Question 1

What is knitted wire mesh?

Accepted Answer

Knitted wire mesh is an industrial material made by knitting a single continuous wire into interlocking loops. The resulting fabric is highly compressible, resilient and has a very high surface area-to-volume ratio — making it ideal for gas–liquid separation, filtration, EMI shielding, gasketing and many custom industrial applications.

Question 2

What is the difference between knitted and woven wire mesh?

Accepted Answer

Woven wire mesh has a rigid grid of perpendicular wires, while knitted mesh is formed from a single continuous wire bent into interlocking loops. Knitted mesh is elastic, compressible and can be formed into 3D shapes — woven mesh is rigid and primarily used for screening and sieving.

Question 3

What materials is knitted wire mesh available in?

Accepted Answer

SMI manufactures knitted mesh in stainless steel (304, 316, 316L), copper, aluminium, nickel, monel, Teflon (PTFE) and galvanised steel. Multi-material constructions are available for specialised applications.

Question 4

What is a demister pad and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A demister pad — also called a mist eliminator — is a layered knitted mesh pad fitted in vessels where gas needs to be separated from entrained liquid droplets. Gas flows through the mesh, droplets impinge on the wires, coalesce into larger drops and drain back down by gravity. Typical separation efficiency is greater than 99% for droplets 3 microns and larger.

Question 5

What is EMI shielding mesh tape used for?

Accepted Answer

EMI (electromagnetic interference) shielding mesh tape is a flexible knitted wire tape wrapped around cable assemblies or used inside enclosures to block electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. It is commonly made from tinned copper, monel or stainless steel.

Question 6

Can SMI supply custom mesh shapes and sizes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We fabricate discs, cylinders, rings, rectangles, ovals and compressed panels to your drawing or sample. Send us a spec via the contact form and we will respond with material recommendations, pricing and lead time.

Question 7

Do you supply knitted mesh across South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SMI is based in Pretoria and supplies customers throughout South Africa and into the SADC region. Both once-off and bulk orders are welcome.

Question 8

What grades of steel wool do you stock?

Accepted Answer

We supply steel wool in all common grades from very fine (#0000) for polishing and woodwork through to coarse (#4) for heavy-duty stripping and scouring. Bulk pricing is available for retailers, hospitality groups and manufacturers.

Question 9

How do I request a quote?

Accepted Answer

Use the form on our Contact page, email hannes@smi-industrial.co.za, phone 012 942 8751 / 082 924 9993, or message us on WhatsApp. Include material, dimensions and quantity for the fastest response.

Question 10

What lead times can I expect?

Accepted Answer

Standard stocked items can usually ship within a few working days. Custom fabrications depend on material availability and complexity — most are completed within 1–3 weeks. We confirm lead time with every quote.

Frequently asked questions

Knitted mesh, demisters, steel wool & ordering

Need a custom mesh spec or a bulk quote?