Woven Wire vs Perforated Plate Sieves: Choosing the Right Format

Choosing the correct laboratory test sieve depends on more than aperture size. The screening surface, aperture shape, material and requirements of the test method should also be considered.

Woven Wire or Perforated Plate?

The main difference is the screening surface. Woven wire uses square openings formed by intersecting wires, while perforated plate uses openings punched into a rigid metal plate.

The choice should not be based on aperture size alone. If a standard, test method or laboratory procedure specifies a particular sieve type, this should guide the selection.

Consider the Required Aperture Range

Woven wire is generally used where finer particle separation is required. Within the range we supply, woven wire sieves are available down to 20µm.

Perforated plate sieves are available with round apertures from 1mm to 125mm and square apertures from 4mm to 125mm, in line with BS ISO 3310-2:2013.

The two formats overlap at larger aperture sizes, so aperture size alone does not determine which type should be used.

Round or Square Perforations?

Where perforated plate is required, the aperture shape should also be checked. Round and square openings of the same nominal size are not directly interchangeable.

Particle shape and orientation can affect whether material passes through an opening, especially with flat, long or irregular particles. The aperture shape specified by the test method should therefore be followed.

Particle Characteristics and Sample Behaviour

The characteristics of the sample can affect sieve selection and the final particle size results. Fine powders, granular materials and irregular particles can behave differently on woven wire and perforated plate surfaces.

For established test methods, changing the sieve construction or aperture shape can affect how results compare. Any change should therefore be allowed by the relevant standard or laboratory method.

Sieve Diameter and Material

Sieve diameter should suit the sample size, test method and existing sieving equipment. We supply perforated plate sieves in 200mm, 300mm, 315mm, 350mm, 400mm and 450mm diameters.

The material of the sieve frame and screening surface should also be considered where corrosion resistance, cleaning methods or sample compatibility are important.

Check the Screening Surface

Regular inspection helps maintain reliable sieve analysis. Woven wire should be checked for damaged, stretched or distorted wires, while perforated plate should be checked for damaged, blocked or misshapen openings.

Sample mass, sieving motion, test time and endpoint should follow the requirements of the relevant laboratory method.

Selecting the Appropriate Test Sieve

When selecting a test sieve, consider the aperture size and shape, sieve type, diameter, material, certification requirements and the standard or method being followed.

If an existing method already specifies woven wire or perforated plate, it is usually more important to follow that specification than to choose a sieve based only on the available aperture sizes.