STAINLESS STEEL ALLOYS
In metallurgy, stainless steel is a generic term used to describe a steel alloy with a chromium content of 10.5% or more. On the whole, stainless steels have a higher resistance to corrosion than plain (or carbon) steel. This resistance to corrosion in stainless steel is largely a result of the unique qualities of chromium.
Chromium combines with oxygen in the atmosphere, naturally forming a thin layer of chromium oxide. This extremely thin and invisible film serves as a protective coating in a wide range of corrosive environments. If the metal is cut or scratched and the film is ruptured, more oxide will quickly “self-repair” itself as to form and recover the exposed surface.
In the wire mesh industry, T-304 stainless steel and T-316 stainless steel are the most commonly used alloys to manufacture wire mesh and wire cloth. Other stainless steel alloys, like T-310 SS, T-321 SS, T-347 SS, and even T-430 SS, are less popular yet often available through special order or custom manufacturing, depending on quantity required.
T-304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: The Standard
T-304 stainless steel is the most widely available of all stainless steels in the wire mesh industry. Aside from the countless combinations of mesh opening sizes and diameter wire available both from stock and through manufacturing, T-304 SS exhibits many benefits and is largely considered the standard of the industry. T-304 SS has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments and allows itself for usage in a wide range of applications.
Another of the many benefits of T-304 SS is heat resistance. T-304 SS displays good oxidation resistance to a temperature of approximately 1600oF in intermittent service and to a temperature of 1700oF in continuous service. T-304 stainless steel is also excellent for fabrication purposes – it can be formed and cut to size with appropriate tools and machinery. It can also be welded, using most common welding techniques, and it is virtually non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Finally, from a cost standpoint, it is usually the most attractively priced of most readily available stainless steel mesh alloys in the industry, especially when taking into consideration its lifecycle.
The chart featured below displays the standard chemical composition for T-304 SS commonly used in the wire mesh and wire cloth industry.
T-304 Stainless Steel is available in both woven and welded constructions – both from stock and through custom manufacturing. To learn more and see what specifications are possible, visit Darby’s T-304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.
T-316 SS Steel Wire Mesh: An Upgrade for Specific Applications
T-316 stainless steel is recognized as the second most widely available of all stainless steels in the wire mesh industry. T-316 stainless steel wire mesh is typically considered as an alternative grade to T-304 stainless steel wire mesh when certain environmental conditions exist. In particular, marine conditions and applications requiring heavy section welding commonly call for T-316 stainless steel due to its many benefits.
T-316 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, and in particular, performs well in its ability to resist pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments. The inclusion of molybdenum (Mo) is a major factor to the improved corrosion resistance versus a T-304 SS counterpart.
T-316 stainless steel is heat resistant and has good oxidation resist resistance to a temperature of approximately 1600oF in intermittent service and to a temperature of 1700oF in continuous service. T-316 SS is also excellent for fabrication purposes – it can be formed and cut to size with appropriate tools and machinery. It also has outstanding weld-ability, and it is virtually non-magnetic in the annealed condition.
The chart featured below displays the standard chemical composition for T-316 SS commonly used in the wire mesh and wire cloth industry.
T-316 stainless steel is available in both woven and welded constructions – both from stock and through custom manufacturing. To learn more and see what specifications are possible, visit Darby’s T-316 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.
Other Stainless Steel Alloys
T-304 L SS – Usually a special order requirement, T-304 L SS woven wire mesh, with its low carbon content, is oftentimes specified in welding applications.
T-316 L SS – Usually a special order requirement, T-316 L SS woven wire mesh, with its low carbon content, is oftentimes specified in welding applications.
T-310 SS – Generally speaking, T-310 SS wire mesh is custom manufactured. It combines excellent high temperature properties with good ductility and weld-ability. It is usually reserved for high temperature service and has excellent toughness.
T-321 SS –T-321 SS wire mesh is usually a custom manufactured item, and as an austenitic 18/8 steel, it is stabilized by titanium and offers similar resistance to general corrosion as T-304 SS. Typical uses may include oil-refinery equipment and welded pressure vessels.
T-347 SS –T-347 SS wire mesh is usually a custom manufactured item, and as an austenitic 18/8 steel, it is stabilized by niobium and tantalum. These elements slightly improve corrosion resistance in certain environments. Typical uses may include high temperature gaskets and chemical product equipment.
T-430 SS –T-430 SS wire mesh usually requires custom manufacturing. It is a basic ferritic non-heat treatable stainless steel and offers good corrosion and oxidation resistance. Typical industrial applications may include plant equipment and oil-refinery equipment.