More information about stainless steel wire mesh.
OVERVIEW
Stainless steel mesh is the most popular woven screen in the industrial world. It is known for its corrosion resistance and strength. Stainless steel wire mesh contains chromium and nickel in addition to steel. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. After stainless steel wire mesh has been woven, it may become slightly magnetic due to cold working. The two basic metal types: Alloy Type 304 and Type 316- T304 is the basic stainless alloy, and unless otherwise specified it is assumed that this type is acceptable. Also called 18-8 due to 18% chromium and 8% nickel. T304 melts at 2600 degrees F (1430 C) but its maximum recommended temperature for continuous service is 1450 degrees F. (790 C) and is useful for intermediate service up to 1650 degrees F (900 C). Its' uses include: sorting and screening of abrasives, liquids, powders and other solids. It is the less expensive alloy but not as corrosion resistant as T316.
- Type 316 is a special stainless alloy due to the addition of 2% molybdenum. This increases its resistance to corrosion by salts, acids and seawater. Also called 18-10 due to 18% chromium and 10% nickel. T316 melts at 2500 degrees F (1375 C) but its maximum recommended temperature for continuous service is 1500 degrees F. (815 C) and is useful for intermediate service up to 1650 degrees F (900 C). Its' uses include: processing of oils and foods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Stainless Steel Wire Mesh - Examples of Uses
- Filtration, sifting, sizing
- Marine uses (T316 alloy)
- Faucet screen 60 x 40 mesh T316
- Insect screen 18x14 mesh T304
- Insect screen in a marine environment 18x14 T316
- CRT screen 50x50; 80x80; or 100x100 high transparency grade
- Decorative/craft applications
- Sconces
- Filter media support
Stainless Steel Wire Mesh - Cutting
Stainless steel meshes with wire diameters from .001 inch to .010 are easily cut with scissors. The heavier wire diameters from .011 up to about .047 can be cut with tin snips. Wire diameters over .047 inches are difficult to cut with hand tools but a compound aircraft-style hand shear can usually nibble its way through.Stainless Steel Wire Mesh - Choosing
How do I choose a mesh size? In general, our website gives detailed descriptions and pictures of many stainless steel meshes. For someone unfamiliar with wire mesh size terminology, 2 mesh has two wires in each direction in a square inch. You could easily pass a pencil through the openings. 16 mesh has 16 wires in each direction in a square inch. This mesh is used in a window or porch screens to keep out common insects. 60 mesh has 60 wires each direction in a square inch and is the size commonly used in kitchen faucets. An 80 mesh has an opening which will barely pass a human hair. An idea of how thick the wire is can be estimated using the fact that a piece of paper is about three thousandths (.003) of an inch thick. So, a wire .018 inches thick is equal to 6 sheets of paper. (.018 divided by .003 equals 6). The total thickness of the woven meshes will be about twice the thickness of a single wire. In this case, it would have an overall thickness equal to 12 sheets of paper.Stainless Steel Wire Mesh - Discs
- 500 standard disc diameters
- Same day delivery on stock items
- Special diameters in three days
