Beginning Wire Mesh has many years of experience in the woven wire mesh industry and has extensive knowledge of the different wire sizes and the right type of alloy for your needs.
In this article, we will explain what stainless steel wire mesh is and how to choose the right alloy for your mesh.
Stainless steel mesh is essentially a series of interconnected alloy steels that are welded together in the form of a mesh or barrier. This type of mesh is known for its high corrosion resistance and is therefore used in various industries.
The steel itself does not have the strongest properties, but rather another element or metal is added to ensure its strength and durability. There are countless types of stainless steel on the market and the distinguishing factors between them are the quality of the alloy and the carbon content it contains.
Stainless Steel Twill Dutch Wire Mesh
For a steel to be considered stainless, it should have a carbon content in the range of approximately 0.03% to greater than 1.00% and a minimum concentration of chromium of approximately 11% - a mixture of chromium that prevents iron corrosion. The chromium layer not only helps to improve rust resistance, but also helps the metal to repair itself in the presence of oxygen.
Stainless steel mesh can be welded or woven.
Welded method: In this method, the mesh is welded together at each intersection by placing the mesh in a welding machine. It can also be done manually, but this requires a lot of effort and time.
Weaving method: In this method, stainless steel wires are woven together at each intersection of the machine.
The main point here is that while the welding method provides a permanent connection between the metal wires, the weaving method does not permanently connect the wires, making it more flexible and pliable.
Stainless steel mesh equipment
The applications for stainless steel wire mesh are virtually endless. Because of its durability, versatility and ability to be used in many different industries, stainless steel wire mesh remains one of our most popular products. From crop protection to highway maintenance, let's take a deeper look at the many applications for stainless steel wire mesh.
While we are known for our wire products, many of our customers are not aware that we also produce products for high quality wire baskets. While the importance of wire baskets may not be apparent to the average consumer, if you run a food preparation or processing company, the benefits of high quality wire baskets are obvious. Stainless steel wire mesh is also commonly used in the food preparation and processing industry for items such as grills, fry baskets and domed food covers.
Stainless steel wire mesh is ideal for use in refineries and oil fields because the process of refining crude oil involves exposure to harsh chemicals and high temperatures that can lead to other forms of metal corrosion. Whether refineries plan to use wire mesh for storage cabinets or oil filtration, stainless steel remains a premium metal for withstanding harsh refinery conditions.
After the Civil War, wire mesh was commonly used to rebuild infrastructure along the country's east coast. Although the construction industry has grown significantly since the Civil War, stainless steel wire mesh continues to be a staple for building and construction companies across the country. Applications for wire mesh in the building and construction industry include, but are not limited to.
● Wall and rock retention
● Bridge and highway maintenance
● Enclosures and safety guards
● Infill panels
Wire mesh has been used on farms across the country for centuries. Whether used for crop protection or fence repair, farmers have found seemingly endless uses for wire mesh. Stainless steel wire mesh is commonly used for many agricultural tasks, such as
● Compost bins
● Chicken coops
● Fencing
● Plantation owners
● Pest removal
●Livestock barriers
●Equipment maintenance
●Soil or grain screening
Obviously, the extensive use of stainless steel stems from its altered composition with other metals. The two main types of stainless steel wire mesh are 316 stainless steel and 304 stainless steel.
Both of these grades can be classified as austenitic stainless steels, which have a much higher chromium content compared to other types of stainless steels and, as a result, they are highly corrosion resistant. This stainless steel (mainly grade 304) is widely used in kitchen equipment such as cookware and cutlery.
The simple difference between the two is its composition with other metals.
316 stainless steel mesh contains 16% chromium, 2% molybdenum and 10% nickel, while 304 stainless steel mesh contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
The addition of molybdenum to 316 grade makes it resistant to corrosion by chlorides such as seawater.
There are numerous alloys on the market to choose from, making it difficult to select the right one. However, the starting point hasn't changed. Pointing out how and where you will use it in the first place solves half the problem in itself.
Once you've figured that out, you can then list what kind of material you need - something highly corrosion resistant or magnetic, etc. If you still can't figure this out, then it is highly recommended that you choose an expert in the field, as the material you choose will have a major impact.
Choosing the right material with the right strength and properties will help your engineers and technicians get the best results. Each alloy has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is always beneficial to weigh both when deciding what to use.
Beginning Wire Mesh is a pioneer in the wire mesh industry, and we have a specification to fit every need. Our expertise in the field strongly points to the reasons you should choose them.
