When to Use aluminium wire mesh for windows?

13 May.,2024

 

Aluminum vs Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: What Works Best?

 

For more aluminium wire mesh for windowsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

 

In the early 1800s, chemist Sir Humphry Davy discovered that a piece of wire cloth could help the functionality of miners' safety lamps. This increased the demand for woven wire mesh and projected the wire mesh industry.

During the initial years, wire mesh was woven using materials like brass, which was relatively inexpensive compared to alloys like stainless steel. But as time went on, we saw a changing of the guard, and stainless steel became the more affordable and widely used alloy used to weave wire mesh.

But just because it is widely used doesn't necessarily mean it's the right choice for you. To achieve the best result, you must understand how stainless steel compares to other alloys, such as aluminum.

W.S. Tyler has been a respected entity within the wire mesh industry for over 140 years. We take pride in educating those interested in wire mesh on everything they need to know to create optimized solutions tailored to their needs.

With that, we wrote this article to help you better understand the differences between aluminum and stainless steel wire mesh. You will learn:

  • What aluminum is

  • The benefits of using aluminum wire mesh

  • What stainless steel is

  • The benefits of using stainless steel wire mesh

  • Which of the two alloys makes sense for you

 

What Is Aluminum?

Much like nickel wire mesh, aluminum is an alloy that naturally exists within the periodic table of elements. It is known to bind with other chemicals easily; thus, aluminum in its pure is not seen naturally despite being one of the most prominent elements on the planet.

When using aluminum to weave wire mesh, W.S. Tyler will use one of three variants: 1100 aluminum (pure), alclad 5056, and 5056 aluminum.

 

What Are the Benefits of Using Aluminum Wire Mesh?

One of the most widely known benefits associated with aluminum is the fact it is lightweight. This is particularly true compared to other, more widely used alloys like stainless steel.

This can help reduce the stress inflicted on and throughout your machinery.

Aluminum also has the ability to create a protective layer of aluminum oxide when subjected to oxygen. This, in turn, helps aluminum resist various forms of corrosion.

Wire mesh woven from aluminum will also deliver better heat conductivity than stainless steel. To that end, aluminum features properties that make it a great electrical conductor.

Along with being lightweight, aluminum is widely known for its malleability. This allows aluminum wire mesh to be formed in customized components with ease.

 

What Is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is a steel alloy that meets the required carbon composition threshold while also containing chromium. The chromium within all stainless steel alloy does not generally exist in steel by itself.

Instead, it is incorporated on a molecular level when steel is in a molten state.

With properties experimentally calculated over the course of several decades, stainless steel is one of the most widely used alloys used to weave wire mesh. That said, W.S. Tyler will typically use a 300 series or 400 series stainless steel to weave wire mesh.

 

300 Series Stainless Steel Alloys:

  • 304

  • 309

  • 310

  • 316

  • 317

  • 318

  • 321

  • 330

  • 347

 

400 Series Stainless Steel Alloys:

  • 430

  • 446

 

With a handful of different stainless steel variants to choose from, it should be noted that 304 and 316 are the most widely used.

 

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Woven Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.

What Are the Benefits of Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?

As stated above, all stainless steel contains chromium. Not only does this allow the alloy to be categorized as stainless, but it also makes it highly resistant to corrosion.

This includes corrosion from various alkaline and acidic substances present during industrial applications.

Stainless steel also has the capability to withstand high-heat conditions. It can maintain its performance when subjected to extreme heat as it combats oxidation.

But possibly the most critical property of stainless steel, compared to aluminum, is its durability. Whether subjected to high-impact situations or variations in temperature, the individual wires of stainless steel wire mesh will maintain their integrity for much longer than nickel.

 

What Alloy Should I Use?

The alloy you use to weave your wire mesh is critical to its performance and longevity. This is why it is critical that you choose the right one.

As it is a fairly soft alloy, aluminum is typically reserved for applications that value a corrosion-resistant mesh that is lightweight over strength. But if durability is essential to the success of your operation, stainless steel may be the better choice.

That said, stainless steel's high threshold for heat can make welding difficult if a low-carbon stainless steel is not used.

Weave Your Wire Mesh With the Right Alloy

While stainless steel is the most widely used alloy used to weave wire mesh, it's not always the right choice. Sometimes applications call for specific requirements, and alloys, such as aluminum, must be used to accommodate these requirements.

Now, if your application will subject your wire mesh to high-impact, corrosive conditions, the durability of stainless steel may perform best. But if your application can benefit from a lightweight wire mesh without sacrificing corrosion-resistant capabilities, you can consider using an aluminum alloy.

But, as stated above, the needs of your process dictate what alloy you use to weave your wire mesh. For this reason, you should understand how each alloy available to you fits within your process and industry.

Having helped engineers, system operators, and everyone in between navigate the wire mesh industry for over 140 years, W.S. Tyler strives to ensure your wire mesh solutions produce efficient results you can proudly stand behind.

To learn more about the other alloys you can use to fabricate your wire mesh solutions, read the following article:

Aluminum or Stainless Wire Mesh for Outdoor DIY Projects?

When it comes to outdoor projects, wire mesh is like the Swiss army knife of DIY materials. From rodent control and insect screens to chimney caps and gutter guards, it's ideal for a wide range of do-it-yourself applications. Each metal mesh material comes with its own unique features and uses, which makes it ideal for myriad projects.

DIYers tackling exterior home improvements and those wanting to prep yards and landscaping during the fall and winter months often rely on aluminum and stainless mesh for their projects. However, it’s a common question as to whether or not there's a notable difference between aluminum wire mesh and stainless steel. Both can be used outside, but that doesn't mean they're interchangeable. Here's what you should know.

Are Aluminum Wire Mesh and Stainless Steel Wire Mesh the Same?

The primary differences between aluminum and stainless steel mesh have to do with weight and strength. Aluminum is substantially lighter than stainless steel. Some aluminum wire mesh materials can weigh 65% less than their stainless steel counterparts. Not surprisingly, it's also not as strong.

Aside from its undeniable durability, heavy-duty stainless steel wire mesh is known for being resistant to corrosion, abrasion, rust, UV damage, and discoloration. Though the strength of stainless steel makes it a top choice for many projects, lightweight aluminum is more flexible. This malleability can be highly useful in a number of applications as well.

Stainless Steel Wire Mesh vs. Aluminum Wire Mesh for Outdoor Projects

So, is stainless steel mesh or aluminum mesh better for outdoor use? The answer to this question depends on the project.

Stainless steel wire mesh can be used for:

- Chimney caps
- Foundation vents
- Gutter guards
- Pest control
- Soffit screens
- And more

Aluminum wire mesh can be used for:

- Fan guards
- Insect screens
- Pest control
- And more

As you can see, stainless steel is the more versatile of the two, but aluminum also has its place in DIY outdoor projects. Both stainless steel and aluminum mesh can be used for pest control and insect screens on doors and windows. Though stainless steel is suitable for most pest-control projects, flexible aluminum mesh can be crucial in keeping snakes, birds, and bats out of pipes, tubes, and other small openings.

If you have questions regarding the best mesh material for your next outdoor project, get in touch with our team. Our experts are on hand to help you with materials, weave sizes, measurement and cutting best practices, and more. We’d love to hear from you!

Wire Mesh for DIY Home Projects from TWP Inc.

Wire mesh is a perfect choice for many DIY projects inside and outside the home. TWP Inc. is a leading supplier of stainless steel and aluminum mesh products, as well as brass, bronze, and copper. Our mesh materials come in a variety of weaves, finishes, styles, shapes, and sizes.

Founded in Berkeley, California in 1969, our woman-owned company is proud to serve DIYers, business owners, and a variety of industrial sectors. We provide customers with customized quotes based on their unique project needs as well as offer expert in-house services, such as measuring, disc sizing, laser cutting, and more.

Want to see your outdoor projects featured in TWP Inc.'s online gallery? Upload your pictures to Instagram with the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of aluminum screen mesh. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.