316 stainless steel wire mesh

316 (UNS S31600 | EN 1.4401 | AISI 316) Stainless Steel Mesh is a molybdenum-bearing austenitic stainless steel, with better corrosion resistance than 304, especially against chlorides, pitting and crevice corrosion.The key difference between 316 and 304 is the addition of Molybdenum. Like 304, it is generally non-magnetic in the annealed condition and offers an excellent balance of strength, formability, and weldability, but with significantly better performance in harsh environments.

Typical Chemical Composition: 

(Note: 316L is the low-carbon variant with ≤ 0.03% Carbon, which is the preferred choice for welded mesh applications.)

Key Properties of 304L wire mesh:

· Physical Properties

Density: 8.0 g/cm³

Melting Point: 1398-1454°C

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

Electrical Resistivity: 0.74 Ω·mm²/m

· Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength: 485-620 MPa

Yield Strength: ≥170 MPa

Elongation: ≥40%

Hardness: ≤200 HB

· Corrosion Resistance

Excellent resistance to chloride corrosion

Resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion

Good resistance to general corrosion in most chemical environments

Superior resistance to marine environments and industrial atmospheres

Common Applications of 316 Mesh:

316 mesh is the default choice when 304 is known to be inadequate, particularly in wet, salty, or chemically aggressive environments.

· Marine & Coastal: Boat exhausts, seawater strainers, ballast water filters, dock shielding.

· Chemical Processing: Filter elements for handling brines, organic chemicals, and photographic solutions.

· Pharmaceuticals: Equipment requiring frequent sterilization and exposure to chlorinated cleaning agents.

· Food & Beverage: High-acid food processing (e.g., citrus, pickling brines), commercial kitchens, brewery mash filters.

· Medical: Implantable device retainers, surgical instrument trays (though 316L is the medical grade).

Comparison: 316 vs 316L