Filter discs are the most widely used stainless steel filter part — simple in shape, but precise in specification. A disc that is 0.3 mm too large will not seat; a disc one weave too coarse will pass the particles you needed to stop. This buyer’s guide walks through every parameter we need to build discs that fit and perform the first time.
1. Diameter and tolerance
Give us the outside diameter and the tolerance your housing allows. Our standard cut tolerance is around ±0.2–0.5 mm; tighter fits are available when your housing needs them. Tell us how the disc seats, because it changes the edge we build:
| Housing type | What to tell us | Typical edge |
|---|---|---|
| Clamped between flanges | OD + clamp area | Plain or wrapped |
| Seats in a groove | OD + groove width | Wrapped / rolled |
| Frequent removal / cleaning | OD + handling needs | Reinforced ring |
2. Filtration rating
Specify the mesh count or the micron rating you need to retain. If you are unsure which to give, tell us the particle size you must stop and we convert it to the correct weave and wire diameter — see our guide on mesh count vs. micron rating. The rating decides the weave; the weave decides open area and flow, so this parameter and your flow rate are linked.
3. Single layer, multilayer or sintered
This is the choice that most affects performance under pressure:
- Single woven layer — economical, high flow, ideal for general filtration where the disc is supported.
- Multilayer — a fine filtration layer on coarser support layers; holds its rating and shape far better under differential pressure.
- Sintered — layers bonded under heat and pressure into a rigid, permanent structure with a precise, stable micron rating; the layers cannot shift. Best for high or fluctuating pressure and for discs that are cleaned and reused.
If you are weighing these, our woven vs. sintered mesh guide goes deeper.
4. Edge finish
- Plain cut — economical, for supported discs
- Wrapped / rolled edge — prevents fraying and loose wires
- Reinforced ring — for handling and repeated cleaning
Loose wires are a real contamination risk in food, pharma and hydraulic duty, so choose a bound edge if stray fibres cannot be tolerated.
5. Material and quantity
Choose 304 for general use, or 316/316L for corrosive, food or pharma duty — our 304 vs 316L guide explains the trade-off. We are prototype- and low-volume friendly and scale to mass production, so send any quantity from samples to full runs.
A worked example
A customer needed a replacement disc for a hydraulic manifold but had only the failed part. We measured OD (48.2 mm), matched the weave to the original ~40-micron rating, added a wrapped edge to stop the fraying that had caused their fines, and shipped samples in four days. They approved and moved to a production run — no drawing required, just the sample and the duty.
The fastest way to order
A drawing (PDF, DWG or DXF) or a physical sample lets us quote immediately. If you only have the housing dimensions and the particle size, that is enough to start. Every disc is built to order — see the filter discs product page, or read how we handle bespoke geometries on Custom Solutions.
Send your disc specification or drawing and we reply within 24 hours. Request a Quote →