Wire mesh is extremely versatile in its uses and can be manufactured to accommodate many different applications. Depending on your use, finding the right woven metal mesh or welded wire mesh for your project can be crucial. Check out this guide for tips on buying the best wire mesh the industry has to offer. Keep in mind, quality really does matter when it comes to working with wire mesh materials.
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Find Your Mesh Specification
Wire cloth fabrication can be molded to fit a variety of specifications. Knowing some specifics of the application you&#;re using it for can be very helpful in making sure you get the right mesh for your project. One of the largest deciding factors is the need for strength and durability in its application. For instance, if you are looking to invest in woven metal mesh to assist in allergy-proofing your home, a single-layer of wire cloth over windows will cleanse the air while ensuring proper airflow.
In addition to choosing between a single layer of wire mesh or multiple layers, you must also consider the size and shape you are working with. For instance, when working to create a filter product through wire cloth fabrication, choosing a very fine wire will allow for the optimal level of filtration to be achieved.
Understanding the mesh count, wire diameter and opening needed for your application is an important first step in making sure you find the wire mesh to fit your project. Additional tools can be used to help you find the right fit. For example, Lawrence Sintered Metals has a free wire mesh calculator that can help you determine what specifications you may need.
Choose Your Weave Type and Pattern
Once you have the basic specifications of the mesh you need, it may also prove beneficial to decide on your weave type and pattern. One of the main considerations in selecting a wire mesh is whether to select a woven or welded pattern. Woven mesh is more common overall because not all wires are suitable for welding.
Woven wire mesh&#;also sometimes referred to as woven wire cloth&#;is created by weaving wire strands in an over-under or under-over method to form different patterns with varying specifications. Some of the most common weave patterns for woven wire mesh are plain/square weave, rectangular weave, plain Dutch weave, twilled Dutch weave, and intercrimp weave. The weave pattern of mesh significantly influences what it can be used for. For example, plain square weaves are ideal for use in general-purpose applications, while Dutch weaves are more appropriate for use in air and liquid filtering applications.
Welded wire mesh is a sheet of metal wires arranged into a stable grid pattern, then welded at the intersections for durability. Welded wire mesh is cost-effective and highly customizable, with options for a range of materials, thicknesses, and grid patterns. Stainless steel is oftentimes the material used to create welded wire mesh, as it offers the highest performance, valued both for its strength and corrosion resistance. Applications that may call for stainless steel mesh for either functional or aesthetic purposes include filters for chemical and oil processing, air filtration, food service and medical filters and guards, and building facades.
Think About Your Application&#;s Conditions
When chosen correctly, wire mesh offers the strength and flexibility needed for its given application. It is important to select a material capable of withstanding the operating and environmental conditions. For example, in applications involving corrosive materials, stainless steel is a viable option. In general, stainless steel is one of the most&#;if not the most&#;commonly employed construction materials for wire mesh products. Typical alloys used include Type 304, 316, and 316L.
Do the Necessary Research
Just as you would with any other project, doing the research before you start is imperative. We encourage all users of wire mesh, especially those new to the industry, to familiarize themselves with the products, their terminology, and users. In addition, know where you can save money in the process. For example, to receive the best SQFT price, purchase a full roll of material. Standard rolls measure 100 feet in length, and when purchasing in this quantity, there is no extra labor cost and no cut to size waste.
Lawrence Sintered Metals Offers High Quality, Affordable Wire Mesh
Once you have all of your specifications laid out, all you need to do is find a wire mesh products provider. Lawrence Sintered Metals offers a variety of wire mesh products in woven and welded form, in different alloys including plain steel, stainless steel and galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, bronze, brass, Monel, Alloy 20, and many more.
At Lawrence Sintered Metals you can also send in your drawings, designs or descriptions to receive a quote. Contact Lawrence Sintered Metals today for more information on how to plan and purchase the highest quality, affordable wire mesh for your needs.
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There are many things to consider when buying wire mesh. In addition to the type of material, overall thickness, and opening size, you'll want to think about the wire gauge.
What does this mean and why does it matter? Read on to find out.
What Is a Gauge in Wire Mesh?
Wire mesh gauge is essentially the thickness of the wire, or the wire diameter. It's usually measured in inches.
A Higher Number Equals a Thicker Wire Diameter
A higher gauge number indicates a thicker wire diameter. For instance, stainless steel mesh with a gauge of 0.47 inches is substantially thicker than those with a gauge of 0. inches.
Thicker Wire Gauge: What to Consider
In addition to a thicker wire diameter, a thicker gauge typically means the wire mesh weave will have a wider opening size (the distance between each wire). These materials are more often used for fencing, partitions, landscaping, and pest control, whereas a finer weave is suitable for filtering or insect screens.
Thicker wires are sturdier, which makes them a great choice for keeping pets or livestock in and predators out. However, they can also be harder to cut. Heavy-duty tin snips or bolt cutters can work, but if you don&#;t have the tools on hand, consider ordering wire mesh that&#;s already cut to size.
A Lower Number Equals a Thinner Wire Diameter
A lower gauge number indicates a thinner wire diameter. For example, stainless steel metal wires with a gauge of 0. inches are significantly thinner than those with a gauge of 0.02 inches.
Thinner Wire Gauge: What to Consider
Thinner wire diameters often mean the mesh opening size is much smaller, resulting in a super-fine weave. This type of wire mesh is suitable for filtering, straining, sifting, and insect screens.
It's extremely flexible, easy to manipulate, and can be cut using scissors. That said, a thinner wire diameter is also not as durable as thicker gauges, so it's not the best choice for pest control, with the exception of bug screens for windows and doors.
Medium-Gauge Wire Mesh
Medium-gauge wire mesh is right in the middle in terms of durability and malleability. For instance, chicken wire, also called hex mesh or poultry netting, is relatively easy to cut with tin snips and can be manipulated into various shapes and configurations.
For a comprehensive breakdown of the different sizes, see our Wire Mesh Gauge Table.
Shop Wire Mesh in a Variety of Sizes & Gauges
Whether you're looking for industrial-grade wire mesh for outdoor projects or decorative woven metal for DIY designs, you'll find it here.
We carry wire mesh with a wide range of gauges, opening sizes, and weaves. If you don't see the exact dimensions you need, our experienced team can laser cut rolls or panels to any size. Contact us for a free estimate on a custom order!
TWP Inc. has been an industry-leading resource for high-quality materials for over 50 years, and you can count on a substantial selection of in-stock products with various specifications.
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