Welded mesh for filter cores, cages and backing
Welded mesh has fixed, rigid intersections, so it carries load. Filter manufacturers roll it into center cores and outer cages, or lay it behind bag and panel filter media so the air stream cannot blow the media through. For pleated panel filters we also make an annealed soft grade that pleats together with the media.
Three jobs welded mesh does in a filter
Center core
Rolled and seamed into the inner support tube of cartridge and liquid filter elements, holding the pleat pack open against differential pressure.
Outer cage
Formed around the outside of the element to protect the media during handling, installation and reverse flow.
Backing grid
Laid flat on the downstream face of bag, pad and panel pre-filters so the media keeps its shape under air velocity.
Annealed soft grade for pleating
Wire annealed soft for easy pleating and stable pleats. Used as the pleat support layer in HVAC panel filters, air conditioners and air handling equipment.
Materials
| Material | Typical choice |
|---|---|
| Hot-dip galvanized steel | Cores, cages and backing for air filtration; hot-dip galvanizing for long service life |
| Stainless steel 304 | Humid, washable or food-related service |
| Stainless steel 316 | Chlorides, chemical and marine environments |
Standard sizes
| Mesh size | Width in | Width mm | Wire gauge | Wire mm | Roll length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 x 1 in 12.7 x 25.4 mm | 7.5 / 9.5 / 12.5 | 190 / 241 / 318 | AWG 16-24 | 0.51-1.29 | 30-1,000 ft 10-300 m |
| 1 x 1 in 25.4 x 25.4 mm | 7 / 8 / 9 / 11 / 15 / 16 / 19 / 23 / 29 / 36 / 40 / 48 | 178 / 203 / 229 / 279 / 381 / 406 / 483 / 584 / 737 / 914 / 1016 / 1219 | AWG 16-24 | 0.51-1.29 | 30-1,000 ft 10-300 m |
Custom sizes available. Uniform square openings to tight standards. High-capacity lines for short lead times.
Grades and galvanizing
| Option | Typical specification |
|---|---|
| Standard grade | Rigid mesh for center cores, outer cages and backing grids |
| Annealed soft grade | Soft-annealed wire that pleats with the media and holds the pleat; for HVAC panel filters |
| Galvanized after welding | Hot-dip galvanized after welding to ASTM A123; zinc seals the weld points for the longest service life |
| Galvanized before welding | Wire galvanized to ASTM A641 Class 1 or Class 3 before welding; brighter finish, lower cost |
| Stainless steel | 304 or 316 wire; no coating required |
| Weld quality | Smooth weld points without spatter or burrs that could puncture media or PTFE membranes |
| Width and length | Width ±2 mm; roll length -0 / +2% |
Where it is used
- Cartridge filter center cores and outer cages
- Liquid and hydraulic filter support tubes
- Backing grids for bag, pad and panel filters
- Pleat support in HVAC panel filters (annealed soft grade)
Related support media
Frequently asked questions
Can welded mesh be pleated with filter media?
Standard welded mesh is rigid and is used for cores, cages and backing grids. MAISHI also makes an annealed soft grade that pleats with the media and holds stable pleats in HVAC panel filters.
Galvanized before or after welding: which is better?
Hot-dip galvanizing after welding (ASTM A123) seals the weld points and gives the longest service life. Galvanizing the wire before welding (ASTM A641) gives a brighter finish at lower cost.
What sizes are standard?
1/2 x 1 in and 1 x 1 in openings, wire AWG 16-24 (0.51-1.29 mm), widths from 7 to 48 in and rolls from 30 to 1,000 ft.
Do you supply cut pieces?
Yes. Besides rolls slit to width, we supply pieces cut to your drawing on request.
Need cut lengths or a different width?
Send the core diameter or cage dimensions and the wire you use today. We quote rolls or cut pieces.