What is the difference between wire cloth and wire mesh?

Woven and welded wire mesh come in endless sizes and variations. In this article, we will discuss how wire mesh is measured and the factors that go into determining the correct mesh size for different industries and applications.

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How is Wire Mesh Measured?

Mesh Count

Mesh count is one of the key parameters when specifying wire mesh. It is measured differently depending on whether the mesh is a Square weave or a Dutch weave.

• Square Weave Mesh Count describes how many spaces are contained in one linear inch. A low mesh count means a low number of wires (and spaces) per inch, a high mesh count equates to many wires per square inch. Mesh count #20 means that there are 20 spaces per linear inch in each direction.
• Dutch Weave Mesh Count describes how many wires are contained in one linear inch. The mesh count will have two numbers (e.g. 12*64) with the 12 referring to the warp (long) direction and the 64 referring to the chute (width) direction. The warp count is always listed first.

Opening Size

Sometimes mesh is specified by opening size rather than mesh count. The open size of the mesh is the clear opening between adjacent parallel wires, not affected by the diameter of the wire. For Square Mesh, it is calculated using the formula below:

Wherein, D is the Wire Diameter in, and M is the Mesh Count. Additionally, when a mesh is specified by opening size, it is often referred to as Space Cloth.

Open Area %

The open area is the percentage of open space between the wires for air or liquid to flow. It is calculated using the following formula for square weaves:

Wherein, D is the Wire Diameter, and N is the number of wires per linear inch of mesh.

How is Micron Mesh Specified?

Micron mesh is another term for mesh that has a very high mesh count (normally, a Dutch Weave but can also be a Plain Weave). This type of mesh (often referred to as wire cloth or filter cloth) is most often used in filtration applications. The opening space between the wires is very small which leads to it having to be measured in &#;Micrometers&#;, (shortened to &#;Microns&#;), hence the name.

Many specifications call out a Micron Rating, which is measured differently depending on whether the mesh is Square or Dutch.

Micron Rating

The Micron rating is measured for Square Mesh by calculating the open area using the Open Area % formula above. As the open area is a square shape, you can then calculate the micron rating by simply converting the decimal opening into microns. However, because the opening size is not square with a Dutch Weave, the Micron rating for these weaves are instead measured by determining the largest size of particle which is able to pass through the mesh. This is done using laboratory-grade glass beads. It is worth noting that, the open area for Dutch weaves is also given in %, however, this is generally referred to as &#;Porosity&#;. Porosity is calculated by measuring the flow rate based on the viscosity of the fluid.

Wire Mesh or Wire Cloth?

In this article, we have referred to &#;Wire Mesh&#;.  Often, however, the question &#;What&#;s the difference between Wire Mesh and Wire Cloth?&#; is asked. The simple answer is that they are inherently the same &#; wire that is woven in different weaves to form a structure. So, everything in this article referring to Wire Mesh would also apply to Wire Cloth.

Typically, however, the weave is referred to as Mesh when there are larger open spaces between the wires. This is generally used in applications such as cages, infill panels, bug screens, and larger separation challenges. Weave is generally described as Wire Cloth when it is flexible and has a much smaller open area. Wire Cloth is typically used for filtration or fine separation applications.

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Choosing the right specification for your application

Remembering there is no distinct rule for when wire mesh becomes referred to as wire cloth, it is important to know what Mesh Count, opening size, or open area % you need to be able to correctly specify for your application.

There may be more than one type of specification that will work for a single application. Depending on your requirements, a range of mesh counts could work, using different weaves or different wire diameters. As the price of raw materials increase, it becomes especially critical to lower the total amount of wire used in the weave while still providing the correct specification. An application engineer can help make these recommendations.

Gerard Daniel&#;s Expertise

At Gerard Daniel, we&#;ve been sourcing, weaving, and distributing wire mesh for 70 years and stock the largest range of inventory in North America &#; with over different types of wire mesh and wire cloth in stock. Our application engineers are available to recommend the most effective, most productive solution to you at your lowest cost of acquisition. We are here to answer any questions you may have.

There are numerous industrial and commercial uses for wire mesh and wire cloth. These materials are used in industrial environments as protective guards and make up crucial screen components of separation and filtration systems. You can also use it for railing supports. In commercial settings, wire mesh is used in security solutions, architectural facades, and walkway guardrails. Additionally, these mesh panels and partitions are often parts of animal enclosures for protection. Wire cloth is great for filtering media and allowing ventilation while keeping out unwanted matter such as pests and insects. Applications that require more flexible materials with a smaller opening use Wire Cloth. Other industries that include wire mesh products are automotive, agriculture, mining, petrochemical, plastics, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and more.

What is Wire Mesh?

Wire mesh is also called wire fabric or wire cloth depending on the application. The high versatility of the material is one of the reasons why it has thousands of different applications. It is exceptionally adaptable, making it possible for manufacturers to produce wire mesh to match countless specifications. The combination alone of the opening sizes and the diameter of the wires can result in limitless combinations. If you are looking for adaptable material you can customize to meet your organization&#;s specific requirements, start looking at wire mesh products.

Welded Vs. Woven

• Welded wire mesh is made by using two low-carbon steel wires joined to each other at right angles, forming a square or rectangular opening. The wires are fused at each intersection. Welded wire mesh often uses stainless steel wires, too. If you&#;re shopping for durable welded mesh products, consider wire mesh panels.
• Woven wire mesh, also called wire cloth, is made of two intersecting wire systems.

The Benefits of Wire Mesh

• Easy installation &#; Wire cloth is flexible, lightweight, and pliable. That makes it easy to install, handle, and insert. Wire Mesh is strong, durable, and rigid, making it perfect for security solutions. They both also work on flat surfaces.
• Convenience &#; The material is often used as partitions. If you want to designate separate work positions or areas with ease but still ensure easy access, wire mesh gets the job done.
• Visibility &#; Wire mesh is also used in warehouses to separate items while making them easy to spot. That allows for easy retrieval, reducing the time it takes for staff to pick up the inventory. With wire mesh products, you can ensure speedy retrievals and faster inventory checks.
• Safety and Security &#; Wire mesh is used in fencing and guardrails to promote safety and security in both interior and exterior environments. Additionally, screens and guards can be fabricated to protect machinery and allow for ventilation.
• Affordable &#; Depending on your application requirements, there are many wire mesh specifications available to achieve your goals that may be more cost-effective than other products, such as expanded or perforated metals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between welded wire mesh and woven wire mesh?
Welded wire mesh is made by fusing two wires at right angles, creating a sturdy, rigid structure commonly used for security, fencing, and partitions. Woven wire mesh, also known as wire cloth, is formed by weaving two intersecting wire systems, offering more flexibility, and is often used in filtration, separation systems, and architectural facades.

2. What is welded wire cloth used for?
Welded wire cloth is widely used in industrial applications such as protective guards, security partitions, and railing supports. Its rigid and durable nature makes it ideal for these uses, as well as for architectural applications like facades and walkway guardrails.

3. What is hardware cloth, and where is it used?
Hardware cloth is a type of welded wire mesh made from galvanized steel and is commonly used in outdoor applications such as garden fencing, pest control barriers, and animal enclosures. Its durability and resistance to rust make it ideal for these purposes.

4. How do wire diameter and mesh count affect the performance of wire mesh?
The wire diameter and mesh count determine the strength, flexibility, and size of the openings in wire mesh. Thicker wire diameters provide more durability, while finer wires with higher mesh counts are better for filtering and screening applications.

5. Is metal mesh suitable for architectural projects?
Yes, it is highly suitable for architectural projects. It is often used in facades, railing supports, and walkway guardrails. Metal mesh provides both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits like ventilation and security.

6. What is woven wire cloth, and how is it made?
Woven wire cloth is created through a process known as wire weaving, where metal wires are woven together in a precise pattern to form a durable, flexible fabric. This type of cloth is commonly used in filtration systems, sieves, and architectural designs. Woven metal products can vary in weave pattern and material depending on the application.

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