There are many types of stainless steel available on the market today&#;hundreds of different formulations, in fact. This can make choosing the right stainless steel for your wire baskets difficult, to say the least. There are many factors that go into this decision, such as:
For more information, please visit Jiushen.
- The properties of the stainless steel;
- The application they&#;ll be used for; and
- What coatings/finishes will be applied to the steel wire basket.
So, how can you choose the best stainless steel for your custom wire baskets? Here&#;s a quick guide:
First, What Will the Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Basket Be Used for?
Before settling on any formulation of stainless steel, it&#;s important to know the exact application the stainless steel wire basket will be used for. An application involving ultrasonic parts-washing in an organic solvent will have very different needs from a heat-treat application, after all.
Some key details about the custom wire basket application to consider before choosing a specific grade of stainless steel include:
- The Weight of Held Parts. Different types of stainless steel have varying levels of tensile strength. Stronger steels will hold heavier loads with thinner wire mesh without bending or breaking.
- Operating Temperatures. Most formulations of steel have a high melting point, but there are processes that will require steel which is specifically made to resist oxidation or melting at temperatures approaching 2,000˚F.
- Specific Chemicals Used. Just because a steel formula is called &#;stainless&#; doesn&#;t mean that it will resist every type of chemical. Some formulations of stainless steel are better at dealing with chlorides than others, while some are better at resisting exposure to certain acids.
Knowing the details of the stainless steel wire basket application is crucial for picking the stainless steel variant with the right properties to withstand the process.
Second, Get to Know Stainless Steel Properties
There are hundreds of formulations of stainless steel, but they can be divided into three broad categories:
- Austenitic Stainless Steel. This is the most common type of stainless steel on the market. It includes grade 304, 316, and 317 SS. These stainless steel alloys are not magnetic, but may become magnetic after cold working.
- Ferritic Stainless Steel. The second most common type of stainless steel. Ferritic stainless steels are inherently magnetic, and include grade 430 and 434 SS.
- Martensitic Stainless Steel. These are the rarest forms of stainless steel. Their inherent corrosion resistance is less than the other forms of stainless steel. However, when hardened and stress relieved, 420 SS is much stronger than most other stainless steels.
Which Stainless Steel Alloy is Best for My Application?
The best type of stainless steel to use for your custom wire basket will vary depending on your process. If you need something with a high tensile strength, hardened and stress-relieved 420 SS is an excellent option. It can be given a coating of polymer to increase its resistance to chemical attack.
On the other hand, if you have a high-temperature application, grade 304 stainless steel wire baskets might be your best choice. 304 SS has a relatively high operating temperature&#;870˚C (1,679˚F)&#;which makes it useful for many high-temp applications. Combined with its good overall resistance to chemical corrosion, it&#;s a better option than using coated steel, since most polymer coatings cannot survive the same temperatures.
If temperatures are much higher than that, Inconel alloys might be a better choice. Inconel wire baskets are often able to survive temperatures in excess of 1,093˚C (2,000˚F) while maintaining more of their tensile strength than stainless steel wire baskets can.
Boasting impressive durability and versatility, stainless steel mesh is a go-to for a range of DIY applications. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this endlessly useful material below.
What is Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?
Stainless steel wire mesh is a type of woven metal. Known for its exceptional strength and long lifespan, the material is essential not only to various industries but also for a wide range of home applications.
It's created with wires of various sizes, ranging from 0. inches to 0.047 inches in diameter. Beyond the standard mill finish, metal mesh can be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or galvanized for extra resistance to heat and corrosion.
What's the Difference Between T-304 & T-316 Wire Mesh?
T-304 (type 304) stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's the most common alloy used to make wire mesh and is generally reliable, versatile, and resilient in most environments.
The company is the world’s best stainless steel woven wire supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
T-316 (type 316) stainless steel is a higher-grade metal alloy. It contains 10% nickel, 6% chromium, 2% molybdenum. Since T-316 wire mesh is a bit stronger and more resistant in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, it's the pricier option. However, T-304 is suitable for most home applications.
How Do You Clean the Material?
Stainless steel wire mesh can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, followed by a rinse with clean water. Depending on the weave, you may need to use a soft nylon-bristle brush to remove stubborn particles.
TWP Inc. offers ultrasonic cleaning as part of its expert wire mesh services. The method combines high-frequency sound waves with liquid to get rid of all dirt, debris, grease, and contaminants.
How is Steel Mesh Used for Winterizing a Home?
Wire mesh comes in handy for a variety of home winterization projects. You can use it to make gutter guards, a chimney cap, foundation vents, and soffit screens&#;to name just a few.
Can It Be Used for Fire Safety?
When it comes to fire safety, one of the main things people use metal mesh for is spark arrestors. The screens keep flammable debris away from embers and can contain flames within a chimney or fireplace.
Installing an indoor fireplace cover&#;along with the foundation vent, soffit, and gutter screens mentioned above&#;can also help prevent residential fires.
What Metal Mesh Products are Best for Pest Control?
Galvanized, welded, and poly-coated stainless steel are among the best wire mesh materials for pest control. Since they're notably strong and able to withstand severe weather conditions, these products work well for excluding various critters, including rodents, bats, raccoons, gophers, and snakes.
Can You Make Insect Screens Out of Stainless Mesh?
Insect screens can be made out of a few metal mesh materials. These include aluminum, copper, and multiple types of stainless steel.
Woven from super-fine steel wires, high-transparency mesh is a top choice for window and door screens. That said, professional installation is recommended to ensure a wrinkle-free finish.
What Mesh is Best for Gardening & Landscaping Projects?
While copper is a go-to for slug and snail control, stainless steel is the most widely used material in the garden. It can be fastened into fences, trellises, greenhouses, chicken coops, or benches. Some folks place it underneath the soil to keep moles, gophers, and other burrowers at bay.
To learn more about this do-it-all material, see our Guide to Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.
Contact Our Wire Mesh Suppliers
TWP. Inc was founded in the California Bay Area more than 50 years ago. As one of the top wire mesh suppliers worldwide, our woman-owned business carries a robust selection of woven, welded, galvanized, and poly-coated T-304 and T-316 stainless steel panels, sheets, and rolls.
Shop our inventory today, or contact us with questions.
Are you interested in learning more about high-strength screening wire mesh? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!