Screen Mesh Reference

When screen cloth is manufactured, the mesh sizes typically do not directly correspond to the US Standard Sieve mesh sizes that are often used for lab or testing purposes. Sweco primarily manufactures two styles of screen cloth, Market Grade (MG) and Tensile Bolt Cloth (TBC).

For a given mesh size, an MG screen will have a thicker wire diameter than a TBC screen. As such, the amount of open screen area in an MG screen is less than in a TBC screen. The TBC screen can therefore handle a higher volume, but the MG screen will provide a longer life.

Consider a 40 mesh US standard sieve, the opening is 0.0167”″. With an MG screen, the choice is between a 35 mesh screen at 0.0176”″ versus a 40 mesh screen with a 0.0150”″ opening. Note either screen wire diameter is just over 0.01″ diameter with a total screen opening of approximately 37%. If a TBC screen is used, the desired opening falls between a 44 and 46 mesh screen. Either of these screens uses a wire diameter half the size of an MG screen, but the total open area is about 57%.

Which screen cloth is best? If the material flows easily, does not blind the screen, and is not abrasive, then TBC screens will handle a higher volume, often resulting in a smaller diameter screener. Otherwise, the MG screen is preferable, as hard-to-flow and sticky material need screen cleaning systems, so the thicker wire will last longer.

The following is a downloadable file that can help you determine what will best meet your needs.

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