Both stainless steel and nickel are two materials that are commonly used in many industries, especially for wire mesh industry.
Each material has its own pros and nons, so how should we be sure that the material we choose is the right one?
Nowadays, stainless steel is the most popular and common seen material during woven mesh production, but other materials such as nickel can also be used as a material for woven wire mesh due to its excellent properties.
Therefore, it is important to understand the differences between the materials to decide the best material for your projects.
We, BOEDON, have been specializing in woven wire mesh for over 20 years, and we have earned the trust and cooperation of our customers by strictly controlling every detail of the process and overcome difficulties with them.
Here we will help you learn the difference between stainless steel and nickel from four aspects:
Stainless steel is an alloy composed of a specific content of carbon and chromium, thus making stainless steel relatively high corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. But its high temperature resistance makes it a certain requirement for welding technology.
Among that, there are 9 main types: 304, 309, 310, 316, 317, 318, 321, 330, 347. In the woven mesh industry, 304 and 316 are the most widely used types.
Nickel is a silvery-white metal with magnetic properties, good malleability and good corrosion resistance. It is mainly used in alloys and as a catalyst (e.g. Raney Nickel, especially for hydrogen production). In the woven mesh industry, nickel 200 and Monel 400 materials are mainly used.
| Performance | Stainless Steel | Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Chromium element help to form protective layer for corrosion resistance. Excellent corrosion resistance during common applications, such as acids and chloride environments |
Natural ability to form a thin, protective layer of nickel oxide on the surface. Better corrosion resistance in highly corrosive environments, such as chemicals, acids, and alkalis |
| Mechanical Property | High toughness, strength, and ductility, good electrical conductivity | High strength, hardness, and ductility, high temperature resistance |
| Application | Stainless steel wire mesh is widely used in mining, oil and gas, food processing, pharmaceuticals, architecture, and filtration. It is suitable for applications requiring corrosion resistance, strength, and hygiene. | Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity, nickel wire mesh finds applications in industries such as chemical processing, filtration, electronics, aerospace, and fuel cells |
| Cost | Relatively expensive | More cost-effective |
The material you choose depends on the your specific application requirements
Stainless steel and nickel are the two popular materials of woven wire mesh. Stainless steel offers the perfect balance between heat and corrosion resistance, while nickel is popular for its unique thermal, electrical and magnetic conductivity.
At BOEDON, we focus on every detail, so we strive to understand the situation of your project and provide you with the best solution. If you are still confused about this, please contact us for further assistance.
