Custom Mesh Filter, Aluminum, 2 Inch Thick

Description

Product Overview

The HIAS20 Custom 2″ Washable Mesh Air Filter is a made-to-order industrial air filtration solution engineered for equipment requiring a 2-inch nominal depth filter (1-3/4″ actual depth) with non-standard dimensions. This permanent washable filter provides exceptional flexibility through three material construction options—aluminum (HIA), galvanized steel (HIG), or 304 stainless steel (HIS)—allowing you to match your filter to your specific operating environment and temperature requirements. Each HIAS20 filter features robust 7-ply media construction that delivers industry-standard 43% dust arrestance with 97 grams per square foot dust-holding capacity, providing superior protection for HVAC systems, industrial equipment, and specialized air handling units.

Built to your exact specifications through our online configurator, the HIAS20 eliminates the frustration of discontinued filters and hard-to-find sizes for older or European equipment. Whether you need a direct OEM replacement for legacy HVAC systems, a high-temperature solution for industrial ovens and dryers, or a corrosion-resistant filter for harsh chemical or marine environments, the HIAS20’s three material options provide the versatility to meet your requirements. The aluminum option (HIA) offers lightweight, cost-effective performance up to 275°F, the galvanized steel option (HIG) provides enhanced durability up to 325°F, and the 304 stainless steel option (HIS) delivers maximum environmental resistance in extreme conditions up to 900°F continuous operation.

Every HIAS20 filter is precision-manufactured with material-matched components throughout—frame, media, face grids, and rivets—ensuring structural integrity and optimal performance across the filter’s 5-10 year service life. The 2-inch nominal depth (1-3/4″ actual) makes the HIAS20 ideal for equipment requiring industry-standard depth with custom face dimensions, fitting filter tracks and housings that accept nominal 2″ filters while providing the non-standard length and width measurements specified during ordering. The 7-ply media construction offers higher dust-holding capacity than thinner filters, extending cleaning intervals and reducing maintenance frequency in moderate to heavy-duty applications.

As a permanent washable filter, the HIAS20 eliminates recurring replacement costs and reduces environmental waste through years of reliable reuse. Simple water washing restores filtration efficiency to like-new performance, making the HIAS20 a sustainable, economical choice for facilities seeking to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Once you’ve ordered your custom HIAS20 filter, your exact dimensions are saved in your online account for effortless reordering—no need to re-measure or re-enter specifications. This streamlined reordering process ensures you’ll always have the right filter size on hand, with consistent performance across multiple orders.

Material Selection Guide

HIA: Aluminum Construction (Standard Grade)

The HIA aluminum option represents the most cost-effective choice for standard HVAC and light industrial applications. Constructed with a .030″ aluminum frame, 7-ply aluminum media, and 24-gauge aluminum face grids, the HIA configuration provides excellent performance in typical operating environments up to 275°F continuous temperature. Aluminum’s lightweight characteristics (approximately 30% lighter than galvanized steel) simplify installation and handling, while the natural oxide layer provides moderate corrosion resistance in normal humidity conditions. The HIA option is ideal for commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and residential applications where temperature and corrosive exposure remain within normal ranges. Expected service life with proper maintenance: 5-10 years.

HIG: Galvanized Steel Construction (Enhanced Durability)

The HIG galvanized steel option offers enhanced mechanical durability and improved corrosion resistance compared to aluminum, making it suitable for more demanding industrial environments. Built with a 24-gauge galvanized steel frame, 7-ply aluminum media, and 30-gauge galvanized face grids, the HIG configuration handles higher temperatures up to 325°F continuous operation and provides superior frame rigidity for applications with higher static pressures or mechanical stress. The zinc coating on galvanized steel delivers better protection against moisture and mild chemical exposure than uncoated aluminum, extending filter life in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and semi-outdoor installations. The HIG option balances performance and cost for industrial users requiring moderate temperature and corrosion resistance. Expected service life with proper maintenance: 5-10 years.

HIS: 304 Stainless Steel Construction (Harsh Environment Grade)

The HIS 304 stainless steel option is specifically engineered for extreme environments where harsh conditions would rapidly degrade aluminum or galvanized alternatives. Featuring a 24-gauge 304 stainless steel frame, 7-ply stainless steel media, and 30-gauge 304 stainless face grids, the HIS configuration handles continuous temperatures up to 900°F and provides maximum resistance to corrosive chemicals, salt spray, high humidity, and aggressive cleaning agents. The HIS is the required choice for industrial ovens, dryers, powder coating operations, food processing facilities, coastal/marine environments, chemical processing plants, and applications involving frequent washdown with caustic cleaners. While the HIS option represents a higher initial investment, its ability to withstand conditions that would destroy other materials makes it the most economical long-term solution for harsh environments. Expected service life with proper maintenance: 5-10 years in extreme conditions.

Industrial Applications

Discontinued and Legacy Equipment

The HIAS20 provides the perfect solution when OEM filters for older HVAC systems and industrial equipment are no longer available from the original manufacturer. Many legacy air handlers, fan coil units, and process air systems require 2-inch depth filters in non-standard face dimensions that have been discontinued or are prohibitively expensive through OEM channels. By ordering custom HIAS20 filters manufactured to your exact specifications, you maintain optimal filtration performance without costly equipment replacement or modification. Your custom dimensions are saved for easy reordering, ensuring consistent fitment across multiple replacement cycles. The 5-10 year washable design reduces total cost of ownership compared to disposable alternatives, even for equipment with odd or obsolete filter sizes.

European and International Equipment

European HVAC manufacturers and international equipment suppliers often specify metric filter dimensions and non-standard depth combinations that don’t align with U.S. standard sizes. The HIAS20 accommodates these unique dimensional requirements by manufacturing filters to your exact metric or imperial specifications, eliminating forced-fit installations and air bypass issues. Whether your equipment requires 500mm × 600mm dimensions, unusual aspect ratios, or metric depths with imperial face dimensions, the HIAS20 configurator converts your measurements into a precision-manufactured filter that fits properly the first time. The three material options ensure compatibility with European temperature specifications and environmental requirements across diverse climates and industrial processes.

High-Temperature Industrial Processes

Industrial operations involving elevated temperatures demand filtration solutions that maintain structural integrity and performance under thermal stress. The HIAS20’s three material options provide temperature flexibility from 275°F (aluminum) to 900°F (304 stainless steel), accommodating pre-filters for industrial ovens, dryers, heat treating furnaces, powder coating booths, and high-temperature process air systems. The 7-ply media construction maintains mechanical strength and filtration efficiency at elevated temperatures, while material-matched rivets and frame construction prevent thermal expansion mismatches that cause frame warping or media separation. For applications between 275°F and 325°F, the galvanized option provides cost-effective performance. For sustained temperatures above 325°F or intermittent spikes approaching 900°F, the 304 stainless steel construction is essential.

Corrosive and Moisture-Rich Environments

Facilities exposed to corrosive chemicals, salt spray, high humidity, or aggressive cleaning protocols require filtration materials that resist degradation from environmental exposure. The HIAS20’s 304 stainless steel option (HIS) delivers maximum corrosion resistance for chemical processing plants, coastal industrial facilities, marine applications, commercial kitchens, car wash installations, food processing plants, and pharmaceutical cleanrooms requiring frequent washdown with caustic agents. Unlike aluminum or galvanized filters that deteriorate when exposed to acids, bases, chlorides, or salt spray, the 304 stainless construction maintains structural integrity and filtration performance throughout the filter’s 5-10 year service life. For moderate moisture exposure without corrosive chemicals, the galvanized option provides adequate protection at lower cost than stainless steel.

Construction Features

Precision-Engineered Frame

Each HIAS20 filter features a precision-mitered frame constructed from your selected material—.030″ aluminum (HIA), 24-gauge galvanized steel (HIG), or 24-gauge 304 stainless steel (HIS)—manufactured to your exact custom length and width specifications with ±1/8″ tolerance. The frame corners are joined with material-matched pop rivets (aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel respectively) that provide superior strength compared to spot-welded or glued construction, maintaining structural integrity through hundreds of wash cycles and years of thermal expansion/contraction. The 1-3/4″ actual depth (2″ nominal) is held to ±1/16″ tolerance, ensuring proper fitment in filter tracks and housings designed for standard 2″ filters. The frame geometry accommodates the 7-ply media pack while maintaining smooth airflow transition from inlet to outlet.

7-Ply Expanded Media Construction

The HIAS20’s filtration effectiveness comes from its robust 7-ply expanded screen wire media, offering 42% higher dust-holding capacity (97 g/sq ft vs. 68 g/sq ft) compared to 5-ply 1″ filters. For HIA and HIG options, the media is constructed from crimped aluminum wire mesh that creates turbulent airflow patterns to trap particulate while maintaining low pressure drop. For the HIS option, the media is constructed from 304 stainless steel wire mesh that provides the same filtration characteristics with added corrosion resistance for harsh environments. The expanded media design increases effective filtration surface area beyond the nominal face dimensions, enhancing dust-holding capacity and extending cleaning intervals. Multiple media layers are precisely stacked and secured to the frame, preventing media shifting or compression that would create air bypass channels. The 7-ply configuration balances filtration efficiency, pressure drop, and mechanical durability for demanding applications.

Corner Drain System

All HIAS20 filters incorporate a corner drain system that facilitates water drainage during washing and prevents moisture accumulation during operation. Small drain holes located at the frame’s bottom corners allow water to exit freely when the filter is positioned vertically for washing, accelerating drying time and preventing water pooling that could lead to microbial growth. In vertical installation orientations, these same drain holes prevent condensation buildup that might otherwise accumulate in the frame channels, particularly important in high-humidity environments or applications with significant temperature differentials. The corner drain system is integrated into the frame design without compromising structural strength or creating air bypass paths.

Material-Matched Face Grids

The face grids on each HIAS20 filter are fabricated from the same material family as the frame and media to ensure consistent thermal expansion characteristics and prevent galvanic corrosion at contact points. HIA filters feature 24-gauge aluminum face grids, HIG filters use 30-gauge galvanized steel face grids, and HIS filters incorporate 30-gauge 304 stainless steel face grids. These face grids provide upstream and downstream protection for the fragile media layers, preventing mechanical damage during handling, installation, and removal. The grid pattern is engineered to maximize open area (typically >70%) to minimize additional pressure drop while providing adequate structural support. Face grids are permanently attached to the frame during manufacturing, ensuring they remain properly positioned throughout the filter’s service life.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Washing Instructions

The HIAS20’s permanent washable design enables hundreds of cleaning cycles throughout its 5-10 year service life. When pressure drop reaches 0.50″ w.g. (or per your facility’s maintenance schedule), remove the filter from the equipment and rinse both sides with water pressure between 40-60 PSI—standard garden hose pressure is ideal. High-pressure washers exceeding 1000 PSI can damage the media and should be avoided. For filters with heavy grease loading or stubborn particulate, pre-soak the filter in warm water with mild detergent for 15-30 minutes before rinsing. Industrial facilities may use commercial parts washers or automated filter cleaning systems. After washing, shake excess water from the frame and allow the filter to air dry completely before reinstallation—this typically requires 2-4 hours in ambient conditions or 30-60 minutes with forced air drying. Never reinstall a wet filter, as trapped moisture can promote microbial growth and accelerate corrosion even in stainless steel components.

Inspection & Service Life

During each cleaning cycle, visually inspect the HIAS20 for signs of mechanical damage, media separation from the frame, bent face grids, or compromised frame corners. Minor dents in the frame that don’t affect fitment or sealing are generally acceptable. However, torn media, missing rivets, or separated frame corners indicate the filter should be replaced. The 304 stainless steel option (HIS) exhibits virtually no corrosion in properly maintained installations and typically reaches end-of-life due to mechanical damage rather than material degradation. The aluminum option (HIA) may show white oxide formation over time, which is normal and doesn’t affect performance. The galvanized option (HIG) may show red rust spots after several years in high-moisture environments, indicating the zinc coating has been compromised in those areas. With proper maintenance and appropriate material selection for the operating environment, expect 5-10 years of reliable service across all material options.

Installation

Installation Guidelines

Installing your custom HIAS20 filter ensures optimal performance when proper procedures are followed. Verify that the filter track or housing is clean and free of debris before installation—old gasket material or dust buildup can prevent proper seating. Confirm the HIAS20’s custom dimensions match your ordered specifications by measuring the filter before installation; the dimensions should be within ±1/8″ of your order. If your equipment uses filter tracks, slide the HIAS20 into the tracks with the upstream face (typically marked with airflow direction arrows) oriented toward the incoming airflow. For equipment with filter frames or holders, ensure all sides of the HIAS20 seat evenly against the gasket or seal surface. The 2″ nominal (1-3/4″ actual) depth should fit snugly without forcing—if the filter binds or requires excessive force, verify the ordered dimensions against the actual filter opening.

Airflow Direction & Orientation

The HIAS20 is bidirectional in terms of filtration performance—airflow can pass through either face with equivalent dust arrestance and pressure drop. However, for ease of maintenance and optimal dust release during cleaning, install the filter with the airflow direction arrow (if marked on the frame) pointing in the predominant airflow direction. In horizontal airflow applications (side-to-side), orient the frame’s drain holes downward to facilitate condensation drainage. In vertical upflow or downflow applications, position the drain holes toward the downstream side to prevent water accumulation during operation. If your HVAC system experiences bidirectional airflow due to economizer operation or reversing fans, the HIAS20 will perform effectively in both directions.

Sealing & Bypass Prevention

Proper sealing around the HIAS20’s perimeter is critical to prevent air bypass, which allows unfiltered air to pass around the filter rather than through it. If your equipment uses compression gaskets (typically 1/4″ to 1/2″ thick neoprene or foam), verify the gaskets are in good condition and replace them if compressed, hardened, or torn. The HIAS20’s rigid frame provides an excellent sealing surface for gasket-based systems. For filter track systems that rely on frame-to-track contact for sealing, inspect the tracks for damage, warping, or debris buildup that might create gaps. The HIAS20’s ±1/8″ dimensional tolerance ensures proper fitment in correctly-sized filter openings—if gaps larger than 1/4″ exist around the filter perimeter, your filter opening dimensions may have been measured incorrectly when ordering. Contact technical support to verify proper sizing for replacement orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between aluminum, galvanized, or stainless steel for my HIAS20?

Select based on your operating temperature and environmental conditions rather than service life, as all three materials offer 5-10 years of reliable performance with proper maintenance. Choose aluminum (HIA) for cost-effective performance in standard HVAC and light industrial applications up to 275°F with normal humidity and no corrosive exposure. Choose galvanized steel (HIG) for enhanced durability and moderate corrosion resistance in industrial settings up to 325°F with moderate moisture or outdoor installations. Choose 304 stainless steel (HIS) for maximum environmental resistance in harsh conditions up to 900°F, including corrosive chemicals, salt spray, high humidity, aggressive cleaning agents, or extreme temperatures. The stainless option’s higher cost is justified when harsh conditions would rapidly degrade aluminum or galvanized alternatives, not for extended service life.

What is the difference between 2″ nominal and 1-3/4″ actual depth?

The 2″ nominal dimension represents the industry-standard sizing convention for filters in this thickness range, while the 1-3/4″ actual dimension is the precise depth of the manufactured filter. This 1/4″ difference allows proper fitment in filter tracks and housings designed for “2-inch filters,” which typically have 2″ wide channels that must accommodate the filter plus clearance for insertion and removal. If your equipment specifies a 2″ filter depth, the HIAS20 with 1-3/4″ actual depth is the correct choice. If your equipment requires an exact 2″ depth (unusual), specify this requirement when ordering so manufacturing can adjust the depth accordingly.

Can I order different materials for the same dimensions?

Yes. Once you’ve ordered an HIAS20 filter in specific custom dimensions, your account saves those dimensions permanently for easy reordering. When placing subsequent orders, you can select a different material option (HIA, HIG, or HIS) while maintaining the same length and width specifications. This flexibility allows you to upgrade from aluminum to stainless steel if operating conditions change, or to order multiple filters in different materials for comparison testing. The frame depth remains 1-3/4″ actual (2″ nominal) regardless of material selection.

How does the 2″ filter compare to the 1″ filter in dust-holding capacity?

The HIAS20’s 7-ply construction provides 97 grams per square foot dust-holding capacity compared to the HIAS10’s 68 g/sq ft from 5-ply media—a 42% improvement. This increased capacity extends the time between cleaning cycles in applications with moderate to heavy dust loading, reducing maintenance frequency and labor costs. However, the HIAS20’s initial pressure drop and operating pressure drop are slightly higher than the HIAS10 due to the additional media layers. For applications where space constraints limit filter depth to 1″, the HIAS10 provides excellent performance despite lower dust-holding capacity.

Does material selection affect filtration efficiency?

No. All three material options (aluminum, galvanized, and stainless steel) deliver identical 43% dust arrestance and 97 g/sq ft dust-holding capacity because filtration occurs in the 7-ply expanded media, which maintains the same layer count and geometry across all configurations. The primary differences between materials are temperature rating (275°F/325°F/900°F), corrosion resistance, and frame weight. Filtration performance, pressure drop, and dust-holding characteristics remain constant regardless of whether you select HIA, HIG, or HIS construction.

How often should I clean my HIAS20 filter?

Cleaning frequency depends on your specific operating environment and dust loading. Monitor pressure drop across the filter using a differential pressure gauge (magnehelic gauge), and clean when pressure drop reaches 0.50″ w.g. or per your facility’s preventive maintenance schedule. In light-duty residential or office applications, cleaning may be required only 2-4 times per year. In moderate industrial environments, cleaning every 4-8 weeks is typical. In heavy-duty applications with high particulate loading, monthly or even bi-weekly cleaning may be necessary. The HIAS20’s higher dust-holding capacity (97 g/sq ft) generally extends cleaning intervals compared to thinner filters in equivalent applications.

Will the HIAS20 fit in my existing 2″ filter housing?

The HIAS20 is manufactured to the exact custom dimensions you specify during ordering, so fitment depends on accurate measurement of your existing filter opening. Measure the length and width of your current filter or the filter track/housing opening. The HIAS20 should be ordered slightly undersized (typically 1/4″ to 1/2″ smaller in each dimension) to allow for insertion and removal. For filter track systems, measure the internal dimensions of the tracks. For filter frame systems, measure the frame opening. If you’re uncertain about proper sizing, contact technical support with your measurements before ordering. The 1-3/4″ actual depth (2″ nominal) fits equipment designed for standard 2″ filters.

Can I use the stainless steel HIAS20 in a standard office HVAC system?

Yes. The 304 stainless steel option (HIS) functions perfectly in standard HVAC systems and provides identical filtration performance to the aluminum option. However, the stainless configuration costs significantly more than aluminum and is engineered for harsh environments that would damage aluminum filters. Unless your application involves high temperatures (above 275°F), corrosive chemicals, salt spray, or aggressive cleaning agents, the aluminum option (HIA) is the more economical choice and will deliver the same 5-10 year service life in normal office environments. Reserve the stainless steel option for conditions that specifically require its superior environmental resistance.

What happens if I order the wrong dimensions?

Because each HIAS20 is custom-manufactured to your specifications, filters cannot be returned or exchanged due to incorrect dimensions. We recommend the following to ensure accurate sizing: (1) Measure your existing filter if available, (2) Measure the filter housing or track opening in multiple locations to verify consistency, (3) Account for clearance—order 1/4″ to 1/2″ smaller than the housing opening to allow insertion/removal, (4) If uncertain, contact technical support before ordering to verify your measurements. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive a confirmation email listing the exact dimensions that will be manufactured—review this confirmation immediately and contact customer service if corrections are needed before production begins.

Why Choose the HIAS20 Custom Washable Filter?

The HIAS20 Custom 2″ Washable Mesh Air Filter represents the ultimate solution for equipment requiring non-standard filter dimensions with industry-standard 2″ depth. By offering three material construction options—aluminum, galvanized steel, and 304 stainless steel—the HIAS20 provides unmatched flexibility to match your filter to your specific operating environment, from cost-effective performance in standard HVAC applications to maximum environmental resistance in extreme industrial conditions. Every HIAS20 is precision-manufactured to your exact specifications, eliminating the frustration of discontinued OEM filters and hard-to-find sizes while providing direct replacement capability for legacy equipment.

The permanent washable design delivers exceptional value through 5-10 years of reliable service across all material options, dramatically reducing total cost of ownership compared to disposable alternatives. With 7-ply media construction providing 97 grams per square foot dust-holding capacity and 43% dust arrestance, the HIAS20 protects your valuable HVAC and industrial equipment while extending cleaning intervals and reducing maintenance frequency. The robust construction—precision-mitered frames, material-matched pop rivets, and integrated corner drain system—ensures structural integrity through hundreds of wash cycles and years of thermal cycling.

Once you’ve placed your initial order, your custom dimensions are permanently saved in your online account, making reordering effortless—no need to re-measure or re-enter specifications. This streamlined reordering process ensures you’ll always have the right filter size on hand, with consistent performance across multiple replacement cycles. Whether you’re replacing filters in discontinued equipment, accommodating European metric dimensions, or requiring specialized materials for high-temperature or corrosive environments, the HIAS20’s custom manufacturing capability and three-material flexibility provide the exact solution you need.

Choose the HIAS20 Custom 2″ Washable Mesh Air Filter for permanent, sustainable air filtration that’s engineered precisely for your equipment, manufactured to your exact specifications, and built to last 5-10 years through hundreds of cleaning cycles. Experience the peace of mind that comes from custom filters that fit perfectly, perform reliably, and deliver exceptional value throughout their extended service life.