Material page for flattened expanded metal in 304 Stainless Steel. The standard general-purpose stainless mesh alloy. Covers the grade designation (AISI 304 (1.4301)), corrosion and magnetic behavior, cleaning and compatibility notes, and the specifications available.
Why Choose 304 Stainless Steel for Flattened Expanded Metal
The standard general-purpose stainless mesh alloy. For flattened expanded metal, this matters when good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water is the controlling requirement.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 304 (1.4301) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic (annealed) |
| Service temperature | approx. +450 °C continuous |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water |
Cleaning & Compatibility
Stainless flattened expanded metal can be cleaned by backflush, ultrasonic bath, steam and most CIP chemistry. Two cautions: (1) avoid extended contact with hydrochloric acid or hypochlorite sanitizers, which pit even 316; (2) where the mesh contacts carbon steel during fabrication or service, iron pick-up can rust-stain the surface — specify passivation after fabrication.
Comparable Alloys
The direct upgrade from 304 is 316L (chlorides, acids, CIP). Downgrade options for dry, indoor screening are galvanized or plain steel. For heat beyond ~450 °C move to Inconel 600; for seawater immersion consider Monel 400 or duplex 2205 for flattened expanded metal.
Specifications of Flattened Expanded Metal Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh designation (SWD x LWD) | SWD (mm) | LWD (mm) | Strand width (mm) | Strand thickness (mm) | Open area (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6x12 | 6 | 12 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 62 |
| 10x20 | 10 | 20 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 66 |
| 12.5x25 | 12.5 | 25 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 60 |
| 16x34 | 16 | 34 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 70 |
| 22x50 | 22 | 50 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 67 |
