321 Stainless Steel Mesh

Product Description:

321 stainless steel mesh is a woven or welded mesh made from Grade 321 stainless steel, a titanium-stabilized austenitic alloy designed for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant applications. It is particularly valued for its resistance to intergranular corrosion and oxidation at elevated temperatures.

 Key Features of 321 Stainless Steel Mesh: 

1. Material Composition (UNS S32100 / AISI 321)

– Chromium (17-19%) → Provides oxidation & corrosion resistance. 

– Nickel (9-12%) → Enhances toughness and high-temperature strength. 

– Titanium (≥5× Carbon content) → Stabilizes against carbide precipitation (prevents sensitization during welding). 

– Carbon (≤0.08%) → Low carbon reduces weld decay. 

– Iron (Balance) → Maintains structural integrity. 

2. Temperature Resistance

– Continuous Service: Up to 900°C (1650°F). 

– Intermittent Service: Up to 925°C (1700°F). 

– Resists scaling & oxidation better than 304 in high-heat environments. 

3. Corrosion Resistance

– Excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion (due to titanium stabilization). 

– Good resistance to organic acids, alkalis, and mild oxidizing agents. 

– Less resistant to chlorides than 316L (not ideal for marine use). 

4. Mesh Specifications

– Weave Types: Plain weave, twill weave, Dutch weave, or welded mesh. 

– Mesh Sizes: From ultra-fine (e.g., 400 mesh for filtration) to coarse (e.g., 2 mesh for structural screens). 

– Wire Diameter: Adjustable based on application (thicker wires for durability). 

 Applications of 321 Stainless Steel Mesh: 

1. Aerospace & Jet Engines

   – Exhaust systems, heat shields, and afterburner components. 

2. Chemical & Petrochemical

   – Filters for acidic or high-temperature gas streams. 

3. Heat Treatment & Furnace Parts

   – Conveyor belts, radiant tubes, and burner screens. 

4. Automotive Exhaust Systems

   – Catalytic converter screens, muffler insulation. 

5. Food Processing & Pharmaceuticals

   – High-temperature sterilization filters (where titanium stabilization is critical). 

 Advantages Over Other Stainless Steel Meshes:

✅ Better than 304 in welded high-temperature applications (no carbide precipitation). 

✅ Superior to 316L in thermal cycling (due to titanium stabilization). 

✅ More cost-effective than specialty alloys (e.g., 347, 330) for moderate heat use. 

 Limitations 

❌ Not as corrosion-resistant as 316L in chloride-rich environments (e.g., seawater). 

❌ Lower high-temperature strength than RA330 or Inconel. 

❌ Titanium can make welding slightly more complex (requires proper filler metals). 

 Equivalent Grades & Standards 

– UNS S32100 (ASTM/ASME) 

– EN 1.4541 (European Standard) 

– AISI 321 (Common U.S. designation) 

 Comparison with Similar Alloys 

When to Choose 321 Mesh? 

✔ For welded high-temperature parts (furnaces, exhausts). 

✔ When intergranular corrosion resistance is critical. 

✔ If cost is a concern vs. superalloys (Inconel, RA330). 

For marine or highly corrosive environments, 316L or 904L would be better.