U.K.-based KnitMesh Technologies has developed a new wire knitting machine that produces wire mesh up to six feet (about 1.83 meters) wide, which the company calls an industry record. The system directly targets fast-growing global demand from the green hydrogen sector.
KnitMesh green hydrogen wire mesh innovation
KnitMesh designed the machine specifically to manufacture mesh up to four meters wide, with tight tolerances that support high-performance green hydrogen electrolysers. In this process, electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, and wider mesh helps operators scale production more efficiently while improving economies of scale.
The model processes wire from 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm in a range of special metals and alloys, including stainless steels, nickel and coated wires. Moreover, KnitMesh designed and built this system in-house, along with other bespoke equipment for advanced energy and industrial applications.
Record Width Backed by Practical Experience
When Wire Journal International asked whether engineers could have created this record width earlier or even gone wider, KnitMesh pointed to lessons from recent large knitting machines. The team explained that, in theory, any width is possible, yet larger formats would demand major redesigns of key components such as bearings.
For now, the new machine size closely matches current customer needs in the green hydrogen market. Therefore, it offers ample capacity for the foreseeable future without adding unnecessary mechanical complexity or cost.
KnitMesh green hydrogen wire mesh backs a carbon-free future
Managing Director Peter Evans shares strong enthusiasm for KnitMesh’s role in a low-carbon future powered by hydrogen. He views hydrogen fuel as a key element of a sustainable energy mix and positions KnitMesh as a major supplier of critical mesh components to this growing industry.
To support this opportunity, the company continues to expand through recruitment and new equipment, especially in its hydrogen-focused division. Consequently, Evans expects a bright outlook for KnitMesh as global green hydrogen projects move from pilot to series production.
Showcasing Advanced Mesh at Hydrogen Technology Expo
In October, KnitMesh exhibited at Hydrogen Technology Expo Europe at Hamburg Messe in Hamburg, Germany. There, the company showcased knitted wire mesh solutions for hydrogen systems, including gas diffusion layers, porous transport layers and mist eliminators.
Attendees showed strong interest in these products, which reinforced KnitMesh’s status as a leader in advanced knitted wire mesh for hydrogen and clean-energy applications. Furthermore, the event helped the company build new partnerships across the European hydrogen value chain.
Global Expansion: India and North America
Founded in 1957, KnitMesh operates manufacturing in the U.K. and also runs a plant in India, where the company expects activity to increase. The team already collaborates with several Indian customers that plan to use mesh for green hydrogen electrolysers and will install new equipment locally once those projects move into series production.
KnitMesh notes that green hydrogen mesh serves a truly global market, with current core demand in Europe and North America. The company already supplies electrolyser meshes to North American customers and anticipates opening a dedicated plant in North America as demand continues to grow.