Mesh Reference Charts

Use this page to translate mesh count into approximate aperture and micron values for plain weave stainless mesh with common wire diameters. Dutch weave, twill weave and sintered media follow different geometry rules — confirm weave type and wire diameter on every RFQ.

Mesh to micron conversion chart (plain weave)

How do mesh count and micron rating differ?

Mesh count counts the number of openings per linear inch (25.4 mm). It describes how many wires fit in that distance, not the size of the opening itself. Two products labelled with the same mesh count can pass different particle sizes if wire diameter, weave pattern or surface treatment differs. Micron rating (μm) describes a linear dimension of the pore or particle passage — but for woven mesh it is derived from geometry, not a single stamped number like a sintered filter rating.

For plain weave, a practical starting estimate is: aperture (mm) ≈ (25.4 ÷ mesh count) − wire diameter (mm). Convert aperture to microns by multiplying by 1000. Example: 80 mesh with 0.145 mm wire gives aperture ≈ 0.17 mm (about 170 μm). Always state whether your micron target is nominal or absolute, and whether the duty is dry screening, liquid filtration or polymer melt — retention behaviour changes with viscosity, pressure and particle shape.

Metric and imperial units on purchase orders

Buyers mix mesh count (#), wire diameter in mm or SWG, aperture in mm or inches, and micron targets on the same line item. When converting, keep units explicit: 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 mm = 1000 μm. If a drawing lists SWG for wire size, convert to millimetres before comparing to a mesh chart. Roll goods are often quoted in mesh count plus width × length; cut discs and filter packs need OD, active mesh area and edge binding in the same unit system as the drawing.

Weave type changes the same mesh number

Plain weave gives the most open structure at a given mesh count. Twill weave packs wires more tightly and can hold finer effective pores at the same nominal count. Dutch weave (and reverse dutch) uses heavier weft or warp wires to create stable micron-rated pores for polymer melt and hydraulic filtration — a 80 mesh dutch weave does not behave like 80 mesh plain weave. If your incumbent part is dutch or twill, send weave type or a sample photo; do not assume plain-weave numbers from this chart apply without review.

For weave selection by duty, see our plain weave vs twill vs dutch weave guide.

Common specification mistakes before you order

Quoting mesh count alone without wire diameter is the most frequent RFQ gap — suppliers may match count but miss retention. Stating micron only without weave can lead to the wrong dutch/plain combination. Mixing SS304 and SS316L without noting chloride or CIP exposure causes field failures that look like mesh quality issues. For extruder screens, list layer stack (mesh + weave per layer), not only final micron. For strainers, distinguish mesh opening from perforated hole size — they are specified differently.

For buyer-facing conversion notes and RFQ wording, read mesh count vs micron rating — how to specify.

Send mesh count or micron target, wire diameter if known, weave type, material grade, dimensions (roll or cut size), quantity and application fluid. KAIFIL confirms aperture, open area and material suitability before you commit to batch production — values in this chart are reference starting points, not automatic product guarantees.

Wire diameter reference (SWG to mm)

Historical drawings and incumbent filter parts often list wire size in SWG. Use the table below to convert to millimetres before comparing against the mesh conversion chart. When SWG and measured caliper values disagree, trust measured dimensions from a sample and note the discrepancy on the RFQ.