Stainless Steel Mesh

Stainless Steel Screens

Stainless steel is resistant to wear and abrasions and so offers a long lasting option for wire mesh requirements reducing the need for coatings or maintenance. Steel mesh is constructed from perpendicular metal wires which are woven together in a variety of patterns according to intended application and required mesh properties. Stainless steel cloth is often referred to by its mesh count which is determined by the number and size of openings between the wires. Useful within mining, mineral, furniture, construction, automotive, sports and recreation industries, stainless steel mesh handles continuous use and physical stress without deteriorating. Stainless steel mesh can be constructed to be used in fine mesh applications such as colanders, food strainers, or protective gloves for food processing industries. For sterile applications, stainless steel is an ideal material as it is able to be easily cleaned and disinfected and does not react easily with acids.

Types of stainless steel used in the fabrication of stainless steel mesh include 302, 304 and 316. The mesh is typically weaved as either plain weave which is a basic square pattern and is the most commonly found type of woven wire mesh, or as twill Dutch weave which uses two wires alternately passing over and under each other instead of just one. The desired mesh count will vary according to application. For sifting or filter screen purposes, the openings can be as small or large as required based on the material being sorted. There are a number of standard mesh count sizes available in stainless steel mesh, however many manufacturers have the capability to offer customized mesh solutions. The mesh is woven on industrial looms and typically stored in rolls which can then be measured and cut as needed. Stainless steel mesh is more expensive than other metals such as aluminum, steel or brass which are also often used in the fabrication of wire cloth. However, its properties of durability and strength allow it to be used with minimal repair or replacement in many industries, thus outweighing the higher initial cost.