Glossary of Terms

The combination of mesh count and wire diameter determines the aperture, the open area and the strength of the mesh.

Warp

The wires running lengthwise in a mesh.

Weft (or Shute)

The wires running transversely across the mesh width.

Aperture

The aperture is the size of the openings in the mesh, ie the distance between two adjacent warp or weft wires.

Aperture (mm) = 25.4/M - d

Where ‘M’ = mesh count per mm

And ‘d’ = wire diameter in mm

Mesh Count

The number of apertures or wires in a linear inch.

Mesh Count= 25.4/(a+d)

Where ‘a’ = aperture in mm

And ‘d’ = wire diameter in mm

Open Area

The proportion of aperture expressed as a percentage of the whole area.

Open area % = a²/(a+d)² x 100

Where ‘a’ = aperture in mm

And ‘d’ = wire diameter in mm

Selvedge

The finished edge formed by looped weft wires at either side of the mesh.

SWG

Standard Wire Gauge - a numbering system for standard wire diameters