30 mesh denotes 30 wires per inch in each direction. For aluminum wire mesh the governing document is ASTM E2016 / ISO 9044; the specification row, aperture-micron conversion and selection guidance for this count follow.
30 Mesh Specification Row (ASTM E2016 / ISO 9044)
| Mesh count | Wire diameter (mm) | Aperture (mm) | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Open area (%) | Alloy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Mesh | 0.180 | 0.667 | 667 | 62.0 | Aluminum 5052 |
30 Mesh to Micron & Aperture
| Openings per inch | 30 |
|---|---|
| Aperture (opening width) | 0.55 mm |
| Micron rating | 547 µm |
| Standard wire diameter | 0.3 mm |
| Open area | 41.6 % |
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 30 Mesh
| Option | Wire dia | Aperture | Micron | Open area | Weight (SS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy wire | 0.390 mm | 0.457 mm | 457 µm | 29.1 % | 2.35 kg/m² |
| Standard wire | 0.300 mm | 0.547 mm | 547 µm | 41.7 % | 1.39 kg/m² |
| Fine wire | 0.225 mm | 0.622 mm | 622 µm | 53.9 % | 0.78 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 30 Mesh
The standard 30 mesh weave presents an open area of about 41.6%. At this count the mesh presents little flow resistance; selection is normally driven by particle retention and mechanical strength rather than pressure drop.
30 Mesh Cloth Weight
Standard 30 mesh stainless cloth weighs approximately 1.39 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 30 Mesh Aluminum Wire Mesh
30 mesh aluminum wire mesh 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.
When to Step Up or Down from 30 Mesh
Move to 40 mesh when particles are passing that must be retained; drop back to 20 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 Aluminum Wire Mesh Does
Screening, filtering and shielding where weight and cost matter more than strength, using woven aluminum cloth that is a third the weight of steel and does not rust.
Fitting & Care
- Frame or hem cut edges; aluminum wire is soft and frays if left raw.
- Isolate aluminum mesh from copper and brass parts in damp service to prevent galvanic corrosion.
