Characteristics and Types of Fiberglass Mesh Filters

The fiberglass mesh filter is an inorganic non-metallic material with excellent performance. It has a wide variety of advantages. The advantages are good insulation, strong heat resistance, good corrosion resistance, and high mechanical strength, but its disadvantages are brittleness and poor wear resistance. It is made of glass balls or waste glass as raw materials through high-temperature melting, drawing, winding, weaving, and other processes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the characteristics and types of fiberglass mesh filters. 

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Characteristics and Types of Fiberglass Mesh Filters

Characteristics of Fiberglass Mesh Filters

1. The filter has high tensile strength and low elongation (3%).
2. The filter has a high elastic coefficient and good rigidity.
3. The filter has large elongation within the elastic limit and high tensile strength, so it can absorb impact energy.
4. The filter is made of inorganic fiber, which is non-flammable and has good chemical resistance.
5. Its water absorption is small.
6. High-temperature resistance.
7. High filtration efficiency.

Types of Fiberglass Mesh Filters

1. ULPA'Ultra Low Penetration Air) Filter

ULPA (Ultra Low Penetration Air) filter has a filtration efficiency of more than 99.999% for 0.1~0.2μm particles, smoke and microbes, and other dust particles. 

ULPA filter characteristics: Its filter element is made of ultra-fine glass fiber filter material by gluing and folding. The outer frame can be made of laminated wood, galvanized copper, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy, and it is tightly bonded by polyurethane glue. It has the characteristics of lightweight, large air permeability, dust collection rate as high as 99.95-99.999%, and alkali resistance, and high-temperature resistance.

ULPA filter applications: It is suitable for class -100 clean systems, air conditioning systems, so the product has been widely used in electronics, microelectronics, semiconductors, optical devices, biological and medical circuits, cameras, and optical instruments, precision machinery, and other fields.

2. High-Temperature Air Filter

The high-temperature air filter still has a partition structure. It is assembled with high-temperature resistant glass fiber or ultra-fine glass fiber filter paper, aluminum foil partition, stainless steel frame, and special high-temperature resistant sealant. 

High-temperature air filters are mainly used in ultra-clean ovens that require drying in the production process of food, pharmaceuticals, etc., or high-temperature air purification equipment and systems. The maximum working temperature is 350 degrees.

3. High Humidity Resistant Air Filter

The high-humidity air filter has a partition structure, using special moisture-proof ultra-fine glass fiber filter paper, special rubber sheet or aluminum foil partition, galvanized sheet, or aluminum alloy profile frame. It is suitable for high humidity under normal temperature and pressure, especially in high humidity environments such as infusion production in the pharmaceutical industry. The maximum working humidity is 100%.

The Disadvantage of Fiberglass Mesh Filters

Due to the poor ductility of glass fiber, the glass fiber filter is easily damaged, so be careful when installing it.

Conclusion 

Thank you for reading our article and we hope it can help you to have a better understanding of the characteristics and types of fiberglass mesh filters. If you want to learn more about fiberglass mesh filters, we would like to advise you to visit Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) for more information. 

Fiberglass Panel Filters vs. Pleated Synthetic Filters

With so many air filter options, it can be confusing to figure out which air filter to choose. Many people have their favorites, but we are here to 'clear' the air on whether a fiberglass 'throw-away' air filter or pleated air filter is best for you. When determining which filter is right for you and your needs you might consider price, changeout frequency, air flow/restriction, construction quality, and MERV rating/efficiency.

Fiberglass Panel Filter

Pleated Synthetic Filter

Cost

Approx. $3-$5

Approx. $5-$15

Replacement Frequency

Up to 30 days

Up to 90 days

Air Flow

Non-Restrictive

Slightly Restrictive

Quality

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Flimsy and Porous

Sturdy and Durable

Dust Loading Capacity

Flat Porous Media: Low dust holding capacity

Pleated Media: High dust holding capacity

MERV Rating and Efficiency

MERV 4-5 (less filtering ability)

MERV 8-13 (effectively stops and traps air containments from recirculating)

Fiberglass Panel Air Filters:

Let's begin with fiberglass panel filters. Fiberglass filters are often referred to as 'throwaway' or 'disposable' filters because they typically last no longer than 30 days. These panel filters use either a spun glass media or a non-woven fiberglass media, with a flimsy cardboard frame and can be found in most hardware stores for a few dollars. The main argument with users of the fiberglass filters is that it will save you money, but keep in mind that you'll have to replace these filters monthly (if not more frequently depending on how highly trafficked your environment is) and you'll get what you pay for. Another reason many people opt for these filters is because they provide the least amount of airflow resistance for an HVAC system.

However, with this ease of airflow comes lower quality air filtration. Fiberglass filters have a very low MERV rating between 2-3 efficiency. A MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) is the standard rating system for measuring an air filter's overall effectiveness at trapping air pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the finer the particles the filter can trap and block from recirculating back into the air. A MERV rating between 6-13 is recommended for residential use and 5-16 MERV for commercial environments. Fiberglass air filters have media that is loosely woven with a low MERV rating, which means many air pollutants pass through the filter sending the allergens and particulates back into the circulating air.

Fiberglass Panel Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Price: Inexpensive, most fiberglass throwaway filters range from $3-$5.
• Air Flow: Non-Restrictive, fiberglass filters' media is very porous and will not restrict air flow. However, most fiberglass filters must be replaced every 30 days to ensure the filter isn't being fully loaded with debris and pollutants so that air can still pass through with ease.
• Catches Large Debris: Large lint and dust particles are easily captured by the fiberglass media.

Cons:

• Dust Holding Capacity: Because fiberglass filter uses a panel style media it has a smaller surface area that can trap and hold debris; giving it a low dust holding capacity.
• Filter Changeouts: frequent filter replacements, every 30 days.
• Quality: Fiberglass panel filters use a porous fiberglass media and a flimsy cardboard frame. Fiberglass filters are prone to damage when in use and can damage your HVAC system while letting debris recirculate.
• Filtration Rating: Fiberglass filters have a low MERV rating (MERV 4-5). Fiberglass filters do not filter out fine air pollutants like pollen, dust, dust mites, bacteria, or viruses and are not recommended for environments where there are allergy or asthma suffers, pets, or lots of foot traffic. Fiberglass filters capture less than 25% of particles that range from 3 to 10 micron in size, this includes small pollutants like pollen, dander, and bacteria.

Pleated Air Filters:

While not the cheapest option, pleated air filters provide superior air filtration to fiberglass panel filters. Manufactured using a premium pleated synthetic fiber media, these filters allow for an increased surface area to capture more airborne pollutants. Additionally, these filters are reinforced with an expanded metal backing and heavy-duty frame. Pleated AC/furnace filters are available in an 8-13 MERV rating and can last up to 90 days without requiring a filter changeout. Although some older HVAC systems may be strained and experience less airflow with pleated filters, most HVAC systems today have had advancements so that the performance is unaffected by pleated filters. The synthetic media used in these filters effectively traps and blocks smaller sized air particles better than fiberglass filters, keeping your environment's air free of pollutants and allergens longer.

Pleated Filter Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Dust Holding Capacity: Pleated filters use a pleated accordion style media that increases the filter's surface area and dust holding and load capacity.
• Filter Changeouts: Pleated filters have a service life of up to 90 days, depending on the environment and foot traffic.
• Quality: Pleated filters are manufactured with a high-quality synthetic media and a sturdy die-cut frame that is durable even in high humidity environments.
• Filter Rating: Pleated filters are available in a MERV 8, 10, 11, or 13 rated media. The pleated synthetic media captures fine dust, pollen, dirt, pet dander, bacteria, and some viruses. Pleated filters are a great option for environments where there are infants, allergy sufferers or people with asthma.

Cons:

• Price: Pleated air filters can range anywhere from $5-$15 dollars depending on the size and filter rating.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiberglass and Pleated Air Filters

What is a pleated filter?

A pleated filter is an air filter that is manufactured using a synthetic fiber media that is pleated into an accordion or pleat style pattern to create more surface area to hold dust and debris that is filtered. The synthetic media is reinforced with an expanded metal backing and is housed in a heavy-duty die-cut beverage board frame.

What are pleated filters made of?

Pleated filters are made using a premium synthetic fiber media that effectively traps fine dust, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria and more. The media is adhered to expanded metal backing for additional structure and support during use. The frame is made of heavy-duty beverage board that ensures the filter's integrity even in high humidity environments.

Are fiberglass filters safe?

Yes, fiberglass filters are safe. However, they are not as durable as pleated filters and if they are not replaced frequently, they run the risk of falling apart and damaging your HVAC unit. Because fiberglass filters are panel filters, they have a low dust holding capacity and are not able to filter fine air pollutants like dust, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses.

Are pleated air filters better?

While fiberglass filters work, pleated filters do an overall better job at filtering and trapping common small airborne pollutants and contaminates. Pleated filters also have a longer service life (up to 90 days) and have a higher dust holding capacity.