The characteristics of stainless steel wire mesh are as follows:
High strength, excellent tensile strength, toughness, and wear resistance; highly durable;
High-temperature oxidation resistance: 304 stainless steel wire mesh has a nominal temperature resistance of 800°C, while 310S stainless steel wire mesh can withstand temperatures up to 1150°C;
Good resistance to acids, alkalis, and corrosion;
Smooth finish requiring no additional surface treatment; easy to maintain;
Suitable for room-temperature processing (easy plastic deformation), allowing for diverse applications. While stainless steel wire mesh is typically made from 304-grade steel, unscrupulous manufacturers may sometimes pass off 302 or 201 grades as 304 to increase profits. Since these grades are difficult to distinguish from 304 with the naked eye, how can we tell them apart? Today, we will briefly introduce methods for identifying stainless steel wire mesh materials.
The chemical composition of 201 is 1Cr17Mn6Ni5, while that of 304 is 0Cr19Ni10. The primary difference lies in their nickel and chromium content: 201 contains 17% chromium, 5% nickel, and 6% manganese, whereas 304 contains 19% chromium and 10% nickel. This results in significant differences regarding color, corrosion resistance, acid/alkali resistance, and toughness. Below, we outline methods for distinguishing between these stainless steel materials.
Methods for distinguishing stainless steel wire mesh materials are as follows:
1. Toughness: 304 has superior toughness, whereas 201 is harder and more brittle. When tested with a hard scratching tool, 201 will show distinct scratch marks, while the surface of 304 will not show obvious scratches.
2. Acid and alkali resistance: Due to its lower nickel content, 201 does not offer the same level of acid and alkali resistance as 304. 3. Regarding corrosion resistance: Since 201 stainless steel contains manganese, it is prone to rusting after prolonged exposure to humid or high-salinity environments; in contrast, 304 stainless steel does not contain manganese and will not rust.
4. Regarding color: Due to its manganese content, 201 stainless steel has a darker appearance compared to 304, which is whiter and brighter.
These are four methods for distinguishing between stainless steel wire mesh materials—have you mastered them? When purchasing stainless steel wire mesh, be sure to look closely and ensure you are buying genuine stainless steel products.
