When choosing a mesh, buyers should know the needed the physical specification and the weave type. Below is a list of mesh physical specifications:
- Mesh size. This is also referred to as mesh count. The openings of a mesh are counted in each linear inch thus giving the mesh size.
- Linear wire density. This is defined as the density of wire for each length. The linear wire destiny determines how durable and how expensive a wire mesh is because it is the basis of how much material are used while constructing a certain type of mesh.
- Opening area. It is the distance between adjoining wires that are parallel to each other. This is usually shown in terms of percentage of open area with respect to the total cloth coverage.
Depending on the type of application, the materials used in making a mesh could be very important. The materials used could indicate certain characteristics of a mesh such as its strength, resistance to chemical reaction and corrosion, hardness, and the ability to conduct electricity. Materials used in mesh construction are classified into: plastics, metals, natural fibers and other unique source.
The most widely used material in mesh construction are metals and its alloys because they are more durable and with higher strength. They are also capable of being deformed when stress are applied but can withstand without cleaving or breaking. There are various metals commonly used in constructing thereby producing products such as brass mesh, nickel and steel mesh, stainless steel mesh, aluminum mesh, and copper mesh.
On the other hand, plastics and polymers materials have solid components that could be either synthetic or semi-synthetic. Plastics are also classified into thermosetting and thermoplastics. Thermoplastics may be molded again because it does not experience any chemical reaction while thermosets have a final shape after it has turned solid. Plastics have several advantages over metal such as the cost is lesser, it can resist corrosion, friction produced is lower and it is more flexible.
Natural fibers are materials with softer texture and can be found in nature such as silk, cotton and hemp.
One of the unique materials used in mesh construction is fiberglass. It is made of glass fibers which are extremely fine. Advantages of this material include strength, lightweight and robust.