Construction Materials for Wire Mesh

Aluminum

Compared to other material options, aluminum is available at a lower price point. Additionally, it offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio (about a third of the weight of stainless steel with comparable strength) that makes it ideal for applications where high strength and low weight are critical, such as HVAC systems and personal electronics. Aluminum Alloy 5052 is common, while other aluminum alloys can be special ordered.

Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Brass wire mesh is commonly available in 270 yellow brass (65% copper and 35% zinc) and 260 high brass (70% copper and 30% zinc) variations.

While the resulting material is soft and malleable, it offers greater tensile strength and resistance than copper, making it better suited for use in filtration and separation applications. Its distinct golden-yellow color also makes it a popular option for decorative elements and art pieces.

Bronze

Bronze is another copper-zinc alloy. Bronze wire mesh typically contains 90% copper and 10% zinc, but other compositions may be employed to enhance or add different material qualities.

Similar to brass wire mesh, it is often used in decorations and art pieces due to its distinct color. However, it offers even higher strength and resistance, so it also finds application in filtration and screening operations that require greater durability.

Copper

Similar to its alloys, copper has a distinct color that recommends it for use in architectural and artistic applications. It can also be used to create functional and decorative pieces, such as screens for fireplaces, gardens, and patios. Additionally, its high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it useful for the construction of RFI shielding and Faraday cages.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most—if not the most—commonly employed construction materials for wire mesh products. Typical alloys used include 304, 316, and 316L.

• 304 stainless steel—also referred to as A2 stainless steel or 18/8—is a steel alloy that contains at least 18 percent chromium and at least 8 percent nickel by composition with small traces of carbon and manganese. It is non-magnetic, corrosion resistance, and highly malleable.
• 316 stainless steel—also known as marine grade stainless steel—offers similar characteristics to 304 stainless steel but with even better corrosion resistance. This quality makes it suitable for use in marine and saltwater environments.
• 316L stainless steel is a low-carbon variation of 316 stainless steel. As such, it carries similar benefits with better performance in welding operations.

In addition to the above, typical wire mesh materials include other steel alloys (e.g., galvanized steel) and nickel alloys (e.g., Monel).

Common Industries and Applications for Wire Mesh 

As wire mesh is available in numerous varieties, its industrial applications are nearly endless. Some of the industries that regularly make use of the material include:

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Art
• Automotive
• Construction
• Food and Beverage
• Gas and Oil
• Pest Control
• RFI Shielding

Specific examples of applications for wire mesh include:

• Automobile grilles
• Drain mesh filters
• Drying racks
• Fencing strips
• Fireplace screens
• Fry baskets
• Hardware cloth
• Insect screens
• Pleated filters
• Sand control screens for oil wells
• Security screen
• Splatter screens

Wire Mesh Products from Lawrence Sintered Metals 

At Lawrence Sintered Metals, we have extensive experience in the manufacture and distribution of wire mesh, wire cloth, and sintered wire mesh. Our core wire mesh product offerings are:

• Woven Wire Mesh. Our woven wire mesh is available with a wide range of alloy, gauge, opening size (a few microns to a few inches), and weave (e.g., plain, twilled, and Dutch) options to suit the requirements and restrictions of different applications. It is used for everything from architectural sculptures to concrete reinforcement to security mesh.
• Welded Wire Mesh. Our welded wire mesh is regularly employed in industrial and commercial applications where strength and durability are critical. We offer it in galvanized steel, stainless steel, and plain steel, with options for various opening sizes and patterns.
• Micronic Dutch Weave Filter Mesh. These mesh materials are generally used in filtration operations. They come in plain and twilled variations depending on the degree of filtration required. Options for 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel and different meshes and weaves are available.
• Wire Screens. We maintain a stock of wire mesh screens for use in specific applications, including screening, screen printing, and insect repelling. Bolting filter cloths are available in stainless steel and 14 mesh to 230 mesh, stencil clothes are available in stainless steel and 105 mesh to 325 mesh, and insect screens are available in various alloys and 18×14 or 18×16 mesh.