When you look around and analyze the essentials of a home, office building, manufacturing plant, etc., smoke detectors are one of the most, if not the most, essential safety devices. As a fire can spread in the blink of an eye, their responsiveness is critical to saving lives.

That said, the effectiveness of a smoke detector relies on several different parts that work in conjunction. A key element of a smoke detector that works to ensure it functions as intended, is metal bug screen.

But what is the exact role of metal bug screen in regard to the functionality of a smoke detector?
The stainless-steel mesh surrounds the sensitive photoelectric chamber within the alarm and contains thousands of tiny holes, each perfectly engineered, no larger than 1.3mm in diameter. The tiny holes prevent most insects from accessing the internal chamber whilst still allowing air (and smoke) to pass through.

metal bug screen is often used to protect the sensor system of both smoke detector types from dust and other outside debris from hindering their functionality. As metal bug screen is an open product, any dust/debris present would accumulate on the surface of the screen, leaving the mesh openings clear for smoke to travel through.

Failure to include a dust deterrent can lead to dust building up on the sensors and either causing false alarms or failure to detect a fire. Now, while dust/debris is more likely to affect ionization detectors, manufacturers of both detector types should implement some sort of dust/debris deterrent.

    Please send drawing to our E-mail Selina.L@casignals.com for a quotation.

2. How to make the metal bug screen?

Generally we make the metal bug screen by photo etching. 

Why photo etching?

1. Low  cost for sampling and product development: compared with laser cutting and stamping, photo etching cost is much economical for all customers.

2. Densely micro holes according to your requirements. (holes can be as small as 0.05mm).

3. Accurate aperture shapes/sizes to guarantee a well match with the smoke detector.

4. More flexible on mesh design: Special features and differing aperture shapes can be incorporated in a single mesh without cost penalty.

5. Wide range of material options:  photo etching can make meshes on Stainless steel, Copper, Brass, Aluminum, Carbon Steel, Titanium, metal alloy and so on, from 0.02mm to 1.0mm thickness, sizes up to 1500mm x 600mm.

6. More options on required process: photo etching metal bug screen also can be plated, stamped to shape and logo added.
Please send drawing to our E-mail Selina.L@casignals.com for a quotation.

3. How Much Does metal bug screen Cost?

In smoke detectors, metal bug screen is typically implemented in cylindrical rings that have a welded seam that holds its shape. This would classify the mesh as a fabricated part.

The cost of a fabricated part is determined by several factors. These factors include:

• Dimensions
• Required value-added service
• Mesh specifications
• Labor
• Layer configuration
• Quantity

As these parts are generally easy to make, quantity will be the main driving factor for fabricated smoke detector mesh.
   Please send drawing to our E-mail Selina.L@casignals.com for a quotation.

4. What is the lead time of production of the metal bug screen?

Sample time 2-3 working days
Mass production time around 5-12 working days according to the quantity.