Types of Metal

The following is a sample of common materials used for wire mesh, however, other materials are available.

Steel (Plain) - Used in applications where corrosion or abrasion resistance are not controlling factors. Low cost, high tensile strength and ductility make it popular in manufacturing operations.

Stainless Steel - Rapidly replacing other alloys because of their ability to show longer life under severe corrosive and temperature conditions. The principal stainless steels used for wire cloth are:

• Type 304 - The basic stainless alloy (18% chrome, 8% nickel) and is most extensively used to weave wire cloth. It has excellent corrosion resistance, which is satisfactory for most applications. Where no type is specified, it is assumed that Type 304 is acceptable.
  
  
• Type 316 - The same as 304 with an additional 2% minimum molybdenum to provide increased corrosion resistance to salts and acids. In addition, it has increased strength at at high temperatures.

Nickel Based Alloys

• Inconel ** alloy 600- A high nickel chromium alloy (nickel 76.0%, chromium 15.8%, iron 7.2%) used for corrosion resistance and temperature up to approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Monel ** alloy 400 - A high nickel copper alloy which is one of the most widely used alloys for corrosion resistance. It has the strength of mild steel and will not corrode in a great many solutions found in industrial applications.

Aluminum - Known for its lightness and high strength to weight ratio, aluminum has good corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity.

Copper - Copper has some of the most favorable corrosion-resistant properties, but its relatively low tensile strength and high ductility limits its application, therefore, a copper alloy is usually preferred for wire cloth. Commercial or pure copper is sometimes used for its electrical properties.

Brass - Standard brass (copper 65%, zinc 35%) has high strength and ductility for severe cold with mild corrosion resistance.

Commercial Bronze - A higher copper alloy (copper 90%, zinc 10%) used in cases where better corrosion resistance than brass is required.

Phosphor Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin (1-1/4% to 10%) deoxidized with phosphorous. It is strong and resistant to corrosion from sea water and many other media.

** International Nickel

Synthetic Mesh

The following are some of the most commonly used synthetic materials for filter and strainer applications. Other materials are available.

NylonNylon mesh is the most commonly used synthetic material for strainer and filter applications. It is strong, flexible and elastic. Nylon is highly resistant to solvents, automotive fluids and alkalies.

PolyesterPolyester is widely used for its resistance to acids and most solvents. It is an inelastic material that has good strength and good UV resistance.

PolypropylenePolypropylene has excellent resistance to most acids and bases. It has moderate strength and limited UV resistance.