Material page for micro expanded metal mesh 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 Micro Expanded Metal Mesh
The default filtration and process-industry grade. For micro expanded metal mesh, 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 micro expanded metal mesh 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.
Cleaning & Compatibility
Stainless micro expanded metal 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 Micro Expanded Metal Mesh Available in 316L Stainless Steel
| Mesh designation (SWD x LWD) | SWD (mm) | LWD (mm) | Strand width (mm) | Strand thickness (mm) | Open area (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0x2.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 45 |
| 1.5x3.0 | 1.5 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 50 |
| 2.0x4.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 52 |
| 3.0x6.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 55 |