Steel Wire & Wire Mesh: Complete Guide to Types, Sizes & Uses
Time : 2025-07-25
Steel Wire & Wire Mesh: Complete Guide to Types, Sizes & Uses

Understanding Steel Wire Classifications

Steel wire comes in various grades and compositions to meet specific performance requirements. The three primary classifications include:

  • Carbon Steel Wire: Ranging from low to high carbon content (0.05%-1.0%) for different strength levels
  • Stainless Steel Wire: Available in 300/400 series with superior corrosion resistance
  • Alloy Steel Wire: Enhanced with elements like chromium or nickel for specialized applications

Standard Size Specifications

Wire Type Diameter Range (mm) Common Standards
General Purpose 0.5-6.0 ASTM A510
Spring Wire 0.1-12.0 ASTM A227
Stainless Steel 0.05-12.7 ASTM A580

Wire Mesh Types and Configurations

Wire mesh products demonstrate remarkable versatility through various weaving patterns and material combinations:

Primary Weave Types

  • Plain Weave: Most common pattern with equal spacing in both directions
  • Twilled Weave: Offers greater stability for heavy-duty applications
  • Dutch Weave: Features finer mesh counts for precision filtration

Standard Mesh Specifications

Mesh size typically ranges from ultra-fine 400 mesh (37 micron openings) to coarse 4 mesh (4.75mm openings). The table below shows common industrial applications by mesh size:

Mesh Count Opening Size Typical Applications
4-10 4.75-2.00mm Security fencing, rock screening
10-60 2.00-0.250mm Construction reinforcement, insect screens
60-400 0.250-0.037mm Pharmaceutical filtration, precision sieving

Industrial Applications and Selection Criteria

Choosing between galvanized, PVC-coated, or stainless steel wire mesh depends on three critical factors:

  1. Environmental Conditions: Humidity, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes
  2. Mechanical Requirements: Load capacity, impact resistance, and abrasion needs
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Food-grade, pharmaceutical, or architectural standards

Specialized Use Cases

In architectural applications, welded wire mesh with 50-100mm openings provides concrete reinforcement while maintaining aesthetic appeal. For agricultural uses, hexagonal chicken wire (typically 1" openings) offers the ideal balance of containment and ventilation.

Why Choose Ruilian Metal Products?

With a decade of steel industry expertise, we provide:

  • JIS, ASTM, and EN compliant materials
  • Custom fabrication with precision laser cutting
  • Just-in-time delivery from our 10,000+ ton inventory
  • Technical consultation for optimal material selection

Our professional sales team stands ready to assist with your specific wire and mesh requirements. Contact us today for competitive pricing on ASTM-certified materials tailored to your project specifications.