Welded meshes are not woven, but rather the wires are joined by resistance-welding which results in strong, consistent welds which use no filler metal in the joints. It is used when a non-toxic and non-fraying material with a large open is required. The holes range from pencil size to 2.6-inch squares.
The two basic metal types: Alloy Type 304 and Type 316
T304 is the basic stainless alloy, and unless otherwise specified it is assumed that this type is acceptable. Also called 18-8 due to 18% chromium and 8% nickel. T304 melts at 2600 degrees F (1430 C) but its maximum recommended temperature for continuous service is 1450 degrees F. (790 C) and is useful for intermediate service up to 1650 degrees F (900 C). Its' uses include: sorting and screening of abrasives, liquids, powders and other solids. It is the less expensive alloy but not as corrosion resistant as T316. It is the slightly stronger of the two types.
Type 316 is a special stainless alloy due to the addition of 2% molybdenum. This increases its resistance to corrosion by salts, acids and seawater. Also called 18-10 due to 18% chromium and 10% nickel. T316 melts at 2500 degrees F (1375 C) but its maximum recommended temperature for continuous service is 1500 degrees F. (815 C) and is useful for intermediate service up to 1650 degrees F (900 C). Its' uses include: processing of oils and foods, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Reinforcement
Insulation containment (1 mesh .022 & 2 mesh .022)
Marine uses (T316 alloy)
Air vents and inlets
Chimney Spark arrestors (2 mesh .063, but we recommend you check local building codes)
Welded Stainless Wire Mesh - Cutting
Stainless steel welded mesh with a .022 wire diameter can be cut with heavy scissors. Wire diameters up to about .047 can be cut with tin snips. Wire diameters over .047 inches are difficult to cut with hand tools but a compound aircraft-style hand shear can usually nibble its way through. The heavy wires of .063, .080, and .120 should be cut with a small bolt cutter or a hacksaw.
Due to slight irregularities in the spacing of the wires, it is normal for rectangles to be supplied with either flush cut edges or an exact size with random sheared edges. In other words, if you specify an exact size, the cut edge will often fall between two wires.
Welded Stainless Wire Mesh - Choosing
How do I choose a mesh size?
In general, our website gives detailed descriptions and pictures of many welded stainless steel meshes.
For someone unfamiliar with wire mesh size terminology:
4 mesh has four wires in each direction in a square inch.
2 mesh has two wires in each direction in a square inch. You could easily pass a pencil through the openings.
1 inch x 1/2 inch mesh has wires that are form a 1 inch x 1/2 inch rectangles.
1 inch x 1.5 inch mesh has wires that are form a 1 inch x 1.5 inch rectangles.
2 inch x 1/2 inch mesh has wires that are form a 2 inch x 1/2 inch rectangles.
1 inch mesh has wires that are one inch distant from each other in both directions. They form a pattern of one inch squares.
2 inch mesh has wires that are two inches distant from each other in both directions. They form a pattern of two inch squares.
3 1/2 inch mesh has wires that are one inch distant from each other in both directions. They form a pattern of three and one half inch squares.
6 inch mesh has wires that are one inch distant from each other in both directions. They form a pattern of six inch squares.
An idea of how thick the wire is, can be estimated using the fact that a piece of paper is about three thousandths (.003) of an inch thick. So, a wire .022 inches thick is equal to the height of a stack of 7 sheets of paper.
WIRE SIZE Thickness of the wire in sheets of copy paper
.022 7 sheets
.028 9 sheets
.032 11 sheets
.063 21 sheets
.080 26 sheets
.105 35 sheets