Aluminum Wire Mesh in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for screening, filtering and shielding where weight and cost matter more than strength, using woven aluminum cloth that is a third the weight of steel and does not rust. The alloy gives good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water and is essentially non-magnetic (annealed), with a practical service limit of approx. +450 °C continuous.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 304 (1.4301) |
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| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic (annealed) |
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| Service temperature | approx. +450 °C continuous |
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| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water |
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Specifications of Aluminum Wire Mesh Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Alloy |
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| 14-Mesh | 0.280 | 1.534 | 1534 | 71.5 | Aluminum 5154 / 5056 |
| 18-Mesh | 0.280 | 1.131 | 1131 | 64.0 | Aluminum 5154 / 5056 |
| 30-Mesh | 0.180 | 0.667 | 667 | 62.0 | Aluminum 5052 |
| 40-Mesh | 0.180 | 0.455 | 455 | 51.0 | Aluminum 5052 |
| 60-Mesh | 0.120 | 0.303 | 303 | 51.3 | Aluminum 5052 |
Where 304 Stainless Steel Aluminum Wire Mesh Is Used
- HVAC & appliance filters: washable air-conditioner, hood and dehumidifier filter screens.
- Speaker & electronics: light speaker grilles and low-cost EMI shielding windows.
- Transportation: lightweight vents and grilles in RVs, trailers and buses.
- Architecture & signage: anodized aluminum mesh infill and light diffusers.
Ordering Aluminum Wire Mesh in 304 Stainless Steel
- Alloy: 5052 for general filters; 5154/5056 for stiffer, more corrosion-resistant screens.
- Mesh & wire: 14–18 mesh for vents and grilles; 30–60 mesh for air-filter screens.
- Finish: Mill, anodized or powder-coated in black, silver or bronze.
Mistakes to Avoid with Aluminum Wire Mesh
- Using aluminum in caustic cleaners or high-pH washes, which dissolve it.
- Expecting aluminum mesh to resist impact or cutting like stainless steel.
