20 mesh denotes 20 wires per inch in each direction. For food dehydrator stainless mesh tray the governing document is FDA 21 CFR / EU 1935/2004 food contact; the specification row, aperture-micron conversion and selection guidance for this count follow.
20 Mesh Specification Row (FDA 21 CFR / EU 1935/2004 food contact)
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Tray (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Mesh | 0.300 | 0.970 | 970 | 58.3 | 600 u00d7 400 |
20 Mesh to Micron & Aperture
| Openings per inch | 20 |
|---|---|
| Aperture (opening width) | 0.87 mm |
| Micron rating | 870 µm |
| Standard wire diameter | 0.4 mm |
| Open area | 46.9 % |
Aperture = (25.4 mm ÷ mesh count) − wire diameter. The micron rating equals the aperture in micrometres; actual retention also depends on particle shape and cake formation.
Wire Diameter Options at 20 Mesh
| Option | Wire dia | Aperture | Micron | Open area | Weight (SS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy wire | 0.520 mm | 0.750 mm | 750 µm | 34.9 % | 2.78 kg/m² |
| Standard wire | 0.400 mm | 0.870 mm | 870 µm | 46.9 % | 1.65 kg/m² |
| Fine wire | 0.300 mm | 0.970 mm | 970 µm | 58.3 % | 0.93 kg/m² |
Heavier wire adds strength and abrasion life but closes the aperture; finer wire opens the aperture and raises throughput at the cost of durability. Specify mesh count AND wire diameter to fix the aperture unambiguously.
Open Area & Flow at 20 Mesh
The standard 20 mesh weave presents an open area of about 46.9%. At this count the mesh presents little flow resistance; selection is normally driven by particle retention and mechanical strength rather than pressure drop.
20 Mesh Cloth Weight
Standard 20 mesh stainless cloth weighs approximately 1.65 kg/m² (density 7.93 g/cm³ basis; brass and copper weave roughly 10% heavier, aluminum about one third). Use this figure for roll handling and freight estimation.
Typical Applications for 20 Mesh Food Dehydrator Stainless Mesh Tray
20 mesh food dehydrator stainless mesh tray is commonly specified for general straining and sieving, paint and coating filtration, grease filters, insect screening, grain cleaning and pre-filtration ahead of fine media.
Plain, Twill or Dutch Weave at This Rating?
Plain square weave is the standard at this count: every opening is a true square of the stated aperture, retention is absolute for hard spherical particles, and the cloth is easy to clean.
When to Step Up or Down from 20 Mesh
Move to 30 mesh when particles are passing that must be retained; drop back to 10 mesh when the element blinds too quickly or the pressure drop is excessive. In a multi-layer pack, pair this count with a coarser support mesh downstream to carry the pressure load.
What Food Dehydrator Stainless Mesh Tray Does
Drying fruit, vegetables, jerky, herbs and pet treats on stainless mesh trays that let warm air pass evenly through every layer of a dehydrator or drying room.
Fitting & Care
- Space pieces so air can pass between them.
- Wash trays in hot soapy water or the dishwasher after use.
