304 Stainless Steel window & insect screen mesh is stocked to Insect screen convention. The alloy provides good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water and is essentially non-magnetic (annealed); the practical service limit is approx. +450 °C continuous. Property data, alloy comparison and the specification table follow.
Why Choose 304 Stainless Steel for Window & Insect Screen Mesh
The standard general-purpose stainless mesh alloy. For window & insect screen mesh, 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 window & insect screen mesh. In chloride-bearing service (seawater, brines, road-salt spray) step up to 316L; in reducing acids consider a nickel alloy.
Cleaning & Compatibility
Stainless window & insect screen mesh 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.
Specifications of Window & Insect Screen Mesh Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Weight SS (kg/mu00b2) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Mesh | 0.28 | 1.53 | 1534 | 71.5 | u2014 | Insect screen convention |
| 16-Mesh | 0.26 | 1.33 | 1328 | 69.9 | u2014 | Insect screen convention |
| 18-Mesh | 0.23 | 1.18 | 1181 | 70.1 | u2014 | Insect screen convention |
| 20-Mesh | 0.23 | 1.04 | 1040 | 67.1 | u2014 | Insect screen convention |
