I posted this question in the "PRRT", but I think it got lost in people listing vacations, so I'll make a new topic and maybe it will get a little more recognition. I was wondering if anyone has tried using printing screens (which are made of monofilament polyester) in place of steel screens and how well they worked? I was thinking that maybe the fabric could break easily or get particles stuck in them. The reason I ask is because they are more readily avaliable and also cheaper, at least from the websites I saw. Also if you have any websites for steel mesh screens it would be much appreciated if you could listed them. (I'll be using the screens to guage aluminum 100-200 mesh).

We probably didn't respond because we don't know. Just try it and see.

Yeah, that could be too. Well it actually doesn't really matter now, because I went ahead and ordered them anyways. For a screen that is 18" X 20" 110 mesh it cost $13, and for a same size one at 200 mesh screen it is $16. Even a 305 mesh screen at that size, it is only $20. I'll be sure to report back (if anyone cares) to tell you how they work, although I don't have any comparison to a steel one yet.

I think the fabric would be better. although they can rip easily if not taken care of and some would probably stick because of static elecricity, but on the steel ones, when they get worn in the holes can widen and it will make it inaccurate. I am no expert on the subject but it seems like it could be quite logical. Hope I was of some help.

Okay, I know everyone has been sitting on the edge of their seats for this reply, but just calm down... better. Anyway, I just thought I would share that from what I can tell, fabric printing screens work great for screening chemicals. They are very strong, infact I read the fabric is stronger than steel, and pass shit through them nicely. The screens come in either aluminum or wooden frames, I got wood and it works fine so go with the cheaper, and are much easier to find than steel screens. Here is the website I got them from http://zim-intl.com/screen/screens-tools.htm but you can find them all over the internet.

Edit: They will not rip at all. It is more like a plastic than a fabric and I can't imagine even breaking a straind unless you were rubbing it really hard with a knife or something sharp.

[This message has been edited by creepinghorseman (edited 07-31-2003).]