Woven wire mesh is essentially a metal mesh screen. It comprises horizontal and vertical intersecting wires in a grid pattern. The individual wires can range in thickness, and the mesh openings vary in size, from small enough to filter particles to large enough to use in concrete patios.
To learn more about the basics of wire mesh, see answers to frequently asked questions below.
1) How is Wire Mesh Made?
Wire mesh is made by weaving or welding intersecting metal wires. The horizontal and vertical wires are woven together on large industrial looms, most often resulting in a grid pattern with square openings called a plain weave. However, there's also hex mesh (aka chicken wire) that features hexagonal openings, as well as decorative variations.
2) What is Mesh Also Known As?
Wire mesh is sometimes referred to as hardware cloth, metal mesh, wire fabric, or hardware mesh. The type with hexagonal openings is called chicken wire or hex mesh.
3) What is it Used For?
Wire mesh has a wide range of commercial (such as construction and building), industrial, agricultural, and residential uses. The most common applications involve filtration, ventilation, construction, fencing, landscaping, and pest control.
People often use the material at home for chimney caps, fireplace screens, gutter guards, foundation vents, soffit screens, gardening, craft papermaking, and food drying. It's also a top choice for decorative projects, like DIY cabinet doors, light fixtures, and infinite craft designs.
4) What are the Different Types of Mesh?
Wire mesh can be woven from various metals, including stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, aluminum, and more. Steel mesh screens are available in two basic types of metal alloys, T-304 and T-316.
The material can also vary in terms of wire thickness (diameter), opening size, and mesh count (the number of openings per square inch). Some wire mesh is malleable and easy to cut, while other types are rigid. In addition to size and quantity, all these differences influence the cost.
5) What’s the Difference Between Woven & Welded Wire Mesh?
Woven wire mesh is created with an industrial loom, which works by connecting horizontal and vertical wires with a one-over, one-under weave pattern. It’s a valuable material in a wide range of industries and applications due to its strength, durability, and ability to provide specific characteristics based on the weave pattern, wire diameter, and material used.
From chimney caps and craft papermaking to foundation vents and food drying, the mesh is a go-to for a variety of industries and DIYers.
With the welded variety, the intersecting wires are fused together with heat through a process called resistance welding. An electric current heats the metal while pressure is applied to bond the intersecting wires.
Welded stainless steel mesh is exceptionally strong, long-lasting, and resilient in various outdoor environments. It's often used in the construction and building sectors, but is also the perfect material for DIYers looking to build durable fencing, rodent proof their gardens and home, and more.
About Galvanized Metal
Galvanized wire mesh is a type of woven stainless steel mesh. Once the metal grid is created, the material goes through one of two galvanization processes. It can be dipped into molten zinc to form a strong, protective zinc-steel alloy over the surface.
The other option is electrolytic galvanizing (also called cold galvanizing). With this method, an organic zinc solvent is painted onto the mesh. When the solvent evaporates, zinc particles are left on the surface, which creates a chemical reaction to form the desired zinc-steel coating.
6) Which is Better, Galvanized or Welded?
Galvanized hardware cloth is incredibly resistant to extreme temperatures, rust, and corrosion. The material is durable and somewhat stiff, but it can often be bent or manipulated by hand or with pliers. Its resilience and malleability make it a good choice for things like tomato cages, greenhouses, chicken coops, and spark arrestors.
Welded wire mesh is more rigid, so it's best for fences, automotive grills, building reinforcements, infill panels, gabions, and concrete driveways.
Industry Leading Wire Mesh Supplier Since 1969
TWP Inc. has a robust selection of wire mesh in stock and ready to ship. An industry-leading supplier since 1969, our family-owned company is a reliable resource for businesses, farmers, and homeowners alike.
Order your metal mesh products today, or get in touch with us to request a quote on a custom size or quantity.
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