Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: What Works Best?

26 Aug.,2024

 

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: What Works Best?

 

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In the early s, chemist Sir Humphry Davy discovered that a piece of wire cloth could help the functionality of miners' safety lamps. This increased the demand for woven wire mesh and projected the wire mesh industry.

During the initial years, wire mesh was woven using materials like brass, which was relatively inexpensive compared to alloys like stainless steel. But as time went on, we saw a changing of the guard, and stainless steel became the more affordable and widely used alloy used to weave wire mesh.

But just because it is widely used doesn't necessarily mean it's the right choice for you. To achieve the best result, you must understand how stainless steel compares to other alloys, such as aluminum.

W.S. Tyler has been a respected entity within the wire mesh industry for over 140 years. We take pride in educating those interested in wire mesh on everything they need to know to create optimized solutions tailored to their needs.

With that, we wrote this article to help you better understand the differences between aluminum and stainless steel wire mesh. You will learn:

  • What aluminum is

  • The benefits of using aluminum wire mesh

  • What stainless steel is

  • The benefits of using stainless steel wire mesh

  • Which of the two alloys makes sense for you

 

What Is Aluminum?

Much like nickel wire mesh, aluminum is an alloy that naturally exists within the periodic table of elements. It is known to bind with other chemicals easily; thus, aluminum in its pure is not seen naturally despite being one of the most prominent elements on the planet.

When using aluminum to weave wire mesh, W.S. Tyler will use one of three variants: aluminum (pure), alclad , and aluminum.

 

What Are the Benefits of Using Aluminum Wire Mesh?

One of the most widely known benefits associated with aluminum is the fact it is lightweight. This is particularly true compared to other, more widely used alloys like stainless steel.

This can help reduce the stress inflicted on and throughout your machinery.

Aluminum also has the ability to create a protective layer of aluminum oxide when subjected to oxygen. This, in turn, helps aluminum resist various forms of corrosion.

Wire mesh woven from aluminum will also deliver better heat conductivity than stainless steel. To that end, aluminum features properties that make it a great electrical conductor.

Along with being lightweight, aluminum is widely known for its malleability. This allows aluminum wire mesh to be formed in customized components with ease.

 

What Is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that meets the required carbon composition threshold while also containing chromium. The chromium within all stainless steel alloy does not generally exist in steel by itself.

Instead, it is incorporated on a molecular level when steel is in a molten state.

With properties experimentally calculated over the course of several decades, stainless steel is one of the most widely used alloys used to weave wire mesh. That said, W.S. Tyler will typically use a 300 series or 400 series stainless steel to weave wire mesh.

 

300 Series Stainless Steel Alloys:

  • 304

  • 309

  • 310

  • 316

  • 317

  • 318

  • 321

  • 330

  • 347

 

The company is the world’s best 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

400 Series Stainless Steel Alloys:

  • 430

  • 446

 

With a handful of different stainless steel variants to choose from, it should be noted that 304 and 316 are the most widely used.

 

What Are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?

As stated above, all stainless steel contains chromium. Not only does this allow the alloy to be categorized as stainless, but it also makes it highly resistant to corrosion.

This includes corrosion from various alkaline and acidic substances present during industrial applications.

Stainless steel also has the capability to withstand high-heat conditions. It can maintain its performance when subjected to extreme heat as it combats oxidation.

But possibly the most critical property of stainless steel, compared to aluminum, is its durability. Whether subjected to high-impact situations or variations in temperature, the individual wires of stainless steel wire mesh will maintain their integrity for much longer than nickel.

 

What Alloy Should I Use?

The alloy you use to weave your wire mesh is critical to its performance and longevity. This is why it is critical that you choose the right one.

As it is a fairly soft alloy, aluminum is typically reserved for applications that value a corrosion-resistant mesh that is lightweight over strength. But if durability is essential to the success of your operation, stainless steel may be the better choice.

That said, stainless steel's high threshold for heat can make welding difficult if a low-carbon stainless steel is not used.

Weave Your Wire Mesh With the Right Alloy

While stainless steel is the most widely used alloy used to weave wire mesh, it's not always the right choice. Sometimes applications call for specific requirements, and alloys, such as aluminum, must be used to accommodate these requirements.

Now, if your application will subject your wire mesh to high-impact, corrosive conditions, the durability of stainless steel may perform best. But if your application can benefit from a lightweight wire mesh without sacrificing corrosion-resistant capabilities, you can consider using an aluminum alloy.

But, as stated above, the needs of your process dictate what alloy you use to weave your wire mesh. For this reason, you should understand how each alloy available to you fits within your process and industry.

Having helped engineers, system operators, and everyone in between navigate the wire mesh industry for over 140 years, W.S. Tyler strives to ensure your wire mesh solutions produce efficient results you can proudly stand behind.

To learn more about the other alloys you can use to fabricate your wire mesh solutions, read the following article:

0.178mm Hole 304 Fine Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

Description

Fine Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

0.178mm hole  fine stainless steel wire mesh top quality 304 grade made from 0.14mm wire. As you can see from the image, this is a fine mesh specification. The holes are very small and not especially visible by naked eye. It is of interest to anyone who needs a fine mesh for any application. You would be able to bend and fold this mesh by hand very easily.

The fine stainless steel wire mesh is a meticulously crafted material made from 304-grade stainless steel, known for its robustness and longevity. With 80 holes per linear inch and 6,400 holes per square inch, its detailed structure ensures a consistent and uniform pattern across the mesh. Each wire in this mesh is 0.14mm thick, striking a balance between strength and flexibility.

The hole size or aperture of the mesh is 0.178mm. This particular dimension allows it to offer a perfect combination of transparency and filtration, making it ideal for a multitude of applications. An open area percentage of 31% indicates that a good portion of the mesh is transparent, allowing materials or liquids to pass through while still providing effective filtering.

One of the standout features of this mesh is its ease of handling. Users can effortlessly cut it to their desired size using standard kitchen scissors, a testament to its user-friendly design. This property makes it versatile, catering to both industrial and home-based projects that require customization.

Given its specifications, the fine stainless steel wire mesh is optimal for purposes such as filtration, protection, or even as a decorative element. The 304-grade stainless steel ensures it remains rust-free and maintains its integrity over time, even in challenging conditions. Whether you&#;re embarking on a DIY project or an industrial venture, this mesh promises reliability, durability, and practicality.

Wire Mesh Specification:

  • Holes / Wires Per Linear Inch = 80
  • Holes / Wires Per Square Inch =6,400
  • Wire Thickness = 0.14mm
  • Hole Size / Aperture = 0.178mm
  • Open Area % = 31%
  • Cut With &#; Standard kitchen scissors. We would use scissors to cut this to size

Wait!! Before you order your mesh please first check out our clearance listing which is where we put all of our over-run bargain rolls at reduced prices. You never know, you might find just the roll that you need for your purposes.

We also offer a massive range of 304 stainless steel perforated metal sheet options from immediate stock. In order to produce stainless steel perforated metal sheet, flat sheet metal is punched with round or square holes. Perforated sheets are commonly often used in applications where the passing of air is required. Because the holes are punched, it is possible to have a far stronger finished metal product than it would be for the equivalent thickness in woven or welded mesh.

Why Choose The Mesh Company?

Our group have been in the mesh industry for over 150 years. We are one of the UK&#;s most trusted mesh suppliers because:

  • Quality products: We offer high-quality products that are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. 
  • Wide range of products: We are known for offering a wide range of products, including mesh, fencing, netting, and other related products. 
  • Experienced staff: Our staff are knowledgeable, experienced, and can provide expert advice and assistance to customers. This can be especially helpful for customers who are unsure about which product to choose or who have specific requirements. We also regular write blogs and help guides to help explain what our materials can be used for. 
  • Competitive prices: We are sure that our prices are always the lowest around. This makes us an attractive option for customers who are looking for a cost-effective solution.
  • Customer service: The Mesh Company place a high priority on service and offer excellent support and assistance to our customers. This can help to ensure that you will have a positive experience when working with The Mesh Company.

What Other Woven Mesh Options Are Available?

The Mesh Company has an enormous range of woven wire mesh products.  We truly are an industry leader among suppliers of weld mesh and woven wire materials. With the capabilities we have in-house, we can provide virtually anything you require.

Copper, brass, black, and galvanised steel wire mesh materials are also available in large stock quantities at bargain prices. See our blog for specific information on all of our various

 

FAQs For This Product

Is This Mesh Effective For Filtering Out Pollen Or Other Allergens?

Yes, the fine stainless steel wire mesh, with its hole size of 0.178mm, can effectively filter out larger pollen particles and many allergens. However, it&#;s important to note that allergens can vary in size. Although the mesh may block out larger pollen grains and particulate matter, smaller allergen particles may still pass through. It is recommended to cross-reference the particle size with the mesh aperture when dealing with specific allergen concerns or particles of a particular size. By regularly cleaning and maintaining the mesh, you will also ensure its optimal performance in filtering out particles and allergens

Can This Product Be Used In Making Fine Sieves?

Yes, the fine stainless steel wire mesh, with its 80 wires per linear inch and 0.178mm aperture, is suitable for creating fine sieves. Its tight weave ensures precise particle filtration, making it ideal for tasks that require detailed separation. Due to its 304-grade stainless steel construction, the mesh is durable and corrosion-resistant, making it a good choice for kitchens, laboratories, and industrial sieving.

Is This Mesh Suitable For Particle Filtration In Labs?

With 80 wires per linear inch and a hole size of 0.178mm, fine stainless steel wire mesh is highly suitable for particle filtration in laboratories. Because of its fine weave, it is ideal for laboratory processes requiring accuracy and precision. Moreover, being constructed from 304-grade stainless steel ensures the mesh&#;s resistance to most chemicals and its longevity, further enhancing its suitability for laboratory applications.

 

 

Check out our blog &#;everything that you need to know about woven filter mesh&#; for more information on this product. Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.  Contact our team today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can. 

You may also be interested in our blog about hardware cloth. This article explains the term in great detail. 

We also offer similar products through our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Welded Gabion Mesh. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.