Specify Welded Wire Mesh Without Ambiguity
A complete welded wire mesh specification identifies the opening basis, wire diameter, material, supplied form, edge condition and tolerances. The phrase “10 mm mesh” is incomplete until the buyer states whether 10 mm means clear opening or wire-centre spacing.
The Six Fields That Define Welded Wire Mesh
Opening basis
Clear aperture or centre-to-centre spacing.
Wire diameter
Diameter for each wire direction if different.
Material
Alloy or material grade required by the service.
Supply form
Roll, panel, cut blank or fabricated component.
Edge condition
Trimmed, projecting, framed, folded or drawing-defined.
Tolerance and inspection
Critical dimensional tolerances and required checks.
Clear Opening vs Centre Spacing
These values are not interchangeable. If a drawing gives only one number, request clarification before quotation. For rectangular mesh, specify both directions—for example opening A × B and wire diameter d1 × d2.
| Term | Meaning | Relationship for equal round wires |
|---|---|---|
| Clear opening (A) | Free distance between adjacent wire surfaces | A = P − d |
| Centre spacing (P) | Distance between adjacent wire centre lines | P = A + d |
| Wire diameter (d) | Diameter of the welded wire | d = P − A |
Welded Wire Mesh Specification Sheet
The numerical values below are notation examples only; they do not represent a universal standard size or guaranteed stock range.
| RFQ field | How to write it | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Opening / spacing | 10 mm clear opening, or 10 mm centre spacing | Prevents aperture ambiguity |
| Wire | 1.0 mm diameter in both directions | Controls opening, mass and stiffness |
| Material | State the required grade | Supports compatibility and traceability review |
| Finished size | Width × length, panel, roll or cut-part drawing | Defines usable geometry |
| Edges | Flush trimmed, projections, frame or formed edge | Affects handling and installation |
| Tolerances | Identify critical dimensions and inspection method | Aligns quotation and acceptance |
Wire Diameter Changes the Actual Opening
Two welded meshes with the same centre spacing can have different clear openings when the wire diameter changes. This affects passage size, open area and the behaviour of the finished screen. Specify both values instead of relying on a trade description.
For fine filtration openings, compare the construction with stainless steel woven wire mesh; welded mesh and woven mesh are not direct substitutes.
Square, Rectangular and Fabricated Configurations
Square opening
Equal spacing in both wire directions; still state wire diameter and basis.
Rectangular opening
Give both opening/spacing dimensions and both wire diameters.
Roll or panel
State finished width, length and permitted dimensional tolerance.
Fabricated part
Provide a drawing for bends, frames, cut-outs, seams and interfaces.
Welded Mesh vs Woven, Expanded and Perforated Metal
| Structure | How wires/openings are formed | Typical specification focus |
|---|---|---|
| Welded wire mesh | Crossing wires joined at intersections | Opening basis, wire, welds, edges and supplied form |
| Woven wire mesh | Wires interlaced in a weave pattern | Mesh count/aperture, wire, weave and roll details |
| Expanded metal | Sheet slit and expanded into diamond openings | SWD/LWD, strand, thickness, sheet and flattening |
| Perforated metal | Defined holes punched or produced in sheet | Hole, pitch, pattern, thickness and margins |
Use the expanded metal size guide or perforated metal open-area calculator when those structures match the application.
Welded Wire Mesh RFQ Checklist
1. Define the opening
State clear opening or centre spacing in both directions.
2. Add wire and grade
Specify wire diameter and required material.
3. Define supplied form
Roll, panel, cut shape or fabricated assembly.
4. Show edges and tolerances
Mark critical dimensions and inspection requirements.
5. Send quantity and drawing
Include revision, quantity and intended installation.
For product options, visit the welded wire mesh product page. For grade selection, compare 304 vs 316 stainless steel mesh.
Welded Wire Mesh Specification FAQ
State whether the dimension is clear opening or center-to-center spacing, then give wire diameter, material, panel or roll dimensions, edge condition and tolerances.
Clear opening is the free distance between adjacent wires. Center spacing is measured from one wire centerline to the next. For equal round wires, clear opening is approximately center spacing minus wire diameter.
Mesh count may appear in some markets, but millimetre or inch opening/spacing plus wire diameter is usually clearer for welded mesh procurement.
Yes. State whether the edge is trimmed flush, leaves projecting wires, is framed, folded or fabricated into another part, and identify critical edge tolerances.
No. Welded mesh wires are joined at intersections; woven mesh wires interlace. Their opening notation, flexibility, fabrication and filtration behaviour should not be assumed equivalent.
Provide opening or spacing basis, wire diameter, material, roll/panel/part dimensions, edge condition, tolerances, fabrication drawing, quantity and any inspection or documentation requirements.
Need a Drawing-Based Welded Mesh Review?
Send the opening basis, wire diameter, material, finished size, edge condition, tolerances, drawing and quantity for quotation review.
