Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a net-like structure from a suitable material, such as metal or a synthetic polymer. The structure avoids the problems of low tear strength at the joints in the mesh and enables novel shapes and designs to be formed that are not possible to make by other methods. The method comprises the steps of forming a planar web from a suitable material in a plastic state, the forming providing for the planar web to have a substantially flat parting plane, the planar web having an expandable pattern of strands and strand joints with apertures therebetween, and expanding the planar web by forcing the exterior and interior of the web apart in a direction generally perpendicular to the planar web, to form a three-dimensional net-like structure.