“Wire mesh” is a generic term. It refers to two- or three-dimensional lattices made from two or more metallic wires which are linked to one another by different processes such as welding, weaving, netting, or knitting. Wire mesh products are widely employed for reinforcing, armoring, protecting, fencing, carrying, and displaying operations in a large variety of areas. Therefore, we can say that wire mesh is an integral part of industry and everyday life.
Wires used for wire mesh can be made from carbon steel, galvanized steel, PVC coated steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, copper alloys (brass and bronze), and other metals or alloys. Let’s take a look at the differences between all of these materials.
Mesh made of carbon steel wires has high strength, is magnetic, and can be galvanized or cladded with a PVC coating or painted to prevent corrosion. Mesh made from stainless steel wires, instead, does not require further surface treatment. While on the one hand, copper wire is ductile, has a high thermal and electrical conductivity, and is resistant to atmospheric corrosion; on the other, brass wire has excellent abrasion-resistance properties. Last but not least, bronze wire is effective against atmospheric agents, while aluminum wire can be used to fabricate extremely lightweight and corrosion-resistant mesh.
The material selection, the wire diameter, and the manufacturing method depend on the application of the mesh products and their conditions of use.
Welded wire mesh is a metal wire screen usually made out of two low carbon steel wires or stainless steel wires which are joined to each other at right angles and welded at the crossing points. Typical examples are reinforcement meshes for concrete components. In addition, there are industrial meshes in light or heavy design that can be used as fences, partition walls, and protective gratings.
Three-dimensional welded wire meshes are used e.g. as shopping carts, shopping baskets, and goods displays in supermarkets, as well as trays for domestic appliances, ventilation grids, cable guides, and cages for animals. Another example are electro-welded gabions, which are intended to hold masses of stone together and are enjoying growing popularity in landscaping.
Welded wire mesh is characterized by high stability and rigidity, and can also be welded into frame constructions.
Wire fabrics, also called woven wire cloth, are flat structures made of two wire systems intersected by weaving.
Typical products are airbag filters and other reinforcement fabrics, transportation and process belts, sieves, as well as pulp and paper processing systems. Wire fabrics are also used in filtration, separation, and cleaning processes for the mining, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. Furthermore, wire fabrics act as a radio and microwave shielding, spark protection, or as fly nets.
Last but not least, woven wire cloth is applied in architectural applications such as façade covering. Depending on the material of the wires and the wire cloth texture, wire fabrics can be as soft and flexible as silk, or as rigid and durable as a steel plate.
Wire nettings include the so-called wire netting fences. Examples are the rectangular nettings which are often used to enclose properties. Hexagonal nettings are used in agriculture and forestry to enclose woodland plantations and protect them against animals. Such kind of netting also serves as a slope reinforcement and protection against rock slides and avalanches.
There is also a special group of nettings, that is round braids, which act as a reinforcement of hoses and cables or as shielding of cables against electromagnetic interferences.
About textile weaving:
Valeriy Choogin, Palitha Bandara, Elena Chepelyuk: Mechanisms of Flat Weaving Technology. 1st Edition. Woodhead Publishing, 2013
ISBN: 9780857097804
eBook ISBN: 9780857097859
Introduction Top Weaving Technology.
https://textilelibrary.wordpress.com/2011/04/09/introduction-to-weaving-technology/
Emel Önder, Ömer Berk Berkalp: Weaving Technology II
https://web.itu.edu.tr/~berkalpo/Weaving_Lecture/Weaving_Chapter1a_06S.pdf
About resistance welding:
Hongyan Zhang, Jacek Senkara: Resistance Welding. Fundamentals and Applications. Taylor & Francis Inc; New edition, 2011.
ISBN-10: 1439853711
ISBN-13: 978-1439853719
Nigel Scotchmer: The Other Resistance Process: Cross Wire Welding. In: Welding Journal, December 2007, pages 36-39.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294463669_The_other_resistance_process_Cross_wire_welding
For helping us compile the information, we thank Dipl.-Ing. Konrad Dengler, technical journalist and translator specialized in industrial topics.
EVERGREAT contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Wire mesh, which is also referred to as wire cloth or wire fabric, is an extremely versatile product that has thousands of different applications throughout the world. What makes wire mesh such an adaptable product is that is can be produced in a countless number of specifications. Depending upon manufacturing capabilities, there are almost endless combinations of opening sizes and diameter wires that can be produced, either in a woven or welded construction.
Wire mesh is commonly used in industrial applications when separation or filtration is needed; it is also popular for use in commercial applications, like insect screening or animal fencing. More widespread applications for wire mesh include: various types of security mesh, like window, machine and stairwell panel guards, fireplace screen, bird screen, gutter guards, ventilation and RFI shielding. More recently, wire mesh has emerged into the architectural field and the art scene.
Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. prides itself on maintaining one of the most complete and extensive wire mesh inventories in the United States. Darby weaves, welds and stocks thousands of different wire mesh specifications including: woven and welded wire mesh, space (clear opening) wire cloth, standard or market grade, milling grade, and bolting grade.
In our 160 plus years of an industry leader, Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. has supplied wire mesh to a broad range of industries and fields including: agricultural, automotive, biometrics, building & construction products, chemical, coal, electronic, food, glass, heat treating, insulation, machining, mining, oil and oil refining, plastics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, textile and tobacco.
This website includes two very important sections to better familiarize the visitor to the nuts and bolts of the wire mesh industry. Our Wire Mesh Glossary contains definitions and explanations of key terms and concepts; important information related to common Metals & Alloys is also worth exploring.
Are you interested in learning more about Custom Wire Mesh Container? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!