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Aluminum Wire Mesh

Aluminum is largely considered the most popular non-ferrous metal in the world, and as such, aluminum alloys are commonly used in the wire mesh industry. Aluminum alloys are composed primarily of aluminum, and also contain other elements like copper, magnesium, manganese, or silicon.

Aluminum woven wire mesh is lightweight; in fact, a good rule of thumb is that, when compared to its stainless steel counterpart, aluminum mesh is approximately 1/3rd the weight of stainless. Aluminum wire mesh is also corrosion resistant in most normal environments but will corrode quickly in the presence of alkaline solutions and hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids. With an estimated melting point of 1218°F, aluminum has many benefits, including a relatively low cost compared to other meshes. Aluminum woven wire mesh is a popular choice for a wide array of industries including aerospace and automotive, as well as marine and electrical conductivity applications.

As a large supplier of aluminum woven wire mesh, Darby specializes in stocking many of the standard or market grades of aluminum in alloy 5052 and alloy 5154. As indicated in the chart below, the 5000 series of aluminum contains magnesium which is the main secondary element. This inclusion of magnesium serves as a hardener and offers good corrosion resistance in marine atmospheres.

Alloys 1350 and 5056 are largely considered special order items in aluminum wire mesh. There are times that these aluminum alloys are on the floor or can be readily manufactured. For customers searching for specific aluminum alloys of custom mesh, please note that significant minimum order quantities may be required. Below, please find the chemical composition limits chart for the various alloys of aluminum wire mesh:

Chemical Composition Limits for Various Aluminum Wire Mesh Alloys (in %)
Alloy Si Fe Cu Mn Mg Cr Ni Zn Ti Ga V Other Aluminum
1350 0.10 0.40 0.05 0.01 … 0.01 … 0.05 … 0.03 … Trace 99.50
5052 0.25 0.40 0.10 0.10 2.2-2.8 0.15-0.35 … 0.10 … … … … Remainder
5056 0.3 0.40 0.1 0.05-0.20 4.5-5.6 0.05-0.20 … 0.10 … … … … Remainder
5154 .25 0.40 0.10 0.10 3.1-3.9 0.15-.35 … 0.20 0.20 … … Trace Remainder

Choose your Mesh:

From 2" x 2" Opening to 2 x 2 Mesh

In Aluminum, 2" x 2", 1" x 1" and opening sizes in between are generally considered custom manufactured items. 2 x 2 Mesh is a popular mesh count and typically offers an opening size of approximately ½” x ½”.

From 4 x 4 Mesh to 10 x 10 Mesh

These coarse-to-medium aluminum meshes are available from stock –particularly in the standard or market grade –or can be custom manufactured, depending upon a customer’s requirements.

From 12 x 12 Mesh to 20 x 20 Mesh

These medium aluminum meshes are available from stock– particularly in the standard or market grade – or can be custom manufactured, depending upon a customer’s requirements.


From 24 x 24 Mesh to 40 x 40 Mesh

These medium-to-fine aluminum meshes are available from stock –particularly in the standard or market grades—or can be custom manufactured, depending upon a customer’s requirements.

From 50 x 50 Mesh to 200 x 200 Mesh

These fine to ultra-fine wire mesh are available from stock or can be custom manufactured, depending upon a customer’s requirements. These meshes are typically reserved for high performance applications.

From 2.00" to .453"

When choosing mesh for a specific application, determining the appropriate opening size is essential. The mesh specifications featured here range from 2" to about 1/2" opening sizes.

From .437" to .080"

When choosing mesh for a specific application, determining the appropriate opening size is essential. The coarse-to-medium mesh specifications featured here range from about 1/4" to 1/12" in opening size.

From .078" to .030"

When choosing mesh for a specific application, determining the appropriate opening size is essential. The medium-to-fine mesh specifications featured here range from about 1/16" to 1/32" in opening size.


From .028" to .015"

When choosing mesh for a specific application, determining the appropriate opening size is essential. The fine mesh specifications featured here range from about 1/32" to 1/64" in opening size.

From .011" to .0029"

When choosing mesh for a specific application, determining the appropriate opening size is essential. The ultra-fine mesh specifications featured here range from about 1/100" to 1/500" in opening size.

Plain Weave/Plain Crimp

Plain Weave/Plain Crimp is considered the most popular weave/crimp type used in aluminum woven wire mesh. Wires are woven, one over, one under, in a simple and almost-natural style.

Intercrimp or Lock Crimp

Aside from a few stocked exceptions, Intercrimp or Lock Crimp is usually reserved for custom manufacturing where larger opening sizes are required.

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