Coarse Mesh

To measure wire cloth (woven wire cloth, stainless steel wire cloth, wire cloth screen, wire cloth strainer, industrial wire cloth, metal cloth, wire cloth) properly, the mesh count should be taken in both directions. On coarse meshes (mesh wire, woven wire mesh, wire mesh basket), this can be accomplished by counting the number of openings per linear inch measuring from wire center to wire center. After taking the first count, a second count should be taken at a 90 degree angle to the original measurement. The mesh count of the cloth shown is 10x10.

Fine Mesh

A mesh counter is used to measure finer meshes of wire cloth (woven wire cloth, stainless steel wire cloth, wire cloth screen, wire cloth strainer, industrial wire cloth, metal cloth, wire cloth) accurately. The fine mesh count is taken the same way the coarse mesh is computed by counting the number of openings per linear inch in one direction and taking another count at right angles to the original measurement.

Wire Diameter

Wire diameter is always checked with a micrometer. Diameters of wires in both directions should be checked.


Wire Cloth Uses

Although there are many uses for wire cloth, it is rarely seen. Industrial wire cloth is considered a component for equipment that has a need for filtering, separating, straining, sizing, diffusing, providing structure, etc.


  • Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Shielding

  • Low NOx Applications

  • Heat Conductor – Roof / Gutters

  • Medical (ie. Stints)

  • Straining

  • Diffusion – Liquid, Gas

  • Sizing of crush material

  • Explosive testing

  • EMI/RFI Shielding

  • Fuel Cells

  • Filtration – Liquid / Gas

  • Gas Burners

  • Safety and Protection

  • Baskets for dipping

  • Structure

  • Blast Containment