Wire Mesh: Types, Significance and Use

The versatility and durability of wire cloth make it an indispensable product across various industries. Whether in the food and beverage production sector, automotive field, pharmaceuticals, or medical domains, metal mesh has witnessed a rising demand and utility.

With the increasing prevalence of wire cloth, mesh products have evolved into diverse types, adhering to different standards and patterns to meet industry-specific requirements. The manufacturing process has become highly sophisticated, thanks to innovations such as molecular diffusion-bonding and lamination technologies. Depending on the desired materials and pore sizes, individuals can easily find the specific wire mesh material that suits their needs.

These wire mesh products differ based on their applications, the number of laminated layers, mechanical properties, and the fabrication process. The growing diversity is further influenced by technical and metallurgical considerations, emphasizing the importance of a meticulous and application-specific selection of wire cloth. This guide provides insights into various types of metal mesh products, their significance, and offers guidance on selecting the most suitable product for your specific application.

Wire Mesh: What and How

Wire mesh is a metal net or screen formed by intersecting strands of wire, either attached or woven. The primary metals used in the production of wire mesh filters, used for screening, structuring, and shielding, include stainless steel, copper, aluminum, brass, and bronze. For optimum performance, sintered wire cloth filters are preferred, as the sintering process facilitates molecular-level bonding, resulting in laminated layers of woven wire.

The manufacturing of metal mesh primarily involves two methods: weaving and welding. Woven wire mesh is crafted by interlacing metal wires into a pattern where one perpendicular wire weaves over and under another, creating a mesh web. In contrast, welded wire mesh is produced by arranging metal wires in rows and columns according to the desired pore size and then welding them at the intersections.

Wire Mesh: Types, Significance and Use

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh – Prepared from steel or iron-nickel alloy, this type of metal mesh is strong, sturdy, and reliable. Stainless steel wire mesh can have extremely low-variant but very stable pores. It comes in both high-carbon and low-carbon variants and is available in various patterns.

Aluminum Wire Mesh – Preferred for its cost-effectiveness compared to other metals, aluminum wire mesh is also valued for its lightweight nature in contrast to steel or stainless steel. Weighing approximately one-third of a stainless steel mesh with similar specifications, aluminum wire mesh finds utility in applications such as the production of personal audio headsets, where low weight is crucial.

Plain Weave Sintered Square Woven Wire Mesh – This sintered wire mesh laminate is created by sintering multiple layers of plain weave square woven wire mesh together. Due to the generous open area percentages in the square woven wire mesh layers, this type of sintered wire mesh laminate exhibits excellent permeability characteristics and low resistance to flow. It proves beneficial in polymer production and various fluid and air filtration applications.

Dutch Woven Sintered Wire Mesh – This type of sintered wire mesh achieves the highest density by using wires of different diameters pushed closely together. The mesh can be either plain or twill weave. When crafted from sintered metals, the Dutch pattern enhances rigidity and tensile strength. The closer arrangement of wires results in a higher particle retention capability, reaching up to 10 micrometers. Dutch woven sintered wire mesh finds application in fine filtration tasks and the fabrication of protective chassis, enclosures, and boxes. Its absence of openings makes it ideal for water, air, fuel, plastic processing, and hydraulic filters.

5-Layer Sintered Wire Mesh – Created by placing a single layer of fine woven wire mesh between two layers of coarser square woven meshes, this mesh is then combined with two layers of robust Dutch woven wire mesh and sintered together to form a sturdy plate. The single layer of fine woven wire mesh serves as the filtration layer and can be customized to achieve specific filtration ratings, ranging from 1 micron to 200 microns.

Double Weave Wire Mesh – Originating from the pre-crimped weave pattern, double weave wire mesh earns its name from its unique manufacturing process. In this type of wire mesh, two wrap wires traverse over and under two weft wires, imparting exceptional strength to withstand high-intensity tasks. Double weave sintered wire cloth is the preferred choice for vibrating screens on conveyor belts, mining filters, and crushers. Additionally, it finds application in the construction of barbecues.

Epoxy Coated Wire Mesh – Suitable for various filtering applications, epoxy coated wire mesh is commonly used for support or pleat spacing in filters. This type of wire mesh is frequently employed in the production of door and insect screens. The epoxy coating can be applied to plain steel, aluminum, or stainless steel wire mesh, enhancing its durability and corrosion resistance.

Tips for Choosing the Best Wire Mesh

When purchasing metal mesh, it's essential to consider the following factors:

1. Purpose: Clearly define the purpose for which you need the wire mesh, as each type comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages tailored for specific applications.

2. Fabrication Process: Examine the fabrication process, as it directly influences the durability, structural rigidity, and tensile strength of the wire mesh.

3. Pore Size and Pattern: Consider the pore size and pattern based on industry-specific filtration requirements. For precision filtration of particles, the Dutch pattern, for example, offers superior performance compared to other variants.

4. Sintered Metal or Alloy: The choice of sintered metal or alloy is crucial, taking into account factors such as temperature, environment, and the nature of the application. Non-corrosive metals are essential for industries like mining, oil, or water, and in locations with extreme temperatures, corrosion-resistant metals are a necessity.

5. Contaminant Presence: When selecting sintered metals, factor in the potential presence of contaminants in the filtering process to ensure efficient and reliable performance.