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

Author: Friday

Oct. 28, 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.

Want more information on Industrial Wire Mesh Containers? Feel free to contact us.

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).

1/2" Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh

Description

1/2&#; Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh

The 1/2&#; Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh is a robust and reliable material designed for a multitude of applications requiring durability and strength. This product is crafted from high-quality steel wire, woven into a tight, uniform pattern that ensures both rigidity and consistency in its structure. The mesh features a 1/2 inch (approximately 12.7mm) opening, providing a balanced combination of airflow and particle retention, making it suitable for various filtration, security, and reinforcement needs.

One of the key benefits of this product is its exceptional strength, attributable to the 3mm thick wire used in the weave. This thickness contributes to the mesh&#;s ability to withstand significant stress, impact, and wear, making it an ideal choice for applications such as security fencing, machine guards, concrete reinforcement, and architectural panels. Furthermore, its straightforward design does not sacrifice aesthetic appeal, making it an appropriate choice for projects requiring a balance of functionality and visual attractiveness.

Overall, the 1/2&#; Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh is a straightforward, dependable solution for customers seeking a durable material capable of meeting the demands of various applications. Its combination of strength, versatility, and durability makes it a valuable asset in settings ranging from industrial to residential.

Why Choose The Mesh Company?

Our group have been in the mesh industry for over 150 years. We are one of the UK&#;s most trusted mesh suppliers because:

  • Quality products: We offer high-quality products that are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers. 
  • Wide range of products: We are known for offering a wide range of products, including mesh, fencing, netting, and other related products. 
  • Experienced staff: Our staff are knowledgeable, experienced, and can provide expert advice and assistance to customers. This can be especially helpful for customers who are unsure about which product to choose or who have specific requirements. We also regular write blogs and help guides to help explain what our materials can be used for. 
  • Competitive prices: We are sure that our prices are always the lowest around. This makes us an attractive option for customers who are looking for a cost-effective solution.
  • Customer service: The Mesh Company place a high priority on service and offer excellent support and assistance to our customers. This can help to ensure that you will have a positive experience when working with The Mesh Company.

We also offer a massive range of mild steel perforated metal sheet options from immediate stock. In order to produce mild steel perforated metal sheet, flat sheet metal is punched with round or square holes. Perforated sheets are commonly often used in applications where the passing of air is required. Because the holes are punched, it is possible to have a far stronger finished metal product than it would be for the equivalent thickness in woven or welded mesh.

The Mesh Company has an enormous range of wire mesh products.  We truly are an industry leader among suppliers of weld mesh and woven wire materials. With the capabilities we have in-house, we can provide virtually anything you require. Chicken wire, insect meshing and rodent mesh materials are also available in large stock quantities at bargain prices.

 

FAQs For This Product

What Is The Thickness Of The 1/2&#; Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh?

With a thickness of 3mm, 1/2&#; Super Heavy Duty Woven Black Steel Wire Mesh is a particularly strong and durable option for a variety of applications. This thickness is substantial compared to many other wire mesh options on the market, ensuring enhanced rigidity and strength. Such a robust construction makes it an excellent choice for projects requiring a high degree of durability and stability, particularly in indoor settings where its strength can be leveraged for security barriers, heavy-duty filtration, and support structures without the concern for environmental wear that outdoor elements might impose.

Can The Black Steel Wire Mesh Be Used For Outdoor Projects?

Since the black steel wire mesh is not coated, it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion, particularly if exposed to moisture or humid conditions. Therefore, it is not suitable for outdoor projects where it would be exposed to the elements. The lack of a protective coating means that when placed outdoors, the steel would begin to oxidise, leading to rust. For outdoor applications, materials that are inherently resistant to weathering, such as stainless steel or galvanised steel, would be more appropriate choices as they offer longevity and durability in various environmental conditions.

How Can I Cut The Heavy Duty Steel Wire Mesh For Custom Sizes?

Cutting the heavy-duty steel wire mesh, given its 3mm thickness, requires tools that are capable of handling its dense and robust nature. A guillotine or an angle grinder is recommended for this task. A guillotine can provide precise, straight cuts, making it a good option for projects requiring uniform pieces of mesh. On the other hand, an angle grinder, when equipped with a metal cutting disc, offers versatility for making both straight and intricate cuts. It is essential to exercise caution and wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and ear protection, when cutting the mesh to prevent injury from sharp edges or metal debris. These tools ensure that despite the mesh&#;s substantial thickness, customisation for specific project needs is achievable.

 

 

Check out our blog &#;the versatile nature of mild steel woven wire mesh&#; for more information on this range of products.

Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.  Contact our team today if you have any questions at all. We are always really keen to help in any way that we can. 

We also offer similar products through our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.

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

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