304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh, also known as wire mesh 304 stainless steel or SS 304 wire mesh, is one of the most commonly used woven and welded mesh materials in industrial, architectural, and filtration applications. Made from high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel, it provides exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
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304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh Specifications
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Material | AISI 304 Stainless Steel |
| Mesh Size | 2 mesh – 400 mesh |
| Wire Diameter | 0.02 mm – 6 mm |
| Opening Size | 0.03 mm – 10 mm |
| Weave Type | Plain / Twill / Dutch / Welded |
| Roll Width | 0.5 m – 2 m |
| Roll Length | 15 m – 30 m |
| Surface Finish | Bright / Matte / Annealed |
| Standard | ASTM E2016, ISO 9044 |
At Huaxiao Metal, we are one of the leading SS 304 wire mesh manufacturers and suppliers in China, offering a wide range of mesh sizes, wire diameters, and weaving types. Whether you need 304 stainless steel woven wire mesh, 304 welded wire mesh, or 304 stainless steel woven wire 5 mesh, we can customize according to your technical requirements and application needs.
Contact Huaxiao Metal today for the latest SS 304 wire mesh prices, stock availability, and free quotation.
Technical Basis and Characteristics of 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh
What Is 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?
304 stainless steel wire mesh is a metal mesh product fabricated from AISI 304 grade stainless steel wire, containing approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This chemical composition ensures outstanding corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and mechanical strength.
It can be produced in different types:
Woven wire mesh (using interlaced stainless steel wires)
Welded wire mesh (welded at intersections)
Crimped wire mesh, plain weave, and twill weave structures
These different weaving methods and mesh sizes allow 304 wire mesh to perform perfectly in various applications — from sieving and filtration to fencing and architectural decoration.
Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel (UNS Grade S30400)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 – 20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
This combination provides the excellent formability and corrosion resistance that make wire mesh stainless steel 304 a globally preferred material.
The Austenitic Advantage: 304 stainless steel maintains a Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) austenitic crystal structure at room temperature. This structure is non-magnetic in the annealed condition (though it may become slightly magnetic after cold working, such as wire drawing) and imparts superior ductility and toughness. This inherent flexibility is critical, allowing the ss 304 wire mesh to be drawn into extremely fine diameters and woven or welded without fracturing, guaranteeing the integrity of the final mesh product.
The Passivation Layer and Corrosion Resistance Mechanism
The term “stainless” is a testament to the metal’s unique ability to self-protect through the formation of a passivation layer.
Self-Healing Mechanism: The high chromium content reacts with oxygen to form an ultra-thin, tenacious, and non-porous layer of chromium oxide (Cr2O3). If this layer is mechanically damaged, it instantly reforms in an oxygenated environment, safeguarding the underlying ferrous matrix from further corrosion.
Optimal Performance: 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh exhibits excellent resistance to a broad range of corrosive media, particularly most oxidizing acids (like nitric acid) and general atmospheric exposures. This makes it an ideal, long-lasting choice for applications in the food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and general chemical industries.
The 304 vs. 316L Grade Comparison: Balancing Cost and Performance
Choosing between 304 and its close cousin, 316L, is a critical purchasing decision that balances performance requirements with cost-efficiency. (Long-Tail Keyword: 304 vs 316 wire mesh)
Grade 304 (UNS S30400): The champion of cost-effectiveness. Suitable for general atmospheric conditions, freshwater applications, and environments where high chloride concentrations or severe acid exposure are absent. It offers superior value for most common industrial and architectural needs.
Grade 316L (UNS S31603): This low-carbon variant contains 2-3% Molybdenum (Mo). Molybdenum significantly boosts the material’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chloride ions. This grade is mandatory for severe corrosive environments, such as marine applications, offshore rigs, coastal architecture, and heavy chemical processing.
Huaxiao Metal Recommendation: For applications where the environment is not high in chlorides or aggressively acidic, specifying 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh provides the most reliable and budget-friendly solution without compromising quality or durability.
Key Physical and Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh
The quality and longevity of our wire mesh depend not only on its chemical makeup but also on its engineered mechanical performance.
| Property | Typical Value (ASTM/EN Standards) | Impact on Wire Mesh Application |
| Tensile Strength | 515-860 MPa(≈75- 125 ksi) | Measures the mesh’s ultimate load-bearing capacity, crucial for high-pressure filtration and structural integrity under stress. |
| Yield Strength | Min.205 MPa (≈ 30 ksi) | The stress at which the material begins to deform permanently, ensuring the mesh surface remains flat and taut during operation. |
| Elongation at Break | ≥40% | High ductility allows the wire to be severely cold-worked during the drawing and weaving processes without brittle failure. |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³) | Used for accurate weight calculation and precise material estimation during quotation processes. |
| Magnetism | Non-Magnetic (Annealed State) | While fully annealed 304 is non-magnetic, the intense cold working required for drawing thin wire mesh 304 stainless steel can induce slight martensite formation, resulting in weak magnetism. |
| Heat Resistance | Oxidation resistance up to925°C(≈ 1697°F) | Suitable for high-temperature industrial processes, exhaust components, and heat exchangers. |
| Thermal Treatment | Solution treatment (annealing): 1010-1120°C followed by rapid cooling. | Used to relieve internal stresses induced during cold working and restore maximum corrosion resistance. |
This robust combination of properties ensures that the ss 304 wire mesh supplied by Huaxiao Metal is not only corrosion-resistant but also structurally resilient and highly workable for various end-use customizations.
Product Classification and Advanced Manufacturing Processes: From Wire to Precision Mesh
Huaxiao Metal specializes in two principal product lines: 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire Mesh and 304 Welded Wire Mesh. These distinct categories are engineered to meet different requirements for filtration precision, mechanical strength, and structural application.
Core Classification Comparison: Woven vs. Welded
304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire Mesh – Precision and Flexibility
Manufacturing Principle: Produced on high-precision weaving looms, where warp (lengthwise) wires and weft (crosswise) wires are interlaced at right angles, much like textile fabric. The wires are held securely by mechanical crimping and interlocking, not by welding.
Application Focus: High-precision filtration, sizing, screening, separation, and decorative architectural applications.
Key Advantages: Offers extremely high pore size accuracy and uniformity. Can be woven into ultra-fine meshes (up to 635 Mesh) with micron-level apertures. Provides excellent flexibility and adaptability for forming complex filter elements.
304 Welded Wire Mesh – Strength and Structure
Manufacturing Principle: Warp and weft wires are positioned perpendicularly and joined at every intersection through a robust, high-current resistance welding process.
Application Focus: Structural support, protective barriers, security fencing, animal cages, concrete reinforcement, and heavy-duty guarding.
Key Advantages: Provides superior rigidity and structural stability. The secure weld points prevent the mesh from unraveling or shifting, even if sections are cut. Offers high load-bearing capacity and impact resistance.
| Feature | 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire Mesh | 304 Welded Wire Mesh |
| Structure | Interlaced (Over-and-under), mechanically locked. | Wires are welded at every intersection point. |
| Aperture Range | Extremely wide (Micron-level to cm), high precision. | Generally larger (1/4” to 6”), with structural precision. |
| Precision | Very High (Essential for filtration/sizing). | Moderate (Suitable for support/structure). |
| Stability | More flexible; can unravel if cut on a bias (unless crimped). | High rigidity; structurally sound and stays intact when cut. |
| Typical Use | Filtration, sieving, powder handling, food processing. | Fences, cages, machine guards, and construction reinforcement. |
Decoding Weave Patterns (Woven Wire Mesh Patterns)
The weaving pattern is a critical determinant of the filtering efficiency and mechanical characteristics of 304 wire mesh. Huaxiao Metal offers specialized weaving patterns to optimize performance for specific applications.
| Weaving Pattern | Description | Performance Characteristics | Typical Applications |
| Plain Weave | The simplest and most common warp and weft wires pass alternately over and under each other. | Square apertures, high open area, strong stability, and excellent flow rate. | General screening, protective guards, coarse filtration. |
| Twill Weave | Warp and weft wires pass over and under two adjacent wires. | Allows for thicker wire diameters and finer mesh counts than plain weave, providing greater strength and a smaller nominal pore size. | High-pressure filtration, heavy-duty screening, and impact resistance. |
| Plain Dutch Weave | Warp wires are typically thicker than weft wires; weft wires are driven tightly together, creating zero-clearance, non-square apertures. | Used for ultrafine filtration. Creates wedge-shaped flow channels, offering high strength and superior filter cake retention. | Liquid/gas purification, fine chemical filtration. |
| Twill Dutch Weave | Combines the features of twill weave with the dense packing of Dutch weave. | Achieves the highest strength and lowest absolute filtration rating. | Aerospace, polymer filtration, and high-viscosity fluid purification. |
Detailed Specification Parameters and Standardization
Huaxiao Metal adheres strictly to international standards, including ASTM E2016, ISO 9004, and DIN 4189, ensuring that our wire mesh sus 304 products meet global quality benchmarks.
Mesh Count and Aperture:
Mesh Count: The number of openings (holes) per linear inch.
Aperture: The clear opening size between adjacent wires.
Crucial Relationship: A higher mesh count implies a finer wire mesh and smaller aperture. For instance, 304 stainless steel woven wire 5 mesh has a very large aperture for coarse screening, whereas a 400-mesh offers precision micro-filtration.
Wire Diameter:
Thicker wire diameters increase the strength and abrasion resistance of the mesh but decrease the Open Area.
Finer wire diameters increase the Open Area and flow rate but reduce overall mechanical strength.
Open Area (OA):
This is a critical parameter influencing flow rate, pressure drop, and filtration efficiency. High open area translates to less resistance and higher throughput.
Calculation (for square mesh):
ApertureOA(%)=[Aperture/(Aperture + Wire Diameter)]^2 x 100
Tolerance Control: Huaxiao Metal implements stringent control over wire diameter and aperture tolerances. For fine filter media like Dutch weaves, controlling these variables with precision is essential to guaranteeing consistent and reliable filtration performance. The quality of our ss 304 wire mesh starts with flawless dimensional accuracy.
Huaxiao Metal's Advanced Manufacturing Process and Quality Control
As a professional manufacturer of SS 304 wire mesh, we understand that advanced manufacturing technology is the cornerstone of providing superior products.
304 Wire Drawing and Annealing Process
The quality of the wire directly determines the performance of the final wire mesh.
Precision Drawing: 304 stainless steel wire is gradually reduced in diameter through a series of diamond or tungsten carbide dies to the desired diameter. This process introduces stress (work hardening) and increases wire strength.
Bright Annealing: After drawing, the wire undergoes a high-temperature annealing treatment in a protective atmosphere (such as hydrogen).
Purpose: To eliminate internal stresses caused by work hardening, restore the austenitic structure of 304 steel, and maximize its corrosion resistance and ductility, ensuring that the wire can run smoothly on the loom without breaking.
High-Precision Weaving and Welding Technology
Automated Control During the Weaving Process
Huaxiao Metal uses heavy-duty weaving machines imported from Europe.
Constant Tension Control: The machine monitors the tension of the warp and weft threads throughout the entire process to prevent mesh drift and mesh deformation.
Online Inspection: Equipped with optical sensors, it monitors the mesh uniformity and flatness in real time.
Welding Reliability of 304 Welded Wire Mesh
Resistance Welding Technology: Uses high current to melt and connect cross-sections in an extremely short time.
Weld Strength Standards: Ensures that each weld can withstand the specified pull-out force. Our 304 welded wire mesh weld strength is rigorously tested to ensure long-term structural stability and resist cracking during transportation or installation.
Strict Quality Management System
Huaxiao Metal adheres to the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
Raw Material Traceability: Each batch of 304 stainless steel wire mesh comes with the original batch number and Material Certificate (MTC) to ensure 18/8 standards.
Triple Inspection Process:
Incoming Inspection: Wire material is inspected for chemical composition and wire diameter tolerance.
In-Process Inspection: During the weaving/welding process, mesh count, aperture, and surface flatness are regularly inspected.
Outgoing Inspection: Finished mesh rolls/sheets undergo final inspection for packaging, dimensions, appearance, and performance.
Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh
Industrial Filtration
Used in oil, chemical, and water treatment industries to filter liquids and gases.
The fine 304 stainless steel woven wire mesh ensures high filtration precision and resistance to corrosion.
Food Processing
In the food industry, SS 304 wire mesh is used for sieving, drying, and conveying due to its hygienic surface and non-reactive nature.
Construction and Architecture
304 welded wire mesh is often used as reinforcement in concrete, plastering, or as safety fencing and architectural screens.
Mining and Quarrying
The 304 stainless steel woven wire 5 mesh is suitable for screening and grading large materials.
Household and Commercial Uses
Used in insect screens, window guards, ventilation panels, and storage racks.
Huaxiao Metal's Global Service and Sourcing Optimization Guide
We are not only suppliers of SS 304 wire mesh, but also a strategic partner in your supply chain.
Huaxiao Metal’s Six Commitments and Competitive Advantages
Global Certifications and Standards: Our products comply with multiple international standards, including ASTM, JIS (wire mesh SS 304), DIN, and ISO, ensuring smooth international trade.
Large-Scale Stock: We maintain a robust inventory, especially for commonly used SS 304 wire mesh specifications, ensuring rapid delivery within 7-10 business days.
Customized Processing Capabilities: We offer one-stop services, including laser cutting, plasma cutting, edge processing, stamping (for filter discs, filter cartridges, and filter baskets), and multi-layer sintered mesh.
Worry-Free Export Logistics: With extensive international trade experience, we provide professional export packaging (wooden boxes, pallets, and moisture-proof films) and global door-to-door shipping services.
The most competitive SS 304 wire mesh prices: Leveraging China’s manufacturing advantages and large-scale production, we offer factory-direct prices significantly lower than comparable products in Europe and the United States.
Professional technical support: Our team of engineers can provide precise wire mesh selection recommendations based on your fluid characteristics, pressure differential, particle size distribution, and other data.
Core Factors Affecting SS 304 Wire Mesh Price and Cost Optimization
Understanding pricing mechanisms is the first step to efficient procurement.
Raw Material Market Fluctuations: The market prices of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) are the primary factors determining wire mesh costs. We recommend purchasing in bulk during periods of low prices.
Manufacturing Complexity:
Mesh: Ultra-fine mesh sizes are more difficult to weave and have higher scrap rates, resulting in higher prices.
Wire Diameter: Extremely fine wire diameters (e.g., 0.025 mm) require specialized drawing and weaving techniques, resulting in higher costs.
Processing Size and Quantity: Custom mesh rolls with special widths or lengths are priced higher; bulk orders of standard specifications offer greater discounts.
Packaging Requirements: Requirements such as special wooden crates and additional anti-rust treatments are factored into the final SS 304 wire mesh price.
Huaxiao Metal’s Pricing Advantage: By optimizing our production processes and eliminating intermediaries, we supply directly to our global customers, ensuring you receive the most transparent and competitive wire mesh 304 stainless steel pricing on the market.
Wire Mesh Deep Processing Applications and Customization Services
Customization is often the key to meeting complex industrial demands and achieving optimal performance in specialized applications. Beyond standard rolls and sheets, Huaxiao Metal provides comprehensive deep processing services for our 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh to transform raw materials into ready-to-use, high-precision components.
| Deep Processing Service | Description | Application Examples |
| Laser Cutting / Precision Shearing | Utilizing high-accuracy lasers or CNC equipment to cut mesh sheets into specific shapes (circles, rings, irregular profiles) with smooth, burr-free edges and tight dimensional tolerances. | Manufacturing precise filter discs, gaskets, custom separators, and electronic component supports. |
| Stamping and Forming (Deep Drawing) | Employing hydraulic presses and tooling to stamp or form the mesh into three-dimensional shapes such as cups, hats, cones, or baskets. | Production of filtration end caps, oil/gas separator filters, and strainers for high-pressure systems. |
| Seaming / Edging / Bordering | Attaching a rigid border (often stainless steel, aluminum, or rubber) around the mesh edge to enhance durability, prevent fraying, and facilitate secure mounting. | Reinforcement of vibrating screen panels, filter frames, and safety guards. |
| Multi-Layer Sintered Mesh (Sintering) | A highly specialized process where multiple layers of different mesh counts (e.g., 304 wire mesh or 316L) are fused together under high temperature and pressure. The wires are molecularly bonded, creating a fixed, high-strength matrix. | Used for self-cleaning filters, backwashable filter elements, fluidization plates, and applications requiring extremely high mechanical strength and precise pore distribution. |
| Roll Forming and Tube Welding | Rolling mesh into tubular shapes and welding the seam to create high-strength filter cartridges and cylindrical screens. | Manufacturing filter elements for hydraulic systems, catalyst baskets, and continuous fluid processors. |
Our advanced deep processing capabilities ensure that every unit of ss 304 wire mesh we supply is perfectly tailored to integrate seamlessly into your machinery and systems. By utilizing our comprehensive services, clients can streamline their supply chain and ensure component quality from a single, trusted manufacturers source.
FAQ
Can 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh be used in seawater environments?
304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh is not recommended for continuous exposure to seawater or high chloride environments. While it offers good corrosion resistance, it is susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion in these environments. Pitting corrosion is caused by chloride ions breaking down the passive film. For these demanding conditions, we strongly recommend selecting 316L grade wire mesh with a higher molybdenum content, or a higher grade superaustenitic stainless steel. Huaxiao Metal recommends consulting our technical team based on the chloride ion concentration of your application.
Why is the SS 304 wire mesh price offered by Huaxiao Metal so competitive?
As a professional SS 304 wire mesh manufacturer, we have large-scale, fully automated production lines and optimized supply chain management.
Direct Sourcing: We have established long-term partnerships with renowned domestic steel mills, directly sourcing high-quality 304 raw materials, significantly reducing intermediary costs.
Efficient Manufacturing: Automated equipment improves production efficiency, reduces energy consumption and labor costs.
Inventory Advantage: Our ample inventory allows us to quickly respond to market demand and reduce warehousing costs.
These factors combine to enable us to offer highly transparent and competitive SS 304 wire mesh prices while ensuring product quality. We encourage you to contact us for the latest bulk quotes.
What is 304 SUS wire mesh?
304 SUS wire mesh refers to wire mesh made from SUS 304 stainless steel. SUS is the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) designation for stainless steel. SUS 304 is chemically equivalent to the internationally accepted ASTM 304 grade, containing 18% Cr and 8% Ni. In international trade, both SUS 304 and ASTM 304 represent the high-quality 304 stainless steel wire mesh products we promote. Customers can use these terms interchangeably when inquiring for pricing.
Besides standard coils, what other further processing services does Huaxiao Metal offer for ss 304 wire mesh?
Huaxiao Metal offers a full range of further processing services to meet our customers’ end-use application needs. In addition to standard mesh sizes and rolls, we also provide:
High-precision cutting (laser, water jet): for producing filter discs and gaskets.
Bending and stamping: for manufacturing filter baskets, filter cartridges, and conical filters.
Welding and assembly: for manufacturing multi-layer filter elements and tubular filters.
Edge treatment: Hemming and edging for enhanced durability and safety.
What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel wire mesh?
304 is suitable for general corrosion environments, while 316 includes molybdenum for enhanced resistance to chloride and saltwater corrosion.
Can 304 stainless steel wire mesh rust?
Under normal conditions, 304 does not rust easily. However, in highly acidic or chloride environments, slight surface oxidation may occur.
What are the available mesh sizes for 304 stainless steel woven wire mesh?
We supply from 2 mesh to 400 mesh, suitable for coarse to ultra-fine filtration.
304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh, with its superior corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and affordability, has become an irreplaceable choice for industrial, filtration, and architectural applications worldwide. Whether you require 304 stainless steel woven wire mesh for high-precision filtration or 304 welded wire mesh for structural support, choosing the right 304 stainless steel wire mesh supplier is crucial to your project’s success.
As your strategic partner, Huaxiao Metal is committed to providing the highest quality 304 stainless steel wire mesh products, along with professional customization services and competitive pricing. With ample stock, advanced manufacturing processes, and strong global supply capabilities, we ensure your project is completed on time and on budget. Our dedicated team is ready to provide technical consultation and selection support.
Contact Huaxiao Metal today!
Don’t hesitate to contact our international sales team today to receive free samples and a personalized quote for your customized 304 stainless steel wire mesh. Let our expertise and quality products be the foundation of your next successful project. We look forward to establishing a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership with you.