When choosing the correct screen our customers are focused on productivity through improved product yield, optimised flow and the best cost / performance ratio whilst having lower OPEX through a longer life and minimal downtime. Coming from Australia’s leading scientific research authority, ActionLaser is the global pioneer and leader in laser drilling technology with 35 years of experience.
Technical Specifications
Apertures (holes) in a screen can be round or slotted and laid out in staggered (offset) patterns and/or straight lines.
Percentage open area (%OA) measures how much area of the screen is comprised of apertures. The lower the %OA, the stronger the screen (more metal, fewer holes make it less vulnerable to splitting).
Tapered holes & slots have a smaller aperture on the front (the working face) of the screen than on the back. Tapering helps to prevent clogging, so screens with tapered holes are sometimes referred to as ‘self-cleaning’. Laser drilling enables more taper than electron-beam (EB) drilling.
Holes mechanically punched in metal (‘punched plate’ screens) have no taper: they are almost the same diameter throughout. The downside of no taper in mechanically punched screens is the wall shear stress which negatively influences volume flow rate through the screen creating frictional resistance in every hole. Higher wall shear stress reduces volumetric flow rate.
Flow rate depends on the %OA and on the taper of the holes or slots in your screen. Holes/slots exhibiting greater taper allow higher flow rates due to less shear in the fluid.
Apertures
Laser-drilled circular holes
Holes – Maximum Open Area %
Slot Width (mm)
Material Thickness (mm)
0.45mm | 0.7mm | 0.55mm | 0.9mm | 1.5mm | |
0.04 | 4% | 4% | - | - | - |
0.05 | 7% | 7% | 5% | - | - |
0.08 | 8% | 8% | 8% | 8% | - |
0.1 | 10% | 10% | 9% | 8% | - |
0.2 | 20% | 18% | 15% | 15% | 15% |
0.3 | 25% | 25% | 20% | 20% | 15% |
0.4 | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
0.5 | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
0.6 | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% | 25% |
0.7 | - | - | - | 25% | 25% |
0.8 | - | - | - | 25% | 25% |
Notes:
Maximum %OA shown is for screens of 'small' planar dimensional sizes. For 'large' screens the attainable maximum OA will be lower. In selected cases especially for 'small' size screens it may be possible to exceed 25% OA up to perhaps 30% OA.
Laser-drilled slots
Slots - Maximum Open Area %
Slot Width (mm)
Material Thickness (mm)
0.22mm | 0.3mm | 0.45mm | 0.55mm | 0.7mm | |
0.04 | 8% | 8% | - | - | - |
0.05 | 9% | 9% | - | - | - |
0.08 | 15% | 14% | 10% | - | - |
0.1 | 15% | 14% | 10% | - | - |
0.2 | 20% | 18% | 12% | 10% | 8% |
0.3 | - | 20% | 20% | 20% | 10% |
0.4 | - | 25% | 25% | 25% | 15% |
0.5 | - | - | - | - | - |
0.6 | - | - | - | - | - |
0.7 | - | - | - | - | - |
0.8 | - | - | - | - | - |
Notes:
Slot length is typically 1mm. For specifications outside the range shown, please get in touch for our capabilities. Maximum % OA shown is for screens of 'small' planar dimensional sizes. For 'large' screens the attainable maximum % OA will be lower.
Maximum Open Area
Open Area is a measure of ‘hole density’ and is calculated based on the hole size on the Working Face of the LaserScreen. LaserScreens can be manufactured with any percentage Open Area up to a maximum limit.
This limit is determined when the edges of the apertures on the back side (non-working face) will be in danger of touching.
Perforated Tubes to Aeration and Jigger Tubes
Current maximum internal tube diameter up to 180 mm. Perforated tube length up to 2,500 mm. For very long tubes, distortion can be an issue at high hole density. The side where the diameter of the tapered hole is smaller (the ‘working face’) is always the inside of the tube.
This limit is determined when the edges of the apertures on the back side (non-working face) will be in danger of touching.
Unperforated Regions
ActionLaser can program unperforated regions as required for hygiene, ease of welding or other purposes.
Note: the lower the open area and or greater the unperforated region, the lower the screen cost.
Materials
Actionlaser carries a large range of materials in stock.
Precision LASER-DRILLED filtration systems
Trusted by leading manufacturers and OEMs across the sugar, plastic recycling, dairy, mining, aerospace, chemical, food and water industries.
Our chrome coated stainless-steel laser-drilled filtration screens are engineered to improve yield, efficiency, and reliability in demanding industrial environments where performance matters most. For customers seeking new, leading-edge screen specifications, ActionLaser works closely with process engineers, OEMs, and production facilities to develop solutions tailored to your specific challenges. This collaborative, application-driven approach delivers longer screen life, reduced maintenance requirements, and measurable productivity gains across your real-world operating conditions.
Wherever efficiency and precision are critical, ActionLaser technology delivers lasting results.
Perforated Filtration screens
Proven performance. Real results
“Exceptional precision and consistency. The laser-drilled screens have delivered stable performance across extended production runs.”
“Filtration performance is now predictable and reliable. We’ve eliminated the variability we previously experienced with mesh alternatives.”
“Engineered, not improvised. The geometry accuracy and durability have significantly reduced maintenance interruptions.”
“Seamless integration into our existing process. Immediate improvement in flow stability without added complexity.”
“Long-term performance has been outstanding. The screens retain their shape and accuracy even under demanding conditions.”
“ActionLaser understands critical manufacturing environments. Precision, durability, and repeatable results every time.”
Our filtration systems and screens
Frequently Asked Questions
What aperture sizes are available for ActionLaser’s laser-drilled stainless-steel screens?
Apertures can be produced from sub-35 microns through to several hundred microns, in either circular tapered holes or tapered slots. This precision allows flow and separation performance to be matched to the exact process requirement. Every aperture is verified to maintain uniform geometry across the screen surface.
How does the thickness of the stainless-steel screen affect filtration performance and durability?
Screen thickness determines both mechanical strength and open-area percentage. Thicker plates handle higher pressures and abrasive materials, while thinner plates maximise flow efficiency. ActionLaser balances these factors for each application to maintain accuracy without compromising longevity.
What open-area ratios are typically achieved with ActionLaser’s filtration screens?
Open-area percentages usually range between 10 % and 20 %, depending on aperture size and pattern. These ratios provide strong structural stability while allowing smooth, predictable flow. The design ensures efficient drainage or filtration across continuous operating cycles.
How does laser drilling improve accuracy compared with mechanically punched or etched screens?
Laser drilling produces smooth, burr-free apertures without distorting the surrounding material, which helps maintain clean flow paths under pressure and temperature change. Unlike mechanically punched or etched screens that are manufactured to standard hole sizes or slot widths, ActionLaser screens are custom engineered to suit each specific application at no extra cost. This combination of precision geometry and application-specific design delivers higher accuracy and longer, more reliable service life.
What stainless-steel grades and quality standards are used in ActionLaser’s filtration products?
Screens are manufactured from high-grade stainless steels, such as 304 and 316, for corrosion, heat, and chemical resistance. All production is conducted in accordance with ISO 9001 quality systems and includes optical geometry validation. These measures ensure repeatable and traceable precision across every screen.
Can ActionLaser supply technical validation or performance data for specific filtration designs?
Yes. Detailed geometry validation reports, open-area calculations, and performance data can be provided for both custom and standard designs. This documentation supports OEM integration and compliance with process quality requirements. It ensures each product meets the intended engineering specification before installation.
