200 mesh denotes 200 wires per inch in each direction. For nickel wire mesh the governing document is ASTM E2016 / ISO 9044; the specification row, aperture-micron conversion and selection guidance for this count follow.
200 Mesh Specification Row (ASTM E2016 / ISO 9044)
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-Mesh | 0.050 | 0.077 | 77 | 36.8 | Nickel 201 (N02201) |
200 Mesh to Micron & Aperture
| Openings per inch | 200 |
|---|---|
| Aperture (opening width) | 0.074 mm |
| Micron rating | 74 µm |
| Standard wire diameter | 0.053 mm |
| Open area | 33.9 % |
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 200 Mesh
| Option | Wire dia | Aperture | Micron | Open area | Weight (SS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy wire | 0.069 mm | 0.058 mm | 58 µm | 20.9 % | 0.49 kg/m² |
| Standard wire | 0.053 mm | 0.074 mm | 74 µm | 34.0 % | 0.29 kg/m² |
| Fine wire | 0.040 mm | 0.087 mm | 87 µm | 47.2 % | 0.16 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 200 Mesh
The standard 200 mesh weave presents an open area of about 33.9%. A common design rule is to keep the clean-mesh approach velocity low enough that initial pressure drop is negligible; the mesh then acts as the cake support.
200 Mesh Cloth Weight
Standard 200 mesh stainless cloth weighs approximately 0.29 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 200 Mesh Nickel Wire Mesh
200 mesh nickel wire mesh is commonly specified for liquid filtration and clarification, extruder screen packs, hydraulic and fuel strainers, pharmaceutical and food sieving, and laboratory test work.
Plain, Twill or Dutch Weave at This Rating?
At this fineness, compare plain weave against twill (heavier wire, more durable) and dutch weave (higher strength, pressure-resistant, nominal rather than absolute rating) before finalizing the specification.
When to Step Up or Down from 200 Mesh
Move to 250 mesh when particles are passing that must be retained; drop back to 150 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 Nickel Wire Mesh Does
Serving as electrodes, current collectors and caustic-resistant filter cloth in batteries, electrolyzers and alkaline chemical processes.
Fitting & Care
- Degrease and handle with gloves before electrochemical use; contamination affects catalytic activity.
- Spot-weld rather than solder tabs to keep contacts low-resistance.
