Sifting Solutions

400 Mesh to Micron Conversion

400 mesh corresponds to a nominal opening of 38 microns (0.038 mm). In botanical screening, this is generally treated as a ultra-fine separation step for dry sift, pollen, and powder handling lines.

Mesh Count

400

Openings per linear inch

Opening

38 microns

0.038 mm

Opening Inch

0.00150

Nominal clear opening

Open Area

36.0%

Wire diameter 0.025 mm

Technical Data

Mesh count400
Nominal opening (micron)38 microns
Nominal opening (millimeter)0.038 mm
Nominal opening (inch)0.00150 in
Nominal wire diameter0.025 mm
Nominal open area36.0%

Engineering Definition

A 400 mesh screen is built with 400 openings per linear inch. For this reference, the clear opening is listed at 38 microns, with a nominal wire diameter of 0.025 mm and an open area near 36.0%. These values are used for engineering comparison, not as a substitute for final supplier drawings.

At 38 microns, this screen size tends to shift the process toward laboratory-style classification where particle size control matters more than open throughput. In production terms, it sits in the ultra-fine part of the screening range and is usually selected after operators define the target fraction, feed dryness, and deck loading rate.

Conversion Formulas

These formulas explain the unit relationship shown in the table.

Micron from mm

micron = mm x 1000

0.038 mm x 1000 = 38 microns

mm from micron

mm = micron / 1000

38 / 1000 = 0.038 mm

Inch conversion

inch = micron / 25400

38 / 25400 = 0.00150 in

Application Guidance

Process notes are assembled directly from the selected opening value so each page stays consistent with the table above.

Pollen Collection

When a 400 mesh screen is used for pollen collection, the nominal opening is 38 microns. This range is typically reserved for selective finishing passes where very fine particulate control is required.

Dry Sift Separation

For dry sift separation, 400 mesh gives a nominal clear opening of 38 microns. At this point the screen is acting as a fine classification layer, so feed consistency and blinding control become more important.

Powder Grading

In powder grading work, 400 mesh is roughly equivalent to 38 microns. This level is more appropriate for fine powder classification, test work, and controlled laboratory evaluation.

Botanical Pre-Screening

For botanical pre-screening, a 400 mesh cloth opens at about 38 microns. At this fineness the screen is no longer a rough pre-screen. It becomes a precision control point inside a multi-stage grading workflow.

Data Note

Nominal opening values were curated from commonly referenced industrial wire cloth and U.S. sieve conversion charts. Actual clear opening can vary by weave style, wire diameter, and manufacturing tolerance.

Nominal opening values may vary slightly by weave and wire diameter. For purchase approval, always confirm the actual cloth specification issued by the manufacturer.