When you are ready to order stainless steel mesh for an industrial filtration project, a vague request like “100 mesh, 304 grade” is not enough. Two rolls with the same mesh count can perform completely differently if wire diameter, open area, or weave type varies. A precise specification sheet protects you from mismatched deliveries, excessive pressure drop, and premature corrosion.
At ANPING MAOYE, we manufacture custom stainless steel mesh in 304 and 316L grades from 20 mesh to 635 mesh in our Anping facility. Whether you need standard rolls, cut-to-size sheets, or formed filter discs and cylinders, every order starts with a clear technical specification. This guide explains the seven parameters every buyer should define before requesting a quotation, and how to submit a custom-size order that matches your equipment exactly.
The 7 Core Parameters of a Stainless Steel Mesh Specification
A complete stainless steel mesh specification contains seven parameters. If you provide all seven to a manufacturer, you will receive an accurate quote and a product that fits your system on the first delivery.
1. Material Grade
The grade determines corrosion resistance, temperature limit, and price. For industrial filtration, the two standard grades are:
| Grade | Chromium | Nickel | Molybdenum | Max Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18% | 8% | 0% | 800 °C (1,472 °F) | General industrial, indoor, water treatment |
| 316L | 16% | 10% | 2–3% | 870 °C (1,598 °F) | Marine, chemical, pharmaceutical, high-humidity |
For most applications, 304 is sufficient and more cost-effective. If your process involves chlorides, seawater, or aggressive chemicals, 316L is the safer choice. For a detailed comparison, see our 304 vs 316 stainless steel mesh guide.
2. Mesh Count (Per Inch)
Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch, counted along both warp and weft. It is the most common starting point for specifying filtration mesh, but it is not the only one.
| Mesh Count | Typical Filtration Application | Particle Size Retention |
|---|---|---|
| 20–40 | Coarse pre-filtration, debris screens | 380–850 μm |
| 60–100 | Standard industrial liquid filtration | 150–250 μm |
| 150–200 | Fine chemical, oil, and fuel filtration | 74–100 μm |
| 250–325 | High-precision pharmaceutical, air, and gas | 44–60 μm |
| 400–635 | Ultra-fine filtration, laboratory, 3D printing | 20–37 μm |
Important: Mesh count alone does not tell you the exact micron rating. That depends on wire diameter and open area. Always specify wire diameter alongside mesh count.
3. Wire Diameter
Wire diameter is the thickness of the individual wire before weaving. It controls strength, open area, and the actual micron rating of the mesh. Two 100-mesh screens can have very different filtration performance if wire diameters differ.
| Mesh Count | Common Wire Diameter (mm) | Open Area (approx.) | Micron Rating (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mesh | 0.25 mm | 55% | 380 μm |
| 80 mesh | 0.14 mm | 47% | 180 μm |
| 100 mesh | 0.10 mm | 44% | 150 μm |
| 150 mesh | 0.07 mm | 37% | 100 μm |
| 200 mesh | 0.05 mm | 33% | 74 μm |
| 325 mesh | 0.035 mm | 30% | 44 μm |
| 500 mesh | 0.025 mm | 28% | 25 μm |
If you need a specific open area or a precise micron cut-off, specify the wire diameter. Otherwise, the manufacturer will use their standard wire, which may not match your pressure-drop or flow-rate requirements.
4. Opening Size (Aperture)
Opening size is the clear space between adjacent wires, measured in millimeters or microns. It is the single most reliable indicator of what particle size the mesh will retain.
Formula: Opening = (25.4 mm / mesh count) − wire diameter
For example, a 100-mesh screen with 0.10 mm wire has an opening of:
(25.4 / 100) − 0.10 = 0.154 mm = 154 μm
If your filtration system is designed to stop particles larger than 100 μm, a 100-mesh screen with 0.10 mm wire may be too coarse. You would need a finer mesh count or a thinner wire diameter. Always cross-check opening size with your process engineer before ordering.
5. Micron Rating
Micron rating is the particle size the mesh is expected to retain under normal operating conditions. It is closely related to opening size, but not identical, because particle shape, mesh weave, and operating pressure all affect real-world retention.
For standard plain-weave stainless steel mesh, the micron rating is approximately equal to the opening size. For Dutch weave or twill weave, the effective micron rating can be significantly smaller than the simple opening calculation suggests because of the angled wire overlap.
| Weave Type | Effective Micron Rating vs. Opening Size |
|---|---|
| Plain weave | ≈ opening size |
| Twill weave | ≈ 0.8 × opening size |
| Dutch weave | ≈ 0.3–0.5 × opening size |
If you need a guaranteed absolute micron rating, ask for a Dutch weave or sintered multi-layer mesh specification.
6. Weave Pattern
The weave pattern determines how the wires cross, which affects strength, open area, and filtration precision.
| Weave Pattern | Description | Best For | Pressure Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain weave | One wire over, one under | Standard filtration, general purpose | Low–medium |
| Twill weave | Two wires over, two under | Higher strength, lower mesh counts | Medium–high |
| Dutch weave | Warp and weft wires of different diameters | High-pressure, high-viscosity fluids | High |
| Sintered multi-layer | Multiple layers bonded under heat and pressure | Graded filtration, reduced pressure drop | Very high |
For a full comparison of weave types, see our plain weave vs twill weave vs Dutch weave guide.
Complete Specification Template: Copy-Paste Ready for Suppliers
When requesting a quotation, sending an incomplete specification wastes time and leads to mismatched quotes. Use the template below. Copy it, fill in your values, and send it to any supplier for an apples-to-apples comparison.
STAINLESS STEEL MESH PURCHASE SPECIFICATION
1. MATERIAL GRADE
[ ] 304 [ ] 316 [ ] 316L [ ] 904L [ ] Other: _______
2. MESH COUNT
_______ mesh (or micron rating: _______ μm)
3. WIRE DIAMETER
_______ mm (or "manufacturer standard")
4. WEAVE PATTERN
[ ] Plain [ ] Twill [ ] Dutch [ ] Sintered multi-layer
If multi-layer: _______ layers, configuration: ________________
5. ROLL / PANEL FORMAT
[ ] Roll: width _______ m × length _______ m
[ ] Panel: _______ mm × _______ mm
[ ] Disc: diameter _______ mm, quantity _______ pcs
[ ] Cylinder: Ø _______ mm × length _______ mm, quantity _______ pcs
[ ] Other: ________________________________________________
6. EDGE TREATMENT
[ ] Raw cut [ ] Spot-welded frame [ ] Hemmed edge
[ ] Rim with flange holes (specify: ______________________)
7. SURFACE FINISH
[ ] Standard [ ] Electropolished [ ] Annealed [ ] Passivated
8. QUANTITY
_______ kg or _______ sqm or _______ pcs
9. DESTINATION / INCOTERMS
[ ] EXW Anping [ ] FOB Tianjin [ ] CIF _______ port
[ ] DDP _______ address
10. DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
[ ] MTC per batch [ ] ISO 9001 certificate [ ] SGS inspection
[ ] Fumigation certificate (ISPM-15) [ ] Certificate of Origin
11. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
_____________________________________________________________
Why this matters: When we receive a specification template like this, we can quote within 24 hours with no back-and-forth. Vague requests like “100 mesh stainless steel” require 3–5 rounds of clarification and delay your project by 1–2 weeks.
Pro tip: Send this template to 3–5 suppliers simultaneously. The quotes you receive will be directly comparable, and you will quickly see which suppliers understand your requirements and which are just guessing.
7. Open Area (%)
Open area is the percentage of the total surface that is open space. It controls flow rate, pressure drop, and clogging frequency. A mesh with 50% open area passes roughly twice the flow of a mesh with 25% open area at the same pressure.
| Mesh Count (Plain Weave) | Wire Diameter (mm) | Open Area (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mesh | 0.50 | 62% |
| 60 mesh | 0.19 | 51% |
| 100 mesh | 0.10 | 44% |
| 200 mesh | 0.05 | 33% |
| 400 mesh | 0.03 | 25% |
If your system is pump-limited or you need to minimize back-flushing frequency, choose a coarser mesh or a larger wire diameter to maximize open area. If filtration precision is the priority, accept a lower open area and size your pump accordingly.
Custom Size and Shape Options
Beyond the seven core parameters, most industrial buyers need the mesh delivered in a specific form. Standard rolls are not always the right format for automated cutting machines, filter housings, or cartridge assemblies.
Standard Roll Sizes
| Parameter | Standard Range | Custom Range |
|---|---|---|
| Roll width | 1.0 m, 1.2 m, 1.5 m | 0.1 m – 3.0 m |
| Roll length | 30 m, 50 m | 10 m – 100 m |
| Roll weight | 15–30 kg per roll | Adjusted to handling limits |
Custom roll widths are common for buyers who run continuous slitting or pleating lines. We can cut to any width between 100 mm and 3,000 mm with a tolerance of ±1 mm.
Cut-to-Size Sheets and Panels
For fabricators and OEM customers, we supply mesh cut to exact sheet dimensions:
- Square or rectangular sheets: 100 × 100 mm up to 1,500 × 3,000 mm
- Tolerance: ±0.5 mm on linear dimensions for laser-cut or die-cut edges
- Edge finish: Raw cut, deburred, or spot-welded frame
Filter Discs
Discs are the most common custom shape for inline and basket filters.
| Disc Diameter | Common Thickness | Edge Treatment | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–100 mm | Single layer | Spot-welded rim | 100 pieces |
| 100–300 mm | Single or multi-layer | Welded rim or flange | 50 pieces |
| 300–500 mm | Multi-layer sintered | Welded rim + support mesh | 10 pieces |
Filter Cylinders and Cartridges
Cylindrical mesh is used in hydraulic, fuel, and water filter housings. Specifications include:
- Diameter: 20 mm to 500 mm
- Length: 50 mm to 1,000 mm
- End fittings: Plain, welded rim, threaded adapter, or flange
- Seam type: Longitudinal seam weld or seamless spiral winding
For detailed specifications on filter cylinders and cartridges, see our stainless steel filter cylinders and cartridges guide.
How to Submit a Custom Specification for Quotation
If you have a clear specification, the quotation process is straightforward. Send the following information to your manufacturer:
- Material grade (304 / 316L / other)
- Mesh count and wire diameter (or micron rating target)
- Weave type (plain / twill / Dutch / sintered multi-layer)
- Dimensions and form (roll width × length, sheet size, disc diameter, cylinder dimensions)
- Quantity (total area in m², or piece count)
- Edge treatment or finishing (raw, deburred, welded frame, rimmed, electropolished)
- Application or operating conditions (fluid type, temperature, pressure, pH range)
- Target delivery date and shipping method (FOB, CIF, DAP, express courier)
The more detail you provide, the faster and more accurate the quotation. A vague request like “200 mesh, 316L, 10 m²” will trigger a series of follow-up questions. A complete specification gets a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Specification Quick Reference for Common Industrial Applications
| Application | Recommended Grade | Mesh Range | Weave Type | Common Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water treatment (general) | 304 | 40–100 | Plain weave | Rolls, discs |
| Water treatment (high purity) | 316L | 100–200 | Plain or twill | Rolls, cylinders |
| Hydraulic oil filtration | 316L | 80–200 | Plain or Dutch | Cylinders, cartridges |
| Food & beverage (FDA) | 316L | 100–400 | Plain weave | Rolls, discs, sheets |
| Pharmaceutical | 316L | 200–400 | Plain or twill | Discs, multi-layer cylinders |
| Chemical processing | 316L / 904L | 60–325 | Plain or Dutch | Rolls, discs, cylinders |
| Oil & gas (downstream) | 316L | 40–150 | Plain or Dutch | Cylinders, sintered panels |
| Air filtration | 304 | 40–200 | Plain weave | Sheets, panels |
| Battery filtration (lithium) | 316L | 200–400 | Plain or Dutch | Discs, sintered multi-layer |
For industry-specific compliance requirements, such as FDA food-grade standards or pharmaceutical-grade surface finishes, see our stainless steel mesh for food and beverage guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important specification when ordering stainless steel mesh?
The most critical parameter is the opening size (or micron rating), because it directly determines whether the mesh will stop the particles you need to filter. Mesh count alone is not enough — two 100-mesh screens can have different opening sizes if wire diameters differ. Always specify wire diameter alongside mesh count, or request the opening size in microns.
Can I order custom sizes that are not listed in standard catalogs?
Yes. We produce custom roll widths from 100 mm to 3,000 mm, cut-to-size sheets, and formed filter discs and cylinders in any diameter within physical limits. Custom shapes are priced based on cutting complexity and tooling. Send a drawing or sample, and we will review manufacturability and provide a quotation within 24 hours.
What is the difference between mesh count and micron rating?
Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch. It describes how many wires are present, but not the actual particle size the mesh will stop. Micron rating is the approximate particle size (in micrometers) the mesh retains under normal flow. The micron rating depends on mesh count, wire diameter, and weave type. For a detailed conversion, see our mesh count to micron conversion chart.
How do I calculate the open area of a mesh specification?
Open area can be calculated from mesh count and wire diameter:
Open area (%) = [ (25.4 / mesh count) − wire diameter ]² / (25.4 / mesh count)² × 100
If you do not have the wire diameter, ask your manufacturer for the specification sheet. Every batch we produce includes a verified open area calculation based on actual wire diameter measurement.
What roll widths and lengths are available for custom orders?
Standard roll widths are 1.0 m, 1.2 m, and 1.5 m. Custom widths are available from 100 mm to 3,000 mm with a tolerance of ±1 mm. Standard roll lengths are 30 m and 50 m. Custom lengths from 10 m to 100 m are available on request. Minimum order quantities apply for custom sizes — typically 500 m² per custom specification for woven mesh.
Do you provide material test certificates with specification data?
Yes. Every batch of 304 or 316L mesh ships with a Material Test Certificate (MTC) showing chemical composition (Cr, Ni, Mo, C, Mn, Fe, etc.) and mechanical properties. We also include in-house dimensional inspection reports covering mesh count, wire diameter, opening size, and open area. Third-party testing (SGS, BV, TÜV) can be arranged at cost for bulk orders over 1,000 kg.
How long does it take to produce custom-sized mesh?
- Standard stock sizes: 3–5 days
- Custom roll widths or lengths: 7–15 days
- Cut-to-size sheets or simple discs: 7–14 days
- Custom cylinders with end fittings: 15–25 days
- Multi-layer sintered panels: 20–30 days
Shipping time is additional: 3–7 days for express courier, 5–10 days for air freight, and 20–35 days for sea freight.
What payment terms do you accept for custom orders?
Standard terms for custom orders are 30% T/T deposit to confirm production, 70% T/T balance before shipment. For orders over $10,000, L/C at sight can be arranged. PayPal is accepted for sample orders under $500. For recurring OEM contracts, net-30 terms can be negotiated after an initial trial order.
Conclusion: Specify Before You Order
Ordering stainless steel mesh without a complete specification is risky. A mismatch in wire diameter, open area, or weave type can cause filtration failure, excessive pressure drop, or premature corrosion. By defining the seven core parameters — material grade, mesh count, wire diameter, opening size, micron rating, weave type, and open area — you ensure the first delivery fits your system perfectly.
At ANPING MAOYE, we help buyers turn vague requirements into precise manufacturing specifications. Whether you need a standard 100-mesh roll or a custom sintered multi-layer cylinder with welded end fittings, our technical team reviews every specification before production begins.
Submit your specification for a detailed quotation — we reply within 24 hours with pricing, lead time, and a manufacturability review.
For a full breakdown of 2026 pricing by grade and mesh count, see our stainless steel mesh price guide.
