Aluminum Mesh Sheet Manufacturer
What is Aluminum Mesh Sheet?
It is a sheet made from aluminum wires that are woven, welded, or expanded to create a grid-like pattern of uniform openings. The result is a strong, lightweight, and permeable sheet.
Key Characteristics & Advantages
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Lightweight: Aluminum is about 1/3 the weight of steel, making the mesh easy to handle, transport, and install.
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Corrosion Resistant: Naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly resistant to rust and ideal for outdoor, marine, or humid environments.
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Conductive: Excellent conductor of electricity and heat (useful for shielding, grounding, or heat dissipation).
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Reflective: Good reflectivity of heat and light.
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Non-Magnetic & Non-Sparking: Essential for certain safety and electronic applications.
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Malleable: Relatively easy to cut, form, and fabricate.
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Recyclable: 100% recyclable with a low environmental footprint.
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Aesthetic: Can be anodized or painted in various colors (e.g., black, bronze, gold) for architectural appeal.
Common Types of Aluminum Mesh
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Woven Wire Mesh | Wires woven in an over-and-under pattern (plain weave) or a more complex lock weave. Offers precision openings. | Filtration, Screening, Sieving, Precision grilles, insect screens. |
| Welded Wire Mesh | Wires laid perpendicular and welded at each intersection. Creates a very rigid, strong grid with square or rectangular openings. | Security screens, machine guards, gabions, cages, partitions. |
| Expanded Metal Mesh | A single sheet of aluminum that is slit and stretched (expanded), creating a diamond-shaped pattern. No welding or weaving—incredibly strong and rigid. | Walkways, platforms, fencing, grates, decorative panels. |
| Perforated Sheet | Sheet aluminum with holes punched in a precise pattern (round, square, decorative). Not a "mesh" in the traditional sense but serves similar functions. | Architectural facades, acoustic panels, filters, vents. |
Popular Applications
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Industrial: Filters, sieves, screens, conveyor belts, guarding for machinery, drying racks, Faraday cages, heat sinks.
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Architectural & Design: Decorative panels, sunshades, balcony infills, ceiling panels, room dividers, trellises, lighting features.
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Security: Screen doors, window screens, gutter guards, animal cages, aviaries.
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Agricultural & Gardening: Insect screens for greenhouses, plant supports, compost bins.
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DIY & Home Projects: Speaker grills, craft projects, organizers, radiator covers.
Technical Specifications to Consider When Ordering
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Alloy: Common alloys are 1100 (pure, excellent corrosion resistance), 3003 (stronger, good workability), and 5052 (excellent marine-grade resistance).
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Temper: Usually supplied in H14 or H24 (half-hard) for a good balance of strength and formability.
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Mesh Size: Number of openings per linear inch, or measured as Opening Size (the clear distance between wires).
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Wire Diameter: Thickness of the wire used, which affects strength and open area.
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Open Area: The percentage of open space vs. material, crucial for airflow or filtration.
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Sheet Dimensions: Standard panels (e.g., 4' x 8' or 1m x 2m) or rolls.
Comparison with Other Metals
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vs. Steel Mesh: Aluminum is lighter and won't rust, but steel (especially stainless) is generally stronger and more abrasion-resistant.
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vs. Stainless Steel: Aluminum is less expensive, lighter, and more conductive, but stainless is stronger and better for high-temperature or highly corrosive (e.g., chemical) environments.
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vs. Copper/Brass: Aluminum is much cheaper and lighter, but copper/brass have natural antimicrobial properties and a distinct aesthetic.
Purchasing Tips
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Define the Primary Function: Is it for filtering (needs precise openings), security (needs strength), or decoration (needs aesthetics)?
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Consider the Environment: Will it be exposed to saltwater, chemicals, or physical abrasion? Choose the alloy accordingly (e.g., 5052 for marine use).
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Get Samples: Always request a small sample to check for look, feel, and rigidity.
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Suppliers: Can be found through industrial metal suppliers, specialized mesh companies, and online retailers (e.g., McMaster-Carr, TWP Inc., local metal fabricators).
In summary, aluminum mesh sheet is the go-to choice when you need a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and versatile permeable metal sheet. Its combination of practicality and modern look makes it useful from factory floors to high-end architectural designs.
