Filtration Wire Mesh: Micron Rating, Weave & Mesh Count

Quick answer

For filtration, select mesh by required micron rating: woven square mesh suits coarse to medium filtration where mesh count maps directly to opening size, while Dutch weave and sintered multi-layer mesh achieve fine micron ratings (down to single-digit microns) for liquids, gases and high-pressure use; stainless 304 or 316 is the standard material.

By the WireMeshQA editorial team · Independent wire mesh reference

Micron Rating vs Mesh Count

Buyers often confuse these. Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch; micron rating is the size of particle the mesh stops. For plain square weave they are related but not identical, because wire diameter affects the actual opening. Always specify the micron rating for filtration, not just mesh count. See mesh count to opening size for the conversion method.

Mesh count	Approx. opening (microns)	Typical filtration
20 mesh	~840µm	Coarse strainers
60 mesh	~250µm	General liquid pre-filter
100 mesh	~150µm	Paint, ink, coarse process
200 mesh	~74µm	Fine liquid filtration
325 mesh	~44µm	Very fine square-mesh limit

Woven Square Mesh vs Dutch Weave

Plain square (or twill) weave has equal-spaced openings and is read directly as mesh count; it filters down to roughly 25–40 microns before becoming impractical. Dutch weave (plain Dutch or twill Dutch) uses different warp and weft wire diameters packed tightly, creating tortuous, sub-square openings that reach much finer micron ratings while staying strong — ideal for fine liquid and gas filtration and high differential pressure.

Weave	Typical micron range	Strength / pressure	Best for
Plain square	40µm and coarser	Moderate	General, sieving, screens
Twill square	25µm and coarser	Moderate	Finer than plain square
Plain Dutch	~25–100µm	High	Liquid filtration, strong
Twill Dutch	~5–40µm	Very high	Fine filtration, high pressure

Filter Discs & Multi-Layer Sintered Mesh

For demanding duties, mesh is fabricated into filter discs or laminated into multi-layer sintered mesh — several mesh layers diffusion-bonded under heat and pressure. Sintered mesh gives a precise, stable micron rating, high mechanical strength, good back-flush cleanability and resistance to pressure surges, which single-layer mesh cannot match. It is widely used in polymer, petrochemical and gas processing.

Material Selection: SS304 vs SS316

Stainless steel is the default filtration material. SS304 handles most general duties; SS316 (with added molybdenum) better resists chlorides, acids and marine or chemical environments. For aggressive media, 316 or higher alloys are worth the extra cost. Compare them in our SS304 vs SS316 guide.

How to Specify a Filter Mesh

State the target micron rating and whether it is absolute or nominal.
Confirm the medium (liquid or gas), temperature, and chemical compatibility for material choice.
Allow for differential pressure — Dutch weave and sintered mesh handle higher pressure than plain square.
Specify finish/edge treatment for filter discs (e.g. sintered edge, rolled edge) to prevent fraying.
See fencing vs filtration mesh to understand why filtration mesh is specified differently.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mesh count and micron rating?

Mesh count is the number of openings per linear inch, while micron rating is the actual particle size the mesh stops. They are related for plain square weave but not identical, because wire diameter changes the real opening. For filtration, always specify the micron rating, since two meshes of the same count can have different openings.

What mesh count equals 100 microns?

Roughly 140–150 mesh corresponds to about a 100-micron opening in plain square weave, though the exact figure depends on wire diameter. Because the relationship varies, specify the micron rating you need rather than relying on mesh count alone. For openings finer than about 40 microns, Dutch weave or sintered mesh is usually required.

What is Dutch weave mesh used for?

Dutch weave mesh uses different warp and weft wire sizes packed tightly to create fine, tortuous openings, reaching much finer micron ratings than plain square mesh while staying strong. It is used for fine liquid and gas filtration, high differential pressure, and applications such as polymer and petrochemical filter elements where strength and fine filtration are both needed.

Should I use 304 or 316 stainless for filter mesh?

SS304 suits most general filtration duties and is more economical. SS316 contains molybdenum and resists chlorides, acids and marine or chemical environments far better, so choose it for aggressive media, seawater or salty, acidic process streams. If unsure of chemical compatibility, the more corrosion-resistant 316 is the safer specification.

What is sintered wire mesh?

Sintered wire mesh is several layers of woven mesh diffusion-bonded together under heat and pressure into a single rigid panel. It gives a precise, stable micron rating, high mechanical strength, good cleanability by back-flushing, and resistance to pressure surges. It is used where single-layer mesh would deform or block, such as polymer, gas and high-pressure filtration.

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Ss304 Vs Ss316 Mesh Count To Opening Size Mesh For Fencing Vs Filtration Spec Converter Screening Sieving