perforated sheets. It is a dimensional standard, not a material specification.
Q: Is DIN 24041 applicable to aluminum perforated sheets?
A: Yes. Because the standard is material-neutral, it applies to aluminum perforated sheets as a dimensional rule for hole size, pitch, arrangement and open area. The aluminum alloy, temper and base thickness are specified through material standards such as EN 573-3 and EN 485, not by DIN 24041.
Q: What is the difference between Rv, Rd and Rg?
A: All three are round-hole codes. Rv means round holes in staggered rows, Rd means round holes in diagonally staggered rows, and Rg means round holes in straight grid rows. The arrangement changes the open area and the visual pattern for the same hole diameter and pitch.
Q: What do Qv, Qd and Qg mean?
A: These are the square-hole codes. Qv is square holes staggered, Qd is square holes diagonally staggered, and Qg is square holes in straight rows. They follow the same shape-plus-arrangement logic as the round-hole codes.
Q: How are hole diameter and pitch specified?
A: Hole diameter (or width) is the dimension w and pitch is the dimension t, both usually given in millimeters. In a designation such as Rv 6,3 12, 6,3 is the hole diameter and 12 is the pitch. The exact notation should follow the current standard edition.
Q: Does DIN 24041 define perforated sheet tolerances?
A: Yes, it defines general tolerances for hole size and pitch, including accumulated deviation over a measurement length, and it allows special "fest" (fixed) tolerances to be agreed in the order. Base sheet thickness and overall dimensions are governed by the material standard. The specific numeric values must be read from the official standard text.
Q: Is DIN 24041 equivalent to ASTM B209?
A: No. ASTM B209 specifies aluminum-alloy sheet and plate as a base material, while DIN 24041 specifies the perforated geometry after punching. They cover different stages of the product and are used together, not as substitutes.
Q: Where can I obtain the DIN 24041 standard PDF?
A: The official standard is sold by Beuth Verlag (the DIN publishing house) and authorized standards resellers. GNEE does not distribute the standard document; for binding requirements, purchasers should obtain the current DIN 24041 edition from the official source and quote it in their specification.
