Wire mesh cloth has an amazing amount of versatility and has been used in hundreds of industries. Businesses buy wire cloth to use in construction materials such as walls and foundations and can be used to make security gates, guards and grilles, vents, machine guards, filters, fencing, insulation, pet runs, flooring, stair treads, screens, windows, shelving and even clothing.

Wire cloth distributors can provide the product to you in rolls or can be cut to your specifications. Stainless steel wire cloth is used to screen and filter products, to secure or protect and to stabilize. It is primarily chosen to be used for the following reasons:

1. Wire mesh is lightweight and economical.

2. Welded wire mesh is malleable and easy to cut.

3. Steel wire cloth is attractive looking.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the aperture of your wire mesh

The most important aspect in buying wire cloth is knowing what the aperture or opening must be. A small aperture means more material and labor are required to manufacture the wire mesh which will increase your price.

I recommend: Aperture is measured in microns. Visit Lenntech for advice on how to determine aperture. If you require a custom made wire cloth, visit Newark Wire Cloth.

Decide what type of material will be used to create your wire mesh

Wire mesh can be made from a host of different metal materials such as heat resisting alloys, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, brass, bronze and even rare materials such as platinum or titanium. The application for which you will be using the mesh may dictate the best choice for your project, but bear in mind that the material will affect your price.

I recommend: Consult the website for Woven Wire for a brief description of alloys and strengths. Not sure which is the best choice of metal? Call the toll free number for wire cloth manufacturers and speak to a representative. Check out the websites for Jelliff, Wire Cloth Man and Dorstener Wire Tech if you need assistance.

Request a sample of steel wire cloth

If you are not sure exactly what wire mesh will be the best for your needs, request a sample from the manufacturer. You will be charged a fee, but at least you'll be sure that you are ordering the right type from your wire mesh distributor. Seeing a sample gives you a good idea of the finishes that the product comes in, and having it in your hand can easily help you decide on a product.

I recommend: You can request samples from TWP. Universal Wire Cloth has a sample kit that contains 40 different samples.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy wire mesh samples, the cost of the sample may be applied to your first order.