Material Selection and Quality Control
Every screen starts with the right material grade. We manufacture from 8 stainless steel grades, each selected for the operating environment. Quality control runs from incoming material certification through final dimensional inspection.
Stainless Steel Grade Comparison
Chromium provides corrosion resistance. Nickel adds toughness and formability. Molybdenum improves resistance to chloride pitting. The right combination depends on your process chemistry, temperature, and mechanical loads.
| Grade | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % | Advantage | Corrosion Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18 | 8 | - | Cost-effective, general industrial use | Good |
| 304L | 18 | 8 | - | Low carbon, superior weldability | Good |
| 316 | 16 | 10 | 2 | Chloride and chemical resistance | Very Good |
| 316L | 16 | 10 | 2 | Low carbon 316, food and pharma grade | Very Good |
| 316Ti | 16 | 10 | 2+Ti | Titanium stabilized, high-temp service | Very Good |
| 321 | 18 | 10 | -+Ti | Oxidation resistant at sustained heat | Good |
| Super Duplex | 25 | 7 | 3.5 | 2x yield strength of 316L, seawater rated | Excellent |
When to Choose What
Fresh water, general industrial filtration: SS 304L provides the best cost-to-performance ratio.
Mining and abrasive slurries: S355 and Hardox grades resist surface wear from heavy particle contact.
Chlorinated water, chemical processing, marine atmospheres: SS 316L resists chloride pitting.
Sustained temperatures above 400C: SS 316Ti or 321 maintain structural integrity.
Seawater intake, desalination, offshore platforms: Super Duplex provides 25+ year service life.
Why V-Wire Outperforms Alternatives
The triangular cross-section of V-wire creates a slot that widens inward. This geometry is fundamental to wedge wire screen performance and separates it from perforated plate and woven mesh alternatives.
Non-Clogging Slot
The V-profile creates two narrow contact points at the surface. Particles either pass through or are rejected. Near-size particles that would lodge in parallel-sided openings fall through the widening gap.
High Open Area
Continuous slot design achieves 15% to 65% open area depending on wire and slot combination. Higher open area means more flow per unit of screen surface, smaller equipment, and lower pressure drop.
Structural Strength
Each wire-to-rod intersection is individually resistance welded. The resulting structure handles vibration, pressure differentials, and mechanical impact that would deform woven mesh or thin perforated plate.
AW Wire Profiles and AS Support Rod Specifications
Every screen is built from two components: V-shaped wire profiles (AW series) that form the filtration surface, and support rods (AS series) that provide the structural framework. Profile selection depends on slot aperture, structural load, and application requirements.
Wire Profiles (AW Series)
Standard V-Wire
(Single angle, ≤23°)| Profile | W (mm) | H (mm) | α |
|---|---|---|---|
| AW 12 | 1.00 | 2.50 | 20° |
| AW 18 | 1.60 | 3.00 | 23° |
| AW 28 | 2.20 | 4.50 | 23° |
| AW 34 | 2.80 | 5.00 | 23° |
| AW 42 | 3.40 | 6.50 | 23° |
Wide-Angle V-Wire
(Single angle, >30°)| Profile | W (mm) | H (mm) | α |
|---|---|---|---|
| AW 32 | 2.50 | 5.00 | 32.65° |
| AW 50 | 5.00 | 7.50 | 33.78° |
Dual-Angle V-Wire
(Compound angle)| Profile | W (mm) | H (mm) | α₁ | α₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW 42-12 | 3.40 | 6.50 | 12° | 33.79° |
Support Rod Profiles (AS Series)
Triangle Tip
(Pointed contact surface)| Profile | W (mm) | Wt (mm) | H (mm) | α |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 22 | 2.00 | 1.80 | 4.50 | 51° |
| AS 20 | 2.00 | 1.80 | 4.50 | — |
| AS 30 | 3.00 | 2.53 | 7.50 | — |
T-Profile
(Wide contact surface)| Profile | W (mm) | Wt (mm) | H (mm) | Wb (mm) | Hb (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS 33 | 4.00 | 3.00 | 6.35 | 2.13 | — |
| AS 35 | 4.00 | 2.40 | 4.30 | — | — |
What We Measure and How
| Parameter | Method | When |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | In-house inspection equipment, mill certificates | Before production |
| Wire Cross-Section | Dimensional measurement against profile spec | Before welding |
| Weld Penetration | Visual and destructive sample testing | During production |
| Slot Aperture | Precision feeler gauges at multiple points | During and after |
| Overall Dimensions | Length, diameter, width measurement | Final inspection |
| Roundness | Deviation measurement on cylindrical screens | Final inspection |
| Flatness | Surface deviation on flat panels | Final inspection |
| Surface Condition | Visual inspection for defects and finish quality | Final inspection |
| Wire Spacing Accuracy | Precision measurement at multiple points | After production |
| Open Area Percentage | Calculation verified by flow testing | Design verification |
| Material Composition | XRF spectroscopy, in-house inspection equipment, mill certificates | Before shipment, customer report |
What Ships With Every Screen
Certificate of Conformity
Confirms material grade, dimensions, slot aperture, and compliance with the approved drawing. Issued for every screen we manufacture.
Material Test Report
Chemical composition and mechanical properties from the material supplier, cross-referenced with our incoming inspection results.
Dimensional Report
Measured dimensions, slot aperture readings, and any applicable tolerance verification. Available on request for critical applications.
Need Material Recommendations?
Describe your operating environment. Our engineers will recommend the right material grade and provide a project quotation.
CONTACT ENGINEERING TEAM