Pure copper wire mesh is a perennial favourite of our industrial customers thanks to its unique properties. Mesh made of copper is a highly conductive and corrosion-resistant material that is available in various sizes, making it ideal for myriad applications and project.
As more customers explore the benefits of copper wire mesh, we thought it would be helpful to outline some of the main benefits of this material with this article.
Let’s get into it….
What Are The Key Characteristics Of Pure Copper Wire Mesh?
Firstly, let’s break down the key characteristics of this mesh metal:
- Bending & Forming – Excellent. Copper is light and flexible making it the finished structure is malleable. Obviously, this is contingent on the thickness of the mesh. Some of our copper mesh is super soft like silk. This can be folded, as you would a fabric.
- Corrosion Resistance – Excellent. Copper is essentially corrosion-proof due to the formation of a thin, protective layer of copper oxide on its surface that prevents further oxidation.
- Welding – Possible. Soldering, brazing, and welding can all be used to join copper and copper alloys.
- Painting – Good. Spray paint can be used to paint copper. The metal should be clean and dry before spray painting. An epoxy primer should be applied to promote adhesion. Again, our super fine mesh cannot be painted as the holes are too fine. Only the 2.5mm hole mesh has the potential to be painted, and even then it may be too fine to avoid aperture clogging.
High Electrical Conductivity
Pure copper wire mesh is an excellent conductor of electricity. This makes it a go-to material for applications where high conductivity is essential, such as in electrical circuits, grounding, and shielding applications.
Copper mesh has high thermal conductivity, which makes it an ideal material for heat sinks, electrical appliances, and power distribution applications.
Corrosion-Resistant
This metal boasts excellent corrosion resistance and can withstand harsh environments.
Copper wire mesh is known for its resistance to corrosion. This is due to the fact that copper is a naturally corrosion-resistant metal as it forms a protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air. This layer, called a patina, helps prevent further corrosion of the metal.
This resistance makes it a popular choice for marine applications, as well as outdoor usage. Copper wire mesh holds up well against exposure to saltwater, UV radiation, and a variety of chemicals, making it ideal for use in pools, sewage plants, and agricultural applications.
Verdigris
However, when copper wire mesh is exposed to air and moisture over time, it may develop a greenish coating known as verdigris. This is a natural occurrence and is caused by the oxidation of the copper in the mesh. The verdigris coating is a mixture of copper compounds, including copper carbonate and copper chloride.
While some people may find the verdigris coating aesthetically pleasing, it can potentially impact the functionality of the copper wire mesh, especially if it’s being used for electrical purposes. The verdigris coating can increase the electrical resistance of the mesh and affect its conductivity.
High Strength & Durability
Copper wire mesh is known for its robustness and durability, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications.
These properties make copper mesh an excellent choice for products like filters, sieves, and screens.
Copper wire mesh can also withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in industrial furnaces and incinerators.
8 Holes Per Inch – 2.55mm Hole
This is the largest hole copper mesh that we currently stock. It is the best material to demonstrate how strong and durable copper can be.
It is extremely malleable and easy to form.
We recommend it for rodent control as not only is it tough, rats and mice also have a dislike of the taste of copper. The exact reason for this aversion is not fully understood, there are a few possible explanations.
The leading theory is that rats have an innate dislike for the taste of metals like copper, which they may associate with unpleasant or harmful substances. Another possibility is that the copper taste may be too strong or overwhelming for the rats, causing them to avoid it. We just don’t know at this point. We just know that it works very well in internal vents and gaps.
Attractive & Decorative
Pure copper wire mesh can be aesthetically pleasing and adds a touch of class and elegance to any décor.
The standard copper colour is considered to be very appealing, and it only improves in time as it ages and turns verdigris. This can be a unique feature in a multitude of decorative applications, including arts and crafts, interior design, and fashion.
Of course the most common creative being sculpture. Everyone is familiar with Lady Liberty. But you may not be aware that she is made of 2.4mm thick copper sheeting. This is great example of the colour that copper can end up.
Environmentally Friendly
Copper wire mesh is eco-friendly and recyclable, making it a sustainable material that conserves the earth’s resources.
Copper is one of the few elements that can be recycled without losing its strength, making it an ideal material for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and increase their sustainability.
It’s lack of biodegradability is also not an issue. While copper wire mesh may not biodegrade, it does not release harmful toxins into the environment. This means that even if it is disposed of, it will not have a negative impact on soil or water quality.
It is also long lasting, which also improves its eco credentials.
As this article demonstrates, pure copper wire mesh is a versatile, durable, and relatively unknown material that has many benefits across various industries.
Its excellent electrical conductivity, corrosion-resistance, strength, and recyclability make it suitable for myriad applications, from industrial to decorative uses.
Copper mesh is an excellent investment for both businesses and individuals who need a reliable, long-lasting solution.
The Mesh Company offer heavy duty all the way down to super fine options. So no matter what your intended application, we should have you totally covered.
As always, thank you for checking out our blog. We hope that this helps you with your project. We try to launch a couple of new guides every week. Eventually we will have covered everything there is to cover about mesh.
You may be interested in our blog that explores brass wire mesh.
Our goal for our blogs and help guides is to answer as many questions as possible to help to explain the possibilities of mesh to our customers.