What is the difference between mesh and perforated sheet?

A mesh and a perforated sheet are both materials with holes, but they’re made differently and serve slightly different purposes:

Mesh:

Made of woven or welded strands of material (like metal, plastic, or fabric) forming a grid of interconnected spaces.

The holes are usually square or diamond-shaped.

Provides flexibility and is often used for filtration, fencing, sieving, or reinforcement.

Examples: Wire mesh in screen doors, mosquito nets, or reinforcement in concrete.

Perforated Sheet:

A solid sheet of material (metal, plastic, or rubber) with holes punched or drilled into it.

The holes can be round, square, slotted, or custom-shaped and are arranged in a regular pattern.

Offers more structural integrity compared to mesh, making it ideal for architectural uses, soundproofing, ventilation, or aesthetic design.

Examples: Speaker grilles, decorative panels, or air vents.

In short:

Mesh = Interwoven strands, more flexible.

Perforated Sheet = Solid sheet with punched holes, more rigid.