Material page for plain weave wire 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 Plain Weave Wire Mesh
The default filtration and process-industry grade. For plain weave wire 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 plain weave wire 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 plain weave wire 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 Plain Weave Wire Mesh Available in 316L Stainless Steel
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Weight SS (kg/mu00b2) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Mesh | 1.600 | 11.100 | 11100 | 76.4 | 2.64 | ISO 9044 |
| 4-Mesh | 1.000 | 5.350 | 5350 | 71.0 | 2.06 | ISO 9044 |
| 8-Mesh | 0.800 | 2.375 | 2375 | 56.0 | 2.64 | ISO 9044 |
| 10-Mesh | 0.550 | 1.990 | 1990 | 61.4 | 1.56 | ISO 9044 |
| 20-Mesh | 0.400 | 0.870 | 870 | 46.9 | 1.65 | ISO 9044 |
| 30-Mesh | 0.300 | 0.547 | 547 | 41.7 | 1.39 | ISO 9044 |
| 40-Mesh | 0.250 | 0.385 | 385 | 36.8 | 1.29 | ISO 9044 |
| 50-Mesh | 0.220 | 0.288 | 288 | 32.1 | 1.25 | ISO 9044 |
| 60-Mesh | 0.190 | 0.233 | 233 | 30.4 | 1.12 | ISO 9044 |
| 80-Mesh | 0.140 | 0.177 | 178 | 31.3 | 0.81 | ISO 9044 |
| 100-Mesh | 0.100 | 0.154 | 154 | 36.8 | 0.51 | ISO 9044 |
| 120-Mesh | 0.090 | 0.122 | 122 | 33.0 | 0.50 | ISO 9044 |
| 150-Mesh | 0.066 | 0.103 | 103 | 37.2 | 0.34 | ISO 9044 |
| 200-Mesh | 0.053 | 0.074 | 74 | 34.0 | 0.29 | ISO 9044 |
| 250-Mesh | 0.040 | 0.062 | 62 | 36.8 | 0.21 | ISO 9044 |
| 325-Mesh | 0.036 | 0.042 | 42 | 29.1 | 0.22 | ISO 9044 |
| 400-Mesh | 0.030 | 0.034 | 34 | 27.8 | 0.19 | ISO 9044 |
| 500-Mesh | 0.025 | 0.026 | 26 | 25.8 | 0.16 | ISO 9044 |
| 635-Mesh | 0.020 | 0.020 | 20 | 25.0 | 0.13 | ISO 9044 |
Where 316L Stainless Steel Plain Weave Wire Mesh Is Used
- Process filtration: strainer baskets, filter discs and pump-intake screens cut from stainless steel wire cloth.
- Food & beverage: sifter screens, dewatering and rinse screens in 304 and 316L.
- OEM fabrication: stainless steel mesh screens pressed, rimmed or spot-welded into appliance and machine parts.
- Laboratory & QA: routine sieving and sample screening where a certified test sieve is not required.
Ordering Plain Weave Wire Mesh in 316L Stainless Steel
- Mesh count and wire diameter: Specify both — two 100-mesh cloths with different wires have different apertures and open areas.
- Aperture or micron: Quote the opening (mm or µm) you need to retain; the table converts mesh count to micron for every size.
- Alloy & supply form: 304 for general use, 316L for chlorides and food CIP; rolls of 1–1.5 m width, cut sheets, discs or slit strip.
Mistakes to Avoid with Plain Weave Wire Mesh
- Ordering by mesh count only and receiving a heavier or lighter wire than expected.
- Using plain weave below about 40 µm, where twill or dutch weave carries the fine wire far better.
