No matter how you use woven wire mesh, the precision of the openings is critical to achieving optimal performance. That said, there are a lot of parameters that go into perfecting these openings, from setting up the loom to drawing the wires to the correct diameter.
Because of its importance, there are several terms used to define the profile of the openings. But when inquiring about wire mesh and you’re asked about mesh count but only have the micron rating or vice versa, you may become worried about whether or not you are selecting the correct specification.
So, what is the difference between mesh count and micron rating?
W.S. Tyler has been a trusted wire mesh supplier since 1872 and is dedicated to sharing the experience we have within our four walls so you can continue to innovate the way you do things.
With that, we wrote the following article to help clarify the differences between mesh count and micron rating. You will learn the following:
- The definition of mesh count
- The impact of mesh count
- The definition of micron rating
- The impact of micron rating
- How mesh count and micron compare
What Is Mesh Count?
Mesh count is often used to describe the openings of a square mesh weave. It is best defined as the amount of openings in a linear inch.
To explain further, let’s say you have a piece of wire mesh that is specified as 50 mesh. This means that if you looked at the mesh, you would be able to count 50 openings in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
How Does Mesh Count Affect the Performance of Wire Mesh?
As mesh count reflects the amount of openings of a given weave, it is responsible for controlling the flow rate allowed by the mesh. That said, finetuning your mesh count is imperative.
Failure to implement an appropriate mesh count can result in pressure build-up in your system, which can cause increased stress and premature wear and tear.
Implementing a mesh count that does accommodate your process, however, will ensure a perfect balance of screening capacity and flow rate. This ultimately will promote an energy- and cost-effective process.
What Is Micron Rating?
Micron rating is used to define wire mesh openings with an opening size smaller than 1 millimeter. It is defined as the precise distance between the wires of any opening.
The micron rating is a direct reflection of how much opening space is and is not taken up by the diameter of the wires.
Discover how wire mesh suppliers achieve precise wire diameters in the article below:
How Does Micron Rating Affect the Performance of Wire Mesh?
Micron rating is used to define the distance between the wires of an opening, it can be used to describe the size of the opening. This means that the micron rating of woven wire mesh it is directly tied to what can and cannot pass through the mesh.
Using a micron rating too large increases the risk of unwanted particles passing through the mesh. Using a micron rating too small increases the risk of blinding, negatively impacting the flow rate allotted by the mesh and preventing desired materials from passing through.
What Is the Difference Between Mesh Count and Micron Rating?
The openings of woven wire mesh is what deliver the material’s value. The profile of these openings is determined by the amount wires, the diameter of the wires, and the mesh count.
In most cases, these openings are measured in inches or millimeters. When the openings are measured in inches or millimeters, the mesh opening profile will typically be defined as a mesh count.
Once the opening measurements become smaller than one millimeter, the measurement is converted into microns.
Now, as micron rating is typically used for fine mesh opening sizes, it is synonymous with wire mesh filter cloth. While there is a mesh count associated with filter cloth, there are far too many openings to practically count.
When you get to brass tacks, mesh count is used to describe the openings of coarser, typically square mesh, weaves. Micron rating is used to describe the openings of finer, typically filter cloth, weaves.
Convert Mesh Count and Micron Rating
Mesh count and micron rating are both terms used to describe the openings of a wire mesh weave. While mesh count defines the number of openings, the micron rating defines the size of the opening.
Now, while most cases only require one of the two specifications, there are instances in which you will need to know both the mesh count and micron rating. Fortunately, they can be converted interchangeably with a simple equation and premade charts.
Having been in the wire weaving business for over 150 years, W.S. Tyler is here to help you implement a wire mesh solution that helps you increase efficiency and profits.
Read the article below to find out how you can convert the mesh count and micron rating of your mesh: