Washable Aluminum Mesh HVAC Air Filter in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for pre-filtering coarse dust, lint and grease from HVAC return air with a rigid aluminum mesh pad that is washed and reused instead of thrown away. 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 Washable Aluminum Mesh HVAC Air Filter Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Size | Width X (mm) | Height Y (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Layers | Efficiency |
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| 16 u00d7 20 u00d7 1 in | 406 | 508 | 25 | 6 expanded aluminum | MERV 2 |
| 20 u00d7 25 u00d7 1 in | 508 | 635 | 25 | 6 expanded aluminum | MERV 2 |
| 24 u00d7 24 u00d7 2 in | 610 | 610 | 50 | 10 expanded + 1 woven | MERV 4 |
Where 304 Stainless Steel Washable Aluminum Mesh HVAC Air Filter Is Used
- HVAC contractors: permanent return-grille filters for residential furnaces and air handlers.
- Commercial kitchens & bakeries: make-up air pre-filters that catch flour dust and grease aerosol.
- Industrial ventilation: first-stage filters ahead of pleated or bag filters to extend their life.
- RV & marine: washable filters where replacements are hard to source on the road or at sea.
Ordering Washable Aluminum Mesh HVAC Air Filter in 304 Stainless Steel
- Nominal vs actual size: Order to the actual frame size; a 16 × 20 × 1 in filter usually measures about 15.5 × 19.5 × 0.75 in.
- Layer build: More expanded layers plus a woven face raise efficiency to MERV 4 but also raise initial pressure drop.
- Frame: Aluminum channel with corner reinforcement keeps the pad square through repeated washing.
Mistakes to Avoid with Washable Aluminum Mesh HVAC Air Filter
- Expecting MERV 8–13 performance — aluminum mesh is a coarse pre-filter, not an allergen filter.
- Re-installing a wet filter, which promotes mold growth on the coil.
