EMI / RFI Shielding Mesh in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for attenuating electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference through vents, windows and enclosures while still passing air and light. 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 EMI / RFI Shielding Mesh Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Open area (%) | Material | Shielding @ 1 GHz (dB) |
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| 22-Mesh | 0.115 | 1.040 | 81 | Copper | 50 |
| 60-Mesh | 0.110 | 0.313 | 55 | Copper | 65 |
| 100-Mesh | 0.110 | 0.144 | 32 | Phosphor bronze | 75 |
| 100-Mesh Monel | 0.110 | 0.144 | 32 | Monel 400 | 75 |
| 145-Mesh | 0.056 | 0.119 | 46 | SS304 | 70 |
Where 304 Stainless Steel EMI / RFI Shielding Mesh Is Used
- Electronics enclosures: ventilation panels and display windows in shielded cabinets.
- EMC test chambers & Faraday cages: wall, door and window shielding.
- Medical imaging rooms: MRI and RF-shielded room viewing windows.
- Defense & aerospace: shielded avionics and radar enclosures to MIL specifications.
Ordering EMI / RFI Shielding Mesh in 304 Stainless Steel
- Frequency range: Finer mesh and thicker wire raise attenuation at higher frequencies; state the band to be shielded.
- Conductivity & corrosion: Copper and phosphor bronze conduct best; Monel 400 and stainless resist corrosion in marine or outdoor use.
- Bonding: Specify a continuous, low-resistance perimeter bond — the mesh only works when grounded all round.
Mistakes to Avoid with EMI / RFI Shielding Mesh
- Leaving gaps or spot fixings along the edge, which act as slot antennas and leak RF.
- Pairing copper mesh with an aluminum frame without plating, which corrodes galvanically.
