Stainless Steel Mesh

Stainless Steel Mesh
Stainless steel mesh is a wire cloth made from stainless steel wires (stainless steels). Common alloys are V2A (1.4301, X5CrNi18-10) or V4A (1.4401/04 with molybdenum), which offer good corrosion resistance. Stainless steel mesh combines the general advantages of wire cloth with the special durability and strength of stainless steel.
The key properties of stainless steel mesh:
Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel resists rust formation in moist environments and is resistant to many chemicals. Therefore, stainless steel mesh can be used outdoors, in contact with water (filters in wastewater treatment, sieves in food production), or even in moderately aggressive media (e.g., mild acids, alkalis) without material degradation. 

Hygiene: Due to its smooth surface and corrosion resistance, stainless steel mesh is very easy to clean and sterilize. In the food and pharmaceutical industries, filters and sieves are often made from stainless steel to meet high hygiene standards — they can be sterilized, for example, with hot steam without damage. 

Temperature Resistance: Stainless steel mesh remains structurally stable even at high temperatures (depending on the alloy, 600°C and above). This makes it suitable for high-temperature processes, such as furnace belts, hot gas filters, or spark arresters. Unlike plastic mesh, it does not melt or burn and contributes to fire safety. 

Strength: Stainless steel has high tensile strength. A fine stainless steel mesh can withstand considerable mechanical stress despite thin wires. This is especially important in fine filtration applications: stainless steel filter mesh can withstand high differential pressures without tearing, which is limited for brass or bronze meshes. 

In architecture, stainless steel mesh is the most commonly used material for architectural mesh and facades. It withstands weather and UV radiation and maintains its appearance over time. Stainless steel can also be surface treated in various ways — e.g., electropolishing for a mirror effect or glass bead blasting for a matte finish. This allows the appearance to be tailored to the design.
Depending on the alloy, stainless steel mesh is hardly magnetic (austenitic steels are non-magnetic) and electrically conductive, which is used in EMI shielding. However, in contact with less noble metals in moist environments, it can cause galvanic corrosion — constructions therefore ensure stainless steel mesh is only combined or insulated with compatible materials.
Overall, stainless steel mesh is the standard in most areas due to its outstanding durability and low maintenance. Whether as a filter screen in a dishwasher, a demister in a chemical plant, or a shiny metal facade — it combines function and aesthetics and usually justifies the higher material costs compared to simpler steels or plastics.
Furthermore, stainless steel mesh is used in demanding applications, such as EMI shielding for electronics (thanks to conductivity and stability) or as part of composite materials where thin mesh layers are embedded in plastics for reinforcement.