Metal Mesh

Metal Mesh

Metal mesh (also called wire mesh) is a woven structure made of metallic wires with regularly arranged openings. It is produced by weaving longitudinal and transverse wires (warp and weft) at right angles on weaving looms. Metal mesh comes in various metals – most commonly stainless steel, but also steel, copper alloys, aluminum, or specialty alloys. These meshes form the core product portfolio of GKD.

Key Characteristics:

• Regular pore structure: Metal mesh features precisely defined mesh openings ranging from a few microns to several centimeters. This accuracy makes them ideal for filtration and screening applications where targeted particle separation is required.
• Mechanical stability: Compared to textile fabrics, metal wires are more dimensionally stable and resistant. Metal mesh can withstand tensile forces, pressure, and temperature conditions where synthetic fiber meshes would fail.
• Temperature and fire resistance: Metal melts only at very high temperatures (steel ~1500°C). Metal meshes are non-combustible and suitable for high-temperature processes (e.g., ovens, exhaust filters).
• Corrosion behavior depends on material: Stainless steel mesh is corrosion-resistant. Plain steel mesh may rust (but is still used for indoor or disposable sieves). Brass/bronze mesh resists corrosion well in normal atmospheric conditions.

Main Applications:

• Industrial filters: e.g., oil strainers, fuel filters, airbag filters (metal mesh as gas generator filters in cars), polymer filters in plastic extrusion systems.
• Screening technology: e.g., mining (ore sieving), food industry (sifting flour), pharmaceuticals (classifying powders) – metal mesh is used in screening machines across these sectors.
• Architecture & design: Metal mesh is used on facades (see architectural mesh), for interior design elements, sun protection, or as infill for balustrades.
• Conveyor belts: Many process belts (e.g., oven belts, dryer belts) are made from metal mesh, especially spiral mesh and also woven types.
• Electronics & technology: EMI shielding mesh, PCB carriers, electropolished ultrafine mesh for pressure sensors, and more.

In practice, metal mesh is often further processed: e.g., sintered mesh (multi-layer sintered metal mesh to create stable filter plates) or laminated mesh bonded to other materials.

Metal mesh is GKD’s core specialty: As a global market leader, the company offers a wide range – from ultrafine meshes (hundreds of openings per cm²) to coarse ones (millimeter-sized openings). Whether square mesh, rectangular mesh, or specialty weaves – the mesh is selected or developed to match the customer’s needs and application.

Why Metal Mesh?

Because it combines functional properties (precise separation, load-bearing capacity) with durability. Where synthetic filter cloths wear out over time, metal mesh can be regenerated (cleaned) many times and still retain its shape. This often justifies the higher purchase cost in continuous industrial use.

In short:

Metal mesh is a universally applicable technical textile made of metal. It is indispensable in many industrial sectors and has also found a place in architecture. In the glossary, metal mesh serves as the foundation upon which many specialized terms (like filter mesh, architectural mesh, etc.) are built.