Why use steel wool or mesh as a cathode?
Fine wire has a very high surface area per kilogram, so metal plates efficiently from dilute solutions. Loaded steel wool is then smelted or acid-treated to recover the metal.
Electrowinning Cathodes (Steel Wool / Knitted Mesh)
Electrowinning cathodes made from steel wool or knitted mesh give a large surface area for metal (typically gold and silver) to plate onto in an electrowinning cell. SMI manufactures cathodes and cathode wool to your cell and basket dimensions in Pretoria.
How do I choose between steel wool and stainless mesh?
- Steel wool is consumable: it is removed with the metal and smelted. Low cost per cycle.
- Stainless knitted mesh can be reused: metal is washed or stripped off, and the cathode goes back in the cell.
- Choice depends on your recovery route (smelting vs washing) and your cell design.
What we need to quote
- Cell or basket dimensions
- Steel wool or stainless mesh, and grade if known
- Monthly quantity
Electrowinning Cathodes (Steel Wool / Knitted Mesh) — common questions
Need a custom mesh spec or a bulk quote?
Talk to our team in Pretoria. We manufacture to drawing in stainless steel, copper, aluminium, nickel, monel, Teflon and galvanised steel.