Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch; micron (µm) is the actual aperture — the gap between two wires — which is what filtration performance depends on. Because aperture also depends on wire diameter, two fabrics with the same mesh count can filter differently. Always specify the aperture in µm when performance is critical, and state the wire diameter and weave as well.
1. What Each Number Means
Mesh count is a density: openings per linear inch of fabric. It is the traditional way filtration fabrics are ordered, and it is easy to verify by counting over a measured length. Micron (µm, one thousandth of a millimetre) is a physical size: the clear distance between two adjacent wires — the opening that a particle either passes through or does not.
The two are related but not identical. A 100-mesh fabric woven with thicker wire has a smaller aperture than a 100-mesh fabric woven with thinner wire. That is why a filtration specification that quotes only mesh count can be ambiguous.
2. Typical Mesh-to-Micron Values
| Mesh count (per inch) | Typical aperture | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mesh | ≈ 2.00 mm | Coarse screening, large-particle separation |
| 20 mesh | ≈ 0.85 mm | Coarse filtration and sieving |
| 40 mesh | ≈ 0.42 mm | General industrial straining |
| 60 mesh | ≈ 0.25 mm | Coarse-to-medium filtration |
| 80 mesh | ≈ 0.18 mm | Medium filtration |
| 100 mesh | ≈ 150 µm | Common reference point in filtration |
| 150 mesh | ≈ 100 µm | Fine filtration |
| 200 mesh | ≈ 74 µm | Fine filtration, sieve discs |
| 325 mesh | ≈ 44 µm | Fine-to-ultrafine filtration |
| 400 mesh | ≈ 37 µm | Ultrafine filtration |
aperture = (25.4 mm ÷ mesh count) − wire diameterExample: 100 mesh with 0.10 mm wire → (0.254 − 0.10) = 0.154 mm ≈ 154 µm. The same 100 mesh with 0.15 mm wire gives only ≈ 104 µm.
Values in the table are typical for standard plain-weave wire diameters; use the formula or the quotation drawing when the aperture tolerance matters.
3. Weave Type Also Changes the Result
Plain weave is the standard construction for filtration fabrics. Twill weave — in which weft wires pass over two warp wires — produces a denser, stronger fabric with a smoother surface, and is used where the mesh count is high or where the fabric must withstand higher differential pressure. PULU produces both plain and twill weave in stainless steel filter mesh with exact apertures.
4. Choosing the Alloy: 304, 316 or 316L
| Alloy | General character | Typical filtration use |
|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | Standard corrosion resistance, general purpose | Water, general industrial filtration, sieving |
| SS 316 | Higher corrosion resistance (molybdenum bearing) | Chemical, marine and food-contact filtration |
| SS 316L | Low-carbon version of 316 | Welded structures and aggressive media where weld corrosion matters |
PULU produces woven filter mesh in SS 304, 316 and 316L, from 1 to 500 mesh (approximately 20 µm to 5 mm aperture), in wire diameters from 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm, in rolls of 0.9–1.3 m width with discs and custom shapes on request.
5. How to Specify Filter Mesh for an Accurate Quotation
- Aperture — in µm or mm, if filtration performance is specified
- Mesh count — if the order follows a traditional mesh-based specification
- Wire diameter — 0.02–0.5 mm; this is what fixes the aperture
- Weave — plain or twill
- Alloy — SS 304, 316 or 316L
- Form and size — roll width and length, or disc / custom shape with dimensions
- Quantity — for example in square metres
Send these values together and the quotation states the achievable aperture tolerance for your specification. If you have an existing sample or drawing, send it and production is made to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 100 mesh the same as 150 micron?
Not automatically. 100 mesh is a density (100 openings per inch); its aperture is roughly 150 µm when woven with a typical wire diameter of about 0.10 mm. With thicker wire the aperture becomes smaller — as low as about 104 µm with 0.15 mm wire. Always confirm the wire diameter.
Which is more accurate to order by — mesh count or micron?
Micron, when filtration performance matters, because it describes the actual opening. Mesh count is convenient but ambiguous unless the wire diameter is stated as well.
Which alloy should I select for a chemical or marine application?
SS 316 is specified where corrosion resistance is higher than 304; SS 316L is chosen for welded assemblies and aggressive media. Tell us the medium and temperature and the quotation will state the recommended alloy.
What range of apertures can you produce?
1 to 500 mesh, approximately 20 µm to 5 mm aperture, with wire diameters from 0.02 mm to 0.5 mm.
Can you make discs or custom shapes instead of rolls?
Yes. Rolls of 0.9–1.3 m width are standard, and discs or custom shapes are produced to drawing on request.
What is the MOQ and lead time?
MOQ for woven filter mesh is 50 m², with a lead time of 15–25 days. Custom discs and shapes are quoted individually.
Request a Quotation
Send aperture or mesh count, wire diameter, weave, alloy, form and quantity — quotation with lead time within 24 hours.
Eric Wang · Export Manager · HEBEI PULU METAL ALLOY MATERIAL CO., LTD.
WhatsApp: +86 190 0328 0333 · Email: eric@pulumesh.com