TWP Inc.

Please look below for answers to frequent questions. If you don't see your issue addressed here, drop us a line for personalized help.

About TWP Inc

• How long has TWP inc. been in business and where are you located
• Does TWP just sell to large companies
• Se Habla Español
• Does TWP sell through salesmen and distributors
• What are your business hours

International Orders

• How do you handle international shipments

Policy

• Environmental
• Mission statement
• Quality
• Pricing
• Return
• Payment
• Damaged shipment
• Limitation of liability
• Quantity variance policy on custom parts
• Force Majeure

Back to Top

Product

• What is mesh
• What is your minimum order
• Can I get a sample
• How is the mesh sold - In flat sheets or on rolls
• Can you supply material certifications
• Can I get a special mesh that I don't see listed on your website
• I have no idea what mesh I need. How do I find it
• What is the difference between woven and welded mesh
• I have a sample of the mesh I need but I don't know how to describe it, can you help me
• What about your Specials page
• Can I cut this mesh myself
• What is Thermobond™
• What does your "opening in in microns nominal" mean

Back to Top

Quoting and Pricing

• Can I get a formal quotation
• Can I receive a catalog
• Can I get same day shipment on a custom wire mesh part
• Will I be charged sales tax

RFI Shielding Information

• I have a complicated RFI Shielding application, can I get expert advice from TWP

Shipping

• How will you ship my order and what will my freight charges be
• Where will my order ship from
• Can you "Blind Ship" direct to my customer without revealing that TWP is the source

Technical

• What is a micron and how big is it
• What is a "Square foot" and a "Linear Foot"
• TWP Inc's website says that woven meshes conform to ASTM E 2016 - 99 . What is this specification and how can I get a copy of it
• I want to sift or size a solid. What kind of mesh should I use
• What does Absolute Filtration Rating mean
• What shape is the opening in a Dutch Weave

Back to Top

What is mesh?

Mesh,also called mesh count, is the number of openings in a linear inch measured from the center of one wire to a point one inch distant. To determine the mesh, count the number of openings from the center of any one wire to the center of a parallel wire one inch away.

To measure coarse mesh simply lay a ruler on it and count the number of openings along a one inch length.To measure finer meshes a mesh counter or optical comparator may be needed.

How will you ship my order and what will my freight charges be?

Unless you specify a carrier, we will choose the best carrier based upon the weight, the urgency, product and destination.

Normally we ship via UPS (United Parcel Service) for packages up to 150 pounds. They offer various levels of delivery from Next Day Air to about seven day service. We have daily UPS pick up service and can provide excellent tracking.

For bulky packages and weights over 150 pounds, we ship via truck:

1. Consolidated Freightways(North America, outside California)
2. Estes Trucking(within California only)

These truck companies give us over 60% discounts that we are able to pass on to you. You can also contact TWP and we will help you estimate your freight charges and transit time.

International shipment information is addressed in another FAQ.

What is your minimum order?

Wire mesh minimum order policy:
Standard Mesh Materials: $75.00
Wire Mesh Discs and Special Shapes and Slit Widths: $150.00
Custom Weaving: $300.00

International Orders: Same as above (if UPS or truck shippable)
International Orders: Add $50.00 handling charge (via sea or air freight or post office)

We also sell small samples and this is addressed in another FAQ.

Back to Top

Can I get a sample?

TWP will gladly provide samples for your testing and inspection.

The charge for samples is $8.00 each plus shipping.

All samples will be charged to your Visa/MasterCard/Amex/Discover at the time of shipping.

Samples and Sizes
Galvanized, Stainless Woven and Welded, Brass, Bronze and Copper, Aluminum, Plain Steel

• 8 mesh and coarser: The sample size is 6 inch X 6 inch.
• 10 mesh and finer: The sample size is 3 inch X 3 inch. (EXCEPTION 635 X 635 MESH SAMPLE SIZE IS 1 INCH X 1 INCH)
• The sintered (thermobonded) sample size is 1 inch X 1 inch.
  

If you need larger pieces of material, contact us for a quote.

You can select samples from any of our listed meshes.Expedited UPS shipping is available for an additional charge.

How do you handle international shipments?

We ship internationally on a regular basis.

Pricing: All listed prices are ex works Berkeley, California, USA. For large shipments, we can quote CIF or FOB destination according to Incoterms 1990 in US dollars.

Terms: Payments must be made in US funds in advance unless other arrangements have been agreed upon. The buyer is responsible for all brokerage fees, taxes,and duties. We can accept payment by VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Telegraphic Transfer or L/C.

How is the mesh sold - In flat sheets or on rolls?

Both woven and welded wire mesh is produced on 100 foot long (30 M) rolls. Rolls are usually either 36 inches (914 mm) wide or 48 inches (1220 mm) wide. We sell our mesh as either full or partial rolls. The one exception is our sintered mesh THERMOBOND™ that is produced as flat sheets up to 48 inches x 24 inches.

We also supply mesh discs and narrow widths.

Back to Top

Can you supply material certifications?

Yes, they can be supplied. If you require material certifications or other documentation, please advise us at the time of ordering. No certifications will be available more than 90 days after shipment.

Our ISO 9002 quality system requires that all bulk wire mesh items have a lot traceability back to the base material from which the items were made.

How long has TWP inc. been in business and where are you located?

TWP has been in business since 1969. We are headquartered in Berkeley, California USA which is in the San Francisco Bay area. TWP INC. also has warehouses located in Arizona and Texas. We are affiliated with over 20 other suppliers, weavers and welders worldwide.

Can I get a special mesh that I don't see listed on your website?

Yes, many items are available as a special order. Generally, these special orders would be subject to a minimum order of $500 US dollars.

Contact us with your special requirements.

What is a micron and how big is it?

It is a unit of length in the metric system. One micron is equivalent to 0.00003937 of one inch.

I have no idea what mesh I need. How do I find it?

Our website contains considerable technical information and photographs to assist you and we will attempt to supply you with the wire mesh you specify. However, we cannot recommend a particular wire mesh for specialized applications. We need to be given a specific mesh description or sample in order to proceed. If you are still uncertain, we suggest that you contact an engineering consultant in your field. Another possibility would be for you to purchase samples from us to determine their suitability.

What is a "Square Foot" and a "Linear Foot"?

A square foot is a unit of measurement of area. A piece of material measuring 12 inches by 12 inches is one square foot. To compute the number of square feet in a piece of wire mesh you multiply its width in feet times its length in feet. For example, a piece of wire mesh 4 feet wide and 3 feet long would be 12 square feet.

Most wire mesh is priced by the square foot.

Back to Top

A linear foot is a unit of measurement of length. A piece of material measuring, for example, 3 feet wide by 15 feet long would be 15 linear feet. The same piece of material could be described as 45 square feet; 3 feet wide X 15 linear feet which equals 45 square feet. Note: sometimes the term "running foot is used to mean linear foot".

What is the difference between woven and welded mesh?

Woven mesh is produced by the process of weaving, that is, by passing wires alternately over and under each other.

Welded mesh is a grid formed of wires that are fused together at their junctions. It is produced on automatic welding looms by accurately positioning the short (weft) wires over the long (warp) wires and spot welding their intersections (not over and under, as in ordinary weaving).

Does TWP just sell to large companies?

TWP Inc. is a medium sized company and has a wide customer base that includes both small end users and Fortune 500 companies.

TWP Inc's website says that woven meshes conform to ASTM E 2016 - 99 . What is this specification and how can I get a copy of it?

This specification covers industrial woven wire fabric, referred to as wire cloth, for general use including the separation of particles. wire cloth can be made of any primary metal or metal alloy wire that is suitable for weaving.

You may purchase a copy of this certification directly from ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) from their website.

I have a complicated RFI Shielding application, can I get expert advice from TWP?

Answer under construction. Please check back.

Back to Top

Where will my order ship from?

The majority of your orders will ship out of Berkeley, California. The balance of your orders will ship from Arizona and Texas.

I have a sample of the mesh I need but I don't know how to describe it, can you help me?

Yes, send us the sample and we will contact you with the results of our examination.

What about your Specials page?

These special offers are overstock items, unusual meshes, and distressed quality materials which may provide you with a special opportunity.

Se Habla Español?

Si, tenemos varias personas bilingues en nuestra empresa. Podemos recibir llamadas, correos electronicos y faxes en Español para su convenencia.

Can you "Blind Ship" direct to my customer without revealing that TWP is the source?

TWP has always performed this "Blind Ship" service. Please let us know if you require this service. Our meshes and packaging are marked with generic labels so as not to reveal TWP's name to your customers. Extra charges may apply.

Does TWP sell through salesmen and distributors?

Within the United States (with the exception of Arizona) TWP Inc sells directly without using salesmen or distributors.

Can I get a formal quotation?

When needed, we can provide you with a formal quote by fax or email.

Can I cut this mesh myself?

In the comments section which accompanies each mesh photo, we state what is needed to cut each mesh to size (scissors, tin snips, etc.)

Back to Top

What is Thermobond™?

Thermobond™ is a trademark that applies to TWP's sintered (diffusion bonded) meshes. These meshes are used in special applications where non fraying, bonded mesh is required.

I want to sift or size a solid. What kind of mesh should I use?

Sifting and sizing is generally done using a plain square weave woven mesh or a welded stainless mesh. Archeological digs have used our galvanized meshes for sifting purposes. Twilled weaves are not suitable for sizing or sifting because they do not have straight through holes.

What does Absolute Filtration Rating mean.

Absolute Filtration Rating:
A measure of retention, expressed in microns, that specifies the equivalent diameter of the smallest particle from which the filter has a retention of 100%. In actual practice, most manufacturers assign absolute ratings on the basis of retention in the range from 98% - 99.999999%.

What shape is the opening in a Dutch Weave?

There are no straight through square openings in a dutch weave and the filtrate follows a tortuous path through the triangular passages in the mesh.

What does your "opening in in microns nominal" mean?

A nominal filter rating is a measure of retention, expressed in microns, that specifies the equivalent diameter of the smallest particle for which the filter has a retention somewhere in the range of 60-90%.

Environmental Policy

TWP Inc is dedicated to environmental protection, human health, & safety. Every employee of TWP is responsible for environmental protection as a part of their duties.
TWP has committed to a phase-out of PVC coated mesh because of its significant environmental and health impacts throughout its manufacture, use and disposal life cycle.

Mission Statement

As a world market leader in wire mesh supply, TWP understands the need to effectively implement and continuously improve our products and services.

TWP continues to focus on its customers' needs and requirements in order to provide satisfaction in the use of our products to achieve their business goals.

Back to Top

Quality Policy

The TWP, Inc. Quality System conforms to American National Standards Institute/American Society for Quality (ANSI/ASQ) Q9002-1994 Quality Systems Standard.

In keeping with the philosophy that quality is an integral part of our business plan and structure, we adopted the Standard to confirm our commitment to supply product that meets or exceed customers' requirements and expectations.

As a market leader in wire mesh supply, we realize the need to effectively implement and continuously improve our quality system as specified in the Standard.

It is essential that we remain focused on customer's needs and requirements to ensure their total satisfaction in the use of our product to achieve our business goals.

Pricing Policy

Prices are subject to change without notice. TWP Inc reserves the right to correct PRICE errors on our website.

Return Policy

All returns must be authorized by TWP and may be subject to a restocking charge. Please contact us for a return authorization number.

All items approved for return must be in unused and resalable condition. We reserve the right to inspect them before issuing credit. Goods must be returned within 30 days of receipt.

We cannot accept for return any of the following items: Wire mesh which has been cut or altered. Custom discs and parts. Items from the "Specials" page.

Payment Policy

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.

Back to Top

Net 30 day terms are available to businesses with approved credit ratings.

Individuals are welcome to order from us, however we request payment by credit card.

All past due accounts are subject to a 1.5% per month service charge or 18% per year.

Qualified busineses or organizations will be given Net 30 terms upon approved credit. In order to open an account, please provide a bank reference and three trade references. Major Credit Cards are also accepted. Overseas customers may pay by Credit Card or Bank T/T at the time of shipment.

Damaged Shipment Policy

Please inspect your TWP shipment upon receipt. If it shows any external damage, accept it only after the driver has noted the damage on both his/her and your copies of the delivery receipt and you have requested an inspection by the carrier. If upon opening the shipment, you find a shortage or damage, you must request inspection by the carrier within 15 days of delivery or you will relinquish your right to make a claim.

Limitation of Liability Policy

TWP expressly disclaims any liability for consequential and/or incidental damages for lost profits, lost sales, injury to person or property, attorneys fees, or any other incidental or consequential loss. TWP's liability is limited to, and shall not exceed, the purchase price.

Can I receive a catalog?

TWP no longer publishes a paper catalog. Our website serves as our catalog.

Quantity Variance Policy on custom parts

Custom-made parts are subject to a +/- 10% quantity shipping variance unless otherwise arranged. Once custom-made discs are in process, they may not be canceled.

Force Majeure Policy

TWP shall not be liable for any delay in or impairment of performance resulting in whole or in part from acts of God, labor disruptions,shortages, inability to procure product, supplies, energy, or raw materials, severe weather conditions, or any other circumstances or cause beyond the control of TWP in the conduct of its business.

Back to Top

Can I get same day shipment on a custom wire mesh part?

Sometimes. We must get your order no later than 10:00 AM Pacific Time. A surcharge of 100% may apply.

Will I be charged sales tax

You will be liable for sales tax unless you are outside of California,Government Agency or other tax exempt organization, or have a resale certificate covering the goods ordered.

What are your business hours?

Normal business hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time Monday through Friday. We also have 24/7 fax, email, and voice mail services. 

Sample Policy

TWP Inc will provide samples for your testing and inspection. The cost for samples is $8.00 per piece plus shipping. Note: Samples are non-refundable or returnable.

The sample sizes are as follows:

8 mesh and coarser: Sample size is 6 inch x 6 inch 10 mesh and finer: Sample size is 3 inch x 3 inch (exception 635 x 635 mesh sample size is 1 inch x 1 inch) Sintered meshes (Thermobonded™): Sample size is 1 inch x 1 inch If you need larger pieces of material, please contact us for a quotation

Return Policy

We have guaranteed the quality of our mesh since 1969. Please be sure to inspect materials before cutting. If quality is disputed, wire cloth may be returned to TWP Inc in delivered condition (unprocessed and unused) and packaged to prevent damage. Please contact TWP Inc in writing or by phone to get return authorization number.

Back to Top

Shipping Policy

Small shipments up to 150 pounds (68kg) - We prefer to ship your order via UPS. They are fast, inexpensive, and traceable. Truck shipments-For shipments over 150 pounds, we prefer to use Consolidated Freightways.They are reliable and serve most North American business locations.

They give TWP a 67% discount which we pass on to our customers. Both UPS and trucking companies impose a surcharge for delivery to residential addresses. This can range from a few dollars on a small UPS shipment to several hundred dollars on a large truck shipment.

Minimum Order Policy Standard Mesh Materials: $75.00
Wire Mesh Discs and Special Shapes and Slit Widths: $150.00
Custom Weaving: $300.00
International Orders: Same as above (if UPS or truck shippable)
International Orders: Add $50.00 handling charge (via sea or air freight or post office)

All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and are subject to change. The listed prices are FOB Berkeley, California USA and do not include freight charges or any applicable taxes. We also stock stainless steel welded and galvanized meshes in east coast and Arizona warehouses. International orders do not include freight, duties, documentation charges, inland freight etc.