304L stainless steel wire mesh

304L (UNS S30403 | EN 1.4306 | AISI 304L ) stainless steel wire mesh is an austenitic grade with the low-carbon version of the standard 304 (18/8) stainless steel. The "L" stands for "Low Carbon" (maximum 0.03% Carbon compared to 0.08% in standard 304). Designed to minimize intergranular corrosion after welding. Nonmagnetic when annealed; slightly magnetic after cold working. The primary reason for using 304L is to prevent a phenomenon called sensitization during welding

Typical Chemical Composition:

Key Properties of 304L wire mesh:

（1）Physical Properties

· Density: 7.93 g/cm³

· Melting Point: 1398-1454°C

· Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K (at 100°C)

· Electrical Resistivity: 0.72 µΩ·m (at 20°C)

（2）Mechanical Properties

· Tensile Strength: 485-620 MPa

· Yield Strength: ≥170 MPa

· Elongation: ≥40%

· Hardness: ≤200 HB

（3）Corrosion Resistance

· Excellent resistance to general corrosion

· Good resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion

· Resistance to stress corrosion cracking

· Suitable for use in chloride environments

Common Applications of 304L Mesh:

304L mesh is used wherever welding is involved, or where maximum corrosion resistance is required after fabrication.

· Welded Filter Elements: Cartridges, candle filters, discs, and baskets that are fabricated by welding mesh to support cages or end caps.

· Food Processing Equipment: Conveyor belts, fryer baskets, and strainers that are welded and must withstand repeated cleaning and sterilization.

· Pharmaceuticals: Sieves and sifters for powder handling where product purity is critical.

· Water Filtration: Welded well screens and sediment filter cages.

· Architectural Features: Welded panels and grilles exposed to outdoor environments. 

Comparison: 304L vs. 304 (Standard Carbon)

·  304: C ≤ 0.08% — for nonwelded or lightly welded uses

·  304L: C ≤ 0.03% — better for heavily welded structures to avoid corrosion at welds