304 Stainless Steel flattened expanded metal combines the construction of flattened expanded metal (DIN 791 / ASTM F1267) with the properties of AISI 304 (1.4301): good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water, essentially non-magnetic (annealed), service to approx. +450 °C continuous. This page summarizes the grade data, its behavior in filtration service, comparable alloys, and the specifications supplied.
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 |
Corrosion Behavior in Filtration Service
304 gives good resistance to atmospheric exposure, fresh water and most neutral media, and is the standard general-purpose grade for flattened expanded metal. In chloride-bearing service (seawater, brines, road-salt spray) step up to 316L; in reducing acids consider a nickel alloy.
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 |