Material page for flattened expanded metal in 316L Stainless Steel. The default filtration and process-industry grade. Covers the grade designation (AISI 316L (1.4404)), corrosion and magnetic behavior, cleaning and compatibility notes, and the specifications available.
Why Choose 316L Stainless Steel for Flattened Expanded Metal
The default filtration and process-industry grade. For flattened expanded metal, this matters when superior resistance, including chlorides, brines, food CIP and mild acids is the controlling requirement.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 316L (1.4404) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. +550 °C continuous |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior resistance, including chlorides, brines, food CIP and mild acids |
Corrosion Behavior in Filtration Service
316/316L adds 2–3% molybdenum to the 304 composition, which sharply improves resistance to chloride pitting and mild acids. For flattened expanded metal in marine, brine, food-CIP and chemical-process service, 316L is the default filtration grade; the L (low-carbon) variant also resists sensitization where elements are welded into frames.
Comparable Alloys
Below 316L sits 304 (general purpose, lower cost). Above it: duplex 2205 (strength + chloride resistance), 904L and Hastelloy C-276 (hot chlorides, sulfuric), Monel 400 (HF, seawater), titanium (chlorides at minimum weight) for flattened expanded metal.
Specifications of Flattened Expanded Metal Available in 316L 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 |
