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| Darby's Glossary of Commonly Used Wire Mesh Terms |
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| MESH |
The definition of mesh is the number of openings per linear inch. The mesh is counted by starting from the center of one wire and counting the number of openings to a point one linear inch away. For example, No. 4 mesh indicates that in one linear inch there are four openings. Likewise, a No. 20 mesh indicates that in one linear inch, there are twenty (20) openings.
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| 4 x 4 MESH |
8 x 8 MESH |
20 x 20 MESH |
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| SPACE |
The term space represents the clear opening between two parallel wires as shown.
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| 1" x 1" Clear Opening or Space |
2" x 2 " Clear Opening or Space |
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| OFF-COUNT MESH |
The term Off-Count Mesh is commonly used to describe a woven or welded wire mesh that does not have the same Mesh Count in both directions. As a result, the mesh is not square, but rectangular. Off-Count Mesh is often used in filtering and in sifting applications, as well as in certain insect screen specifications.
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3-1/2 x 9 Mesh, T-304 Stainless Steel
Woven Wire Mesh. Custom Woven Wire Mesh |
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| GAUGE OR WIRE DIAMETER |
These terms refer to the thickness of individual wires used. It is preferred to use decimals when stating wire thickness, since there are different gauge systems. To accurately measure the diameter wire, Darby recommends using a micrometer.
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| .125" Diameter Wire |
.047" Diameter Wire (#18 Ga) |
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| PLAIN WEAVE |
This term means "over one and under one." Almost all plain weave is double crimped, that is, both the warp and the shute wires are crimped and locked into position both ways as shown.
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| Plain Weave with End View |
Plain Weave |
Plain Weave |
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| INTERMEDIATE CRIMP |
Both the warp wire-wires that run the length of the roll-and shute wires-wires that run the width of the roll-are pre-crimped before weaving. It is employed in coarser meshes to obtain large openings with relatively light wires; intermediate crimp provides stability.
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| Intermediate Crimp with End View |
Intermediate Crimp Weave |
Intermediate Crimp Weave |
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| LOCK CRIMP |
Similar to Intermediate Crimp, Lock Crimp is comprised of pre-crimped wire. What makes Lock Crimp a popular crimp style is that the wire is stabilized by a notch or bump at the wire intersections.
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| Lock Crimp Weave with End View |
Lock Crimp Weave |
Lock Crimp Weave |
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| TWILLED WEAVE |
Weave pattern where each wire goes alternately over two wires then under two successive wires. Twilled Weave is not as tight as Plain Weave, and it is more pliable. Plain Dutch Weave or Twilled Weave is often used in filtration applications.
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| Twilled Weave w/ Two End Views |
Twilled Weave (Magnified 8.3x) |
Twilled Weave (Magnified 2.6x) |
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| SELVAGE EDGE VS. RAW EDGE |
The term selvage means finished edges, that is, the fill wires are woven in continuously, forming a smooth or finished edge running the length of a roll. Generally speaking, a selvage edge will increase the stability of a mesh and provide a safety edge for handling.
Raw edge refers to edging that is not continuously woven. Therefore, the shute wires are uncovered, or raw.
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| Selvage Edge |
Raw Edge |
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| WOVEN VS. WELDED |
Woven wire mesh is generally woven on looms, very similar to the looms that are commonly used to weave cloth. However, in our case, wire, not yarn, is used to create wire mesh. The loom terms—heddles, reeds, and bobbin—are the same. Different patterns such as plain weave, twilled weave, and plain Dutch weave are made on this type of loom.
When the wire becomes too heavy for these looms, the wire must be pre-crimped. The material remains stable and rigid by virtue of the mechanical properties of the wire, and the space between the wires, itself. Pre-crimp mesh has many weaving options available, such as plain weave, intermediate crimp and lock crimp, just to name a few.
Over the past twenty years, welded wire mesh has become very popular. Because the individual wires are welded at the joints, thinner wires can be used over larger spaces. The mesh itself will remain strong and stable with a high percentage of open area. Stainless steel welded wire fabric has become very popular due to its clean appearance, uniform grid pattern, and comparable price to its woven wire mesh counterpart.
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| WELDED WIRE MESH |
WELDED WIRE MESH |
From Left to Right:
Intercrimp Weave, Welded,
and Plain Weave |
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