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Mob.:+86 186 3280 7688
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E-mali: sales@dswirecloth.com
Mob.:+86 186 3280 7688
E-mali: sales@dswirecloth.com
Sep. 09, 2025
Metal filter mesh is an important filter consumable. Common metal materials used for weaving include austenitic stainless steel (such as 304, 316, 321, 310, 904, etc.), martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, duplex steel, etc. As a manufacturer of metal filter mesh, we have produced filter meshes of different materials. The performance of different materials is an important factor considered by end customers. Next, let's take a closer look at the differences between different metal materials in chemical composition, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and application areas . --- Austenitic stainless steel woven mesh (1)
1. Differences in chemical composition (comparison of key elements)
Brand | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | Mo (%) | Other Elements | Core Features |
304 | 18-20 | 8-1 0.5 | - | C≤0.08% | Basic type, molybdenum-free, low cost |
304L | 18-20 | 8-12 | - | C≤0.03% (ultra-low carbon) | Anti-intergranular corrosion, welding is preferred |
316 | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 | C≤0.08% | Molybdenum added for chloride ion corrosion resistance |
316L | 16-18 | 10-14 | 2-3 | C≤0.03% | 316 upgraded version, welding + corrosion resistance |
321 | 17-19 | 9-12 | - | Ti≥5×C% (titanium stabilization) | Anti-sensitization, high temperature oxidation resistance |
347 | 17-19 | 9-13 | - | Nb≥10×C% (niobium stabilized) | High temperature strength is better than 321 |
310S | 24-26 | 19-22 | - | C≤0.08% | High chromium and nickel, excellent anti-oxidation |
904L | 19-23 | 23-28 | 4-5 | Cu 1-2% | Super austenite, resistant to strong acid media |
Key Points:
- Molybdenum (Mo): Improves resistance to pitting/crevice corrosion (316/904L is suitable for chloride-containing environments).
- Titanium/Niobium (Ti/Nb): Stabilizing elements to prevent sensitization (321/347 for welded parts).
- Carbon (C): L-type ultra-low carbon (≤0.03%) resists intergranular corrosion.
- Chromium-nickel ratio: High Cr/Ni (such as 310S) significantly improves high-temperature oxidation resistance.
2. Comparison of high temperature resistance
Brand | Continuous use temperature limit | Antioxidation limit temperature | Normal operating temperature (long term) | High temperature strength characteristics |
304 | 870℃ | 900℃ | ≤300℃ | Medium temperature strength |
304L | 870℃ | 900℃ | ≤300℃ | Same as 304, better anti-allergic effect |
316 | 870℃ | 900℃ | ≤400℃ | Molybdenum improves creep strength |
316L | 870℃ | 900℃ | ≤400℃ | Good high temperature stability of welding parts |
321 | 900℃ | 950℃ | ≤650℃ | Titanium stabilized carbide, anti-sensitization |
347 | 900℃ | 950℃ | ≤750℃ | Niobium is stable and its high temperature strength is better than 321 |
310S | 1150℃ | 1100℃ | ≤1000℃ | Extremely high chromium and nickel content, best oxidation resistance |
904L | 400℃ (limited) | 500℃ | ≤250℃ | High nickel and molybdenum but relatively low chromium, non-high temperature steel |
Notice:
-The limit temperature is the critical point where the material undergoes irreversible damage. The normal operating temperature of the stainless steel mesh should be determined according to the actual working conditions and requirements .
- 904L high nickel-molybdenum is designed to prevent corrosion and is prone to precipitation of σ phase and brittleness at high temperatures.
3. Corrosion resistance comparison (acid, alkali/chloride)
(1) Inorganic acid resistance
Medium | 304/304L | 316/316L | 904L | 310S |
dilute sulfuric acid | Available in low to medium concentrations | Better than 304 | Very strong | generally |
Concentrated sulfuric acid | Intolerance (＞20%) | Intolerance (＞60%) | Resistant to 70% | Intolerance |
hydrochloric acid | Intolerant (any concentration) | Intolerance (＞1%) | Tolerant to 5% | Intolerance |
Nitric acid | Resistant to 65% | Resistant to 65% | Resistant but too expensive | Resistant to 80% |
Phosphoric acid | Available in low to medium concentrations | Better than 304 | Very strong | generally |
(2) Chloride environment
environment | 304/304L | 316/316L | 904L | 321/347 |
Pitting | Weak (Cl⁻＞200ppm) | Medium (Cl⁻＞1000ppm) | Very strong | Same as 304 |
Crevice Corrosion | weak | medium | Very strong | weak |
Stress corrosion | Sensitive (＞60℃) | More sensitive | Resistance | sensitive |
in conclusion:
- 316L: The most cost-effective chloride resistant option (seawater/coastal environments).
- 904L: Resistant to strong acids (sulfuric acid/phosphoric acid) and high Cl⁻ media (such as chemical plant reactors).
- 304: Only for mildly corrosive environments (tap water/air).
4. Mechanical properties and pressure bearing capacity
Brand | Tensile strength(MPa) | Yield strength(MPa) | Elongation(%) | Applicable pressure scenarios |
304 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥40 | Low pressure container (P＜1.6MPa) |
316L | ≥485 | ≥170 | ≥40 | Medium and high pressure vessels (thickened design up to 10MPa) |
321 | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥40 | High temperature pressure pipeline (high creep strength) |
310S | ≥515 | ≥205 | ≥40 | High temperature pressure bearing parts (furnace tubes) |
904L | ≥490 | ≥220 | ≥35 | Severely corrosive high-pressure equipment (such as chemical reactors) |
illustrate:
- The pressure bearing capacity mainly depends on the design thickness rather than the material itself, but high-strength steel can reduce weight;
- 321/347/310S (creep resistance) is required for high temperature conditions;
- 904L is close in strength to 316L, and corrosion resistance replaces strength requirements.
5. Typical application areas
Different grades of austenitic stainless steel woven filter mesh are suitable for different scenarios due to their corrosion resistance, strength, temperature adaptability and cost differences. The following is a selection guide for key grades:
Brand | Universal filter (applicable scenarios) | Advantages | limit |
304 / 304L | Basic Environment -Tap water filtration, food processing (juice/dairy products) ; -Air purification system (dust filtration) ; - Low-corrosion liquid filtration in the pharmaceutical industry (pH neutral) | Low cost (accounting for more than 70% of the market share) ; Good weaving processability (excellent ductility) | Not resistant to chloride ions (seawater, chlorine-containing disinfectants ); Working temperature＜300℃ |
316 / 316L | Chloric acid environment -Seawater desalination pretreatment filter (resistant to Cl⁻＞1000ppm) - Medium filtration in chemical pipelines (dilute sulfuric acid/acetic acid) - Ship ballast water filtration system - Medical dialysis equipment filters | Molybdenum (Mo) improves pitting corrosion resistance (PREN ≥ 25) ; 316L ultra-low carbon inhibits corrosion in weld areas | |
321 (Titanium Stabilized) / 347 (Niobium Stabilized) | Thermal environment - Internal combustion engine exhaust particulate collection filter (working temperature: 400-800℃) - Boiler feed water system filter (anti-scaling deposition) - Hot air furnace high temperature flue gas filtration | Titanium/niobium inhibits chromium carbide precipitation (anti-sensitization) High temperature strength retention rate> 80% (600℃) | The braiding tension needs to be controlled (to avoid high temperature creep deformation) |
904L (UNS N08904) | Strong acid/mixed media - Concentrated sulfuric acid reactor filter (concentration ≤ 70%) - Hydrometallurgical electrolyte filtration (containing H₂SO₄+Cu²⁺) - Landfill leachate treatment system | Pitting index PREN ≥ 35 (316L only 26) Hydrochloric acid resistance up to 5% (room temperature)
| The price is 3-5 times that of 316L, and it is only used in key parts |
Special functional type
1. High-precision medical filter (brand: 316L-VAR)
- Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) Process
- Used for:
- Sterile filtration for vaccine production (0.22μm)
- Artificial heart-lung machine blood filtration
2. Antistatic filter (surface modified 316L)
- Surface coated with carbon nanotube layer (resistance <10³Ω)
- For:
- Solvent filtration in the petrochemical industry (explosion-proof requirements)
Engineering practice suggestions
1. High flow rate scenario:
- Choose 316L and add a dense support layer (e.g. backing with 2mm pore size coarse mesh)
2. Particle-containing flushing environment:
- Electrolytic polishing of the surface (Ra≤0.2μm) to reduce adhesion
3. Frequent backwashing conditions:
- Priority 347 (Niobium stabilized for fatigue resistance)
4. Sterile system:
- 316L-VAR + Steam in Place (SIP) validation required
For filter material screening :
> Corrosion determines lifespan, fatigue determines strength, and temperature determines material boundaries – all three need to be checked simultaneously.
Need a Custom Solution?
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