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4 Advice to Choose a 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

17 Jun.,2024

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: Which Alloy Should ...

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Stainless steel wire mesh is a versatile material that delivers durability that countless industries rely on. Stainless steel in itself has dozens of classifications and specifications that can sometimes make it hard for lab technicians and floor engineers to pinpoint the best solution.

Of all the stainless steel classifications, type 304 and type 316 stand as the most popular. So what&#;s the difference?

W.S. Tyler has worked with woven wire mesh of various alloys for over 140 years and is here to ensure you apply the right one to your operation.

In this article, we establish what stainless steel is, what low carbon alloy is, how 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh compare, and which alloy you should use.

What Is Stainless Steel Alloy?
What Is Stainless Steel Alloy?

Stainless steel has become one of the most widely used materials throughout the world. There are centuries of research standing behind its manufacturing processes.

Now, no matter which type of steel you are working with, it is most likely classified by the quality of the alloy. That said, a stainless steel alloy must consist of a certain level of carbon and chromium to be considered stainless.

To put this into perspective, this article will compare 304 stainless steel to 316 stainless steel.

Low Carbon Alloy Steel

As stated above, most steel classifications are dictated by the level of carbon that they contain. When an alloy contains less than .03% carbon, it then carries the classification of a low carbon steel, or L-grade.

Having such a limited amount of carbon in the alloy reduces the amount of carbide precipitation. This heightens the alloy&#;s resistance to corrosion.

This is particularly beneficial for applications in which the stainless steel wire mesh is exposed to moisture. In other words, the more carbon that is present in the alloy, the more likely it is to rust and corrode when water is present.

How Do 304 and 316 Stainless Steel Compare?

The main differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh come down to their corrosion resistance, durability, heat resistance, and formability.

Now, 304 stainless steel mesh is an alloy that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. On the other hand, 316 stainless steel mesh is an alloy that contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum.

Because 316 has more nickel and contains molybdenum, it is higher quality than 304. These added benefits allow it to be more resistant to corrosive environments, more stable and durable, and more resistant to extreme temperatures.

That said, there are little to no differences between the two alloys visually. They also carry the same ability to be welded and customized during fabrication.

When it comes to cost, 316 stainless steel wire mesh stands as the most expensive of the two. But these margins are not that significant.

To put this into perspective, if a piece of 304 stainless steel mesh costs $1.00 per square foot then 316 stainless steel mesh would cost somewhere around $1.15 per square foot.

This remains the same regardless if you are using 304/316 regular or L-grade 304/316.

Which Alloy Should I Use?

The alloy that should be used depends on the application. If the mesh is going to be subjected to harsh conditions that introduce corrosive substances, 316 should be applied.

This is because the molybdenum that is added to 316 stainless steel wire mesh, allows it to withstand more corrosive applications.

With that, if you are simply using it to sift non-corrosive materials, such as food particles or aggregates, then a 304 stainless steel mesh will get the job done.

Low carbon steel, whether its 304 or 316, should be applied when welding is needed during fabrication. This is because carbon naturally absorbs heat and may hinder any sort of welding or heat treating process.

So, the higher the carbon content of the alloy the harder it is to be fabricated.

An Effective Operation Starts With Selecting The Right Alloy

The durability of stainless steel wire mesh has made it one of the most versatile materials available. 304 and 316 stainless steel may be the most widely used of the dozens of stainless steel specifications.

As with all alloys, 304 and 316 stainless steel mesh are classified by the quality of the steel as well as the amount of carbon and chromium it contains. That said, the alloy you choose is only one of the many specifications that go into selecting the right woven wire mesh.

If welding is required, stainless steel that contains less than .03% carbon is ideal.

Having worked with woven wire mesh for over 140 years, W.S. Tyler has the expertise needed to guide towards the perfect mesh specifications.

For more information about which mesh specifications work best for you, refer to our article: How to Pick the Right Woven Wire Mesh (Mesh Count, Wire Diameter, and Micron Rating).

The Complete Guide to Buying Stainless Steel Wire Mesh ...

When considering the acquisition of stainless steel wire mesh in , comprehending the subtleties and selecting the most suitable mesh is pivotal for diverse applications. This comprehensive guide aims to illuminate the key aspects influencing the procurement of stainless steel wire mesh this year.

Determining Purpose for Wire Mesh Usage

Prior to delving into the procurement process, it's imperative to ascertain the primary purpose of acquiring stainless steel wire mesh. Whether it's for filtration, protection, or specific applications, understanding the intended environmental conditions of wire mesh usage is equally vital.

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Understanding Mesh Types: Woven vs. Welded

The choice between woven and welded mesh types entails considering their distinct attributes. Woven mesh, crafted by interlocking individual wires, delivers impressive flexibility and a traditional, visually appealing pattern suitable for architectural designs and decorative applications. In contrast, welded mesh, formed by welding intersecting wires, provides exceptional structural strength and a uniform grid pattern, ideal for heavy-duty applications like security fencing and industrial barriers. Selecting between the two depends on balancing needs for flexibility, aesthetic preferences, and the specific requirements of the project.

Choosing the Right Alloy Grade: 304 vs. 316 Stainless Steel

The choice between 304 and 316 stainless steel grades is pivotal, dictating the wire mesh's corrosion resistance and durability. Analyzing these factors in alignment with your project's requirements is indispensable to ensure optimal performance.

Stainless steel grades 304 and 316 exhibit distinct characteristics. Grade 304, comprising 18% chromium and 8% nickel, offers commendable corrosion resistance in standard environments and finds widespread use in appliances and industrial equipment. In contrast, grade 316, featuring 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, and 2-3% molybdenum, boasts superior corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive settings like marine or chemical applications. While 304 suffices for general use, 316 stands out for demanding conditions requiring exceptional corrosion protection.

Specifying Dimensions and Complete Specifications

When specifying wire mesh dimensions, key aspects include wire gauge sizes, which encompass wire diameter and opening size. Common wire diameters range from fine gauges like 30 to heavier gauges such as 10 or 12, depending on the application's demands. Mesh count, indicating the number of openings per linear inch or centimeter, plays a crucial role. Additionally, clearly specifying the material type (304 or 316 stainless steel) and mesh size dimensions in inches or millimeters ensures accurate fabrication and suitability for the intended purpose.

Consideration of Specialized Mesh Options

Exploring specialized options like architectural wire mesh offers unique design possibilities for aesthetic projects. Understanding these alternatives allows for tailored solutions that stand out in functionality and appearance.

Sourcing Reliable Suppliers for Quality Assurance

When seeking suppliers for stainless steel wire mesh, prioritize those with ISO certification, ensuring adherence to quality standards. Look for materials compliant with ASTM or relevant industry standards, backed by thorough quality testing for corrosion resistance and strength. Detailed product specifications, including mesh count, wire diameter, and material type (304 or 316 stainless steel), are crucial. Opt for suppliers with a strong industry reputation, substantial experience, and positive customer references for reliable and high-quality mesh products.

Kunyu Wire Mesh: Redefining Wire Mesh Solutions

Zhejiang Kunyu Wire Mesh Co., Ltd. is a leading wire mesh provider founded in . We've earned trust globally and work with Fortune 500 companies. With two state-of-the-art production bases, our facilities cover 50 acres, equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Our specialization lies in woven mesh, chain link fences, and perforated mesh. Our flagship woven screen and perforated mesh achieved impressive sales last year, proving their high-quality and reliability.

What sets our products apart is their durability, verified by rigorous quality tests. They comply with AS and AS.3.1:(R) standards. Our chain link fences are also highly sought-after, generating substantial revenue.

Located in Hebei, our base taps into China's wire mesh industry, ensuring premium materials and skilled craftsmanship. Quality is our priority, maintaining international standards and fostering lasting client relationships.

We're here to collaborate and offer tailored wire mesh solutions. Contact us to explore our customization services and join us in redefining wire mesh applications.

Factory Advantages:

Source factory with core competencies in quality, pricing, and lead times.

Holds ISO certification, TUV reports, and product certification.

Offers customization services.

Impressive production capacity.

Product Advantages:

Compliant with ISO, EN/DIN, AS, and ASTM standards.

Holds a patent and provides customization services.

Our commitment to superior wire mesh and adherence to stringent quality standards have established us as a reliable and trusted supplier in the industry.

Please feel free to contact us and discuss wholesale wire mesh and place a trial order, we can also provide you with free samples.

For more 304 Stainless Steel Wire Meshinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

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