Most filter screens have a square weave and are not welded at cross points because the pattern is too fine.
Filter Screens – Newark Wire Cloth Company
Filter screens are open yet protective barriers that are simple in design, but very effective in removing dirt, dust and other particles from any liquid. These screens take the idea of strainers or window screens and apply it to filtration systems of all kinds. The food and beverage manufacturing, petro-chemical, agricultural, water purifying, mining, pharmaceutical and oil industries use filter screens to purify and clean many different types of liquids, including irrigation water, potable water, oil, alcoholic beverages and juices.
One of the most common places to find a filter screen is in faucets. They are small, round pieces of woven wire mesh situated at the faucet opening to catch any debris and dirt that made it through the drinking water system. Filter screens are reusable, long lasting, and very resistant to a variety of temperatures and moisture. They won’t rust, unravel or wear out easily. If that does happen, filter screens are very inexpensive and easy to replace.
Filter screens are made of very fine metal wires, usually made of aluminum because of its light weight and high durability, or stainless steel because of its smooth, highly resistant finish. The wires themselves are manufactured through the drawing process, which forces a wire through a smaller die, thus decreasing its diameter. This may be done several times to achieve the ultra-thin measurements of filter screen wires. Sets of perpendicular wires are then woven together by interlacing with each other over and under in an even pattern. The result is a fine gauge, tight, durable wire cloth that lets water and liquid through but stops even the tiniest of particles.
After the weaving process, which produces the wire cloth in large sheets or rolls, it is galvanized to increase durability and rust resistance. During this process, the wire cloth is hot dipped in molten zinc, which causes the metal’s strength and resistance properties to enhance and strengthen. Once dry, the wire cloth will not oxidize if exposed to water for long periods of time. All filter screens must be routinely cleaned out. They are continuously used, and the particles and contaminants they stop tend to build up behind them.