316, 316L, and Brass are common types of materials used to make stainless steel wire mesh. The names refer to specific grades or alloys of stainless steel and brass, each with distinct compositions and properties. Here’s a breakdown of what each of these terms means:

4. 316

316 is another grade of austenitic stainless steel, similar to 304, but with the addition of 2-3% molybdenum (Mo).

The inclusion of molybdenum gives 316 stainless steel superior resistance to corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments (such as seawater or acidic solutions). This makes it more suitable for use in marine environments and applications where corrosion is a critical concern.

The composition is generally:

16-18% Chromium (Cr)

10-14% Nickel (Ni)

2-3% Molybdenum (Mo)

316 is commonly used in applications like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and marine environments.

5. 316L

316L is the low-carbon version of 316 stainless steel.

Like 304L, the L in 316L indicates low carbon content, typically less than 0.03%.

The primary advantage of 316L over 316 is improved weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion in welded joints. This makes it ideal for welding-heavy applications in highly corrosive environments.

316L is widely used in marine applications, chemical processing, and other environments where enhanced corrosion resistance is needed.

6. Brass

Brass is not stainless steel but an alloy of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), usually with copper content around 60-90%. It is often referred to as a non-ferrous metal because it does not contain iron.

Brass has good corrosion resistance, especially in mild environments, and is widely used in architectural applications, hardware, electrical connectors, and musical instruments.

While brass is often used to make wire mesh for sieving, filtering, or screening applications, it is not as resistant to corrosion as stainless steel, especially in harsh or saline environments.