Characteristics of the Side Surfaces and Edges of Welded Wire Meshes Used in the Construction of Welded Slotted Screens

Welded resistance slotted screens, also known as slotted screens, are a special type of screen primarily used for the filtration and separation of liquids and dust. They are characterized by slots with parallel geometry and precisely defined sizes. The quality of the side surfaces and edges of welded wires determines the durability of the slotted screens made from them. This article presents the results of tests for four types of wires: two types of working profile wires made from austenitic-ferritic steel (duplex) and two types of supporting cross wires made from ferritic steel. The wire surfaces were characterized using a profilometer and atomic force microscopy. Basic roughness parameters Ra, Rz, and SAD (surface area difference) were determined. Surface observations of the working profiles were conducted using scanning electron microscopy. These studies allowed for the characterization of the working wire surfaces used in the production of slotted screens. At work, the results of surface roughness were analyzed based on three measurement methods for wires used in the production of welded slot screens. These results allowed for the identification of the most reliable method for characterizing the surface condition of such products.