4 Types of Stainless Steel Mesh

How stainless steel mesh is made:

Stainless steel is chosen for the production of a variety of products, because it is self-healing, resistant to chemicals and rust, and extremely durable. Retail and online customers purchase utensils, counter tops, appliances and other products made of stainless steel that require an attractive appearance and durability. Manufacturing and distribution use stainless steel for machines, storage tanks, and places that require cleanliness. Since its fabrication, it has been the go to metal in solving protective and strength issues.
A feature of stainless steel, that most of us do not know, is its ductility meaning that it can be reshaped and changed but still maintain its original strength and endurance, another reason it is so attractive to industries. Stainless steel is an iron alloy formed from the combining of several other natural minerals such as chromium, silicon, nickel, and others. The mixture of the metals is the reason for stainless steel’s strength and endurance as well as its resistant to rust and corrosion.
Mesh is the intertwining of wires or threads of metal to make what could be called a metal cloth. It can be made from plastic, copper, nickel, or any other metal that can be reshaped and drawn into threads. The durability of the mesh depends on the material from which it is woven.
Copper mesh is used as a decoration, Faraday cage, fireplace screen, or a sieve. Pure copper is not susceptible to rust or wear. Woven into a mesh, it will retain its shape and strength forever. Homeowners can use it for rodent control placing it over holes or cracks where the animals could get in.
It would not be possible to describe all of the uses of plastic mesh. They are limitless and include agriculture, lawn maintenance and protection, and on. Its many sizes and shapes make it applicable to a variety of conditions.
The manufacture of stainless steel mesh can be done in two ways – woven or welded. Since it has ductility, the first step is to make it into a wire that can be repurposed to mesh. The process used to make the wire begins with raw steel wire that is transformed into stainless steel wire.
Welding method – This may be interpreted as being done by hand. Though that could be a possible method, it would take a man several hours and possibly days to weld every connection of stainless steel mesh. The process is sped up by placing the mesh in a preprogrammed machine that welds every horizontal and vertical intersection of the wire fibers. The time involved depends on the size of the fabric.
Woven or weaving method – The welding process forms a permanent connection between each of the wires making the final product very stiff and inflexible. As the name woven implies, stainless steel wires are woven together on a machine that intertwines them without the necessity of forming a permanent link between them. The resulting mesh is flexible and pliable making it ideal as a protective cover.

Uses of stainless steel mesh:

Fencing – Stainless steel fencing has all of the features of stainless steel with its most attractive quality being long lasting. Other fencing products require maintenance and replacement. Depending on the type of stainless steel used, it can last forever enduring all kinds of misuse and harm. There are a variety of gauges of stainless steel fencing ranging from 14 to 23 with openings of different sizes depending on how the type of fence. The initial high cost may be a bit shocking but can be amortized over several years. Less expensive fencing is available but will last a very short time and not be has durable.
Baskets – It is possible to get a stainless steel basket for industrial use in a variety of sizes, kinds, gauges, meshes, and applications. They are excellent for deep fryers since the boiling oil will not damage them. Fishermen can use them to store lures, reels, and bait. Factories transport greasy oily parts in them. Whatever can be conceived, a stainless steel basket will fit the situation. Though stainless steel baskets are very attractive, they are very expensive with prices over a $1000 depending on the size and kind of basket. As with all stainless steel, longevity is the key selling point since there are so few things that can harm anything made of it.
Watch bands – A new product that has become very popular is wrist band computers that can function as a computer, phone, and do text messaging. One of the manufacturers has developed a stainless steel band to differentiate their products from the competition. They use the typical selling points for stainless steel with an emphasis on how it adds to the appearance of the device. The watch bands come in a variety of colors to match the computer watch. A very interesting use for a durable metal.
Construction mesh – The benefit of using stainless steel mesh in construction is the avoidance of shrinkage from temperature changes. In the construction of roads, the mesh is placed into concrete slabs as a reinforcement providing stability and strength prior to the slabs being placed. Mesh purposed this way comes in several styles and sizes to fit any type of project such as reinforcing airport runways.
Gloves – Stainless steel mesh gloves is the most logical and practical way to take advantage of the metals strength and resistance. In sheet metal production, stainless steel mesh gloves are a necessity to avoid being cut by the edges of the metal. Industries where chemicals have to be handled have them for the protection and safety of the workers. In food preparation, they serve as a protection from knives and a sanitary method of handling ingredients.

The final word

There are so many uses for stainless steel since its invention over a hundred years ago. It has become a practical solution to issues involving the need for a metal that is to strong, durable, and lasting. It is fascinating to read how designers, contractors, engineers, and architects have taken this multiuse material and incorporated it into so many projects.