Woven Wire Mesh vs. Welded Wire Mesh
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There are many characteristics to consider when selecting the right Wire Mesh product for your project. One of the primary differences between Woven Wire Mesh and Welded Wire Mesh is how they are constructed, or how the wires intersect. Woven Mesh is formed when cross wires and line wires are crossed over and under each other.
Wire Mesh is classified as Welded Wire Mesh when its wire intersections are melted and cooled together. Nevertheless, the differences and capabilities of these two categories of Mesh go far beyond their methods of construction.
Which Type Is Stronger?
Since the bonds of Welded Mesh are fused together, they are able to provide a certain level of rigidity and strength. Therefore, they maintain their fixed opening shape even under force. It should be noted, however, that if outside pressures put too much stress on Welded Wire Mesh intersections, a “breaking point” exists. This point is where welded bonds can eventually snap.
Woven Mesh does not have fixed bonds, so the product is pliable and does not possess the rigid qualities of its Welded counterpart. However, because they are formed without Welded bonds, the flexibility of Woven items allows the product to yield under outside pressure before springing back. These characteristics provide a unique durability that is useful in applications. Especially where stress applied to Wire Mesh is an important consideration.
Why Does Opening Size Matter When It Comes to Construction Type?
It is likely that when deciding which construction type is right for you, the desired opening size (clear space between wires, measured from the inside edge of one wire to the inside edge of the next adjacent wire) will be an important factor. Generally, Woven items are available with smaller opening sizes, while Welded is better suited for applications that call for larger openings.
For Welded, the smaller the desired opening size, the smaller the wire diameter has to be in order to leave enough clear opening for the welding process to occur between the wires. However, if the wire diameter (often referred to as wire gauge) becomes too small, the heat generated from the welding process can melt the wires.
For these reasons, the smallest opening size offered for Welded is typically 4 x 4 Mesh (four openings per lineal inch measured from the center of the wires), although there are a few smaller Mesh sizes available in Stainless Steel and PVC-coated finishes.
It is important to note that woven is often unavailable in some of the larger opening sizes common in welded items. Without Welded bonds to hold them in place, woven wires in larger opening sizes can shift and lose their original shape. If you need a larger opening size but still require a Woven construction, Lock Crimp and Intercrimp weave types provide increased rigidity.
Will Wire Mesh Unravel?
Seeing as Woven items are not bonded at each intersection, it is possible for wires to come apart at pattern ends or where the material is cut. Larger opening sizes and smaller wires will reduce the rigidity of Woven items and, therefore, make them more likely to unravel slightly at the ends once sheared.
Some Woven Meshes come with a selvage, or finished, edge. One common way of producing a selvage edge is by curling the shute (short) wire and weaving it back through the warp (long) wires. These looped ends help prevent the item from unraveling. Other methods of keeping Woven Mesh intact are by framing the material or, for larger openings, by leaving a stub to hold the ends in place (though this practice can be difficult for skew, or diagonal, cuts).
Lock Crimp and Intercrimp weaves are more likely to stay together once sheared; however, they are also not permanently fastened and can come apart. Since Welded Wire Mesh is secured at each wire intersection, it is less likely to come apart once cut.
What Materials and Finishes Are Available?
Wire Mesh is formed in a number of material types and finishes, though there are a few limitations depending on the construction type chosen. For example, Welded Mesh is unavailable in Aluminum because the metal tends to be too soft and, therefore, the wires are susceptible to melting. Additionally, although we offer Woven materials that have been pre-galvanized, Woven materials are generally not hot-dipped galvanized after the wires have been woven together.
This is largely because smaller opening sizes (less than 1/4") can become clogged with the zinc oxide solution involved in the coating process. Furthermore, hot-dipped galvanizing and powder coating are not ideal for Woven items because this process merely coats the wires where they rest together during the dipping process. It is possible that there could be a lack of coverage where wires overlap or intersect, and when Woven wires later shift, the raw or uncoated steel can become exposed to corrosive elements in the environment.
What Is "Coil Memory"?
Wire Mesh is available in coil and sheet forms. Typically, Woven Wire Mesh is stored as coils or in rolls. When coiled materials are unrolled to be installed or sheared, it is possible that cut pieces will maintain their coiled shape rather than lying flat. This occurrence is called “coil memory.”
To reverse the coil shape, pieces can be flipped over and laid flat with a heavy object placed on the surface to reduce coil memory. If this type of flattening process is chosen, it is important to use an object that will not crush the wires or weave the pattern.
With Welded Wire Mesh, the fused wire intersections make the material very stiff and, therefore, more difficult to roll tight enough to be stored as a coil. Instead, Welded Wire Mesh is typically stored in the form of a sheet. Due to these reasons and because woven is more frequently constructed from thinner wires than welded, the “coil memory” phenomenon is more common with woven items.
Summary
Despite having similar appearances and purposes, there are many different factors in determining whether a Woven or Welded construction type is right for your application. We trust this volume of Hole Stories has illuminated some of the characteristics of these two versatile Mesh types.
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If you have questions or would like help determining which Wire Mesh item is right for your project, contact us at 866.252.9064, sales@mcnichols.com, or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.
Boasting impressive durability and versatility, stainless steel mesh is a go-to for a range of DIY applications. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this endlessly useful material below.
What is Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?
Stainless steel wire mesh is a type of woven metal. Known for its exceptional strength and long lifespan, the material is essential not only to various industries but also for a wide range of home applications.
It's created with wires of various sizes, ranging from 0.0008 inches to 0.047 inches in diameter. Beyond the standard mill finish, metal mesh can be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or galvanized for extra resistance to heat and corrosion.
What's the Difference Between T-304 & T-316 Wire Mesh?
T-304 (type 304) stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's the most common alloy used to make wire mesh and is generally reliable, versatile, and resilient in most environments.
T-316 (type 316) stainless steel is a higher-grade metal alloy. It contains 10% nickel, 6% chromium, 2% molybdenum. Since T-316 wire mesh is a bit stronger and more resistant in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, it's the pricier option. However, T-304 is suitable for most home applications.
How Do You Clean the Material?
Stainless steel wire mesh can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, followed by a rinse with clean water. Depending on the weave, you may need to use a soft nylon-bristle brush to remove stubborn particles.
TWP Inc. offers ultrasonic cleaning as part of its expert wire mesh services. The method combines high-frequency sound waves with liquid to get rid of all dirt, debris, grease, and contaminants.
How is Steel Mesh Used for Winterizing a Home?
Wire mesh comes in handy for a variety of home winterization projects. You can use it to make gutter guards, a chimney cap, foundation vents, and soffit screens—to name just a few.
Can It Be Used for Fire Safety?
When it comes to fire safety, one of the main things people use metal mesh for is spark arrestors. The screens keep flammable debris away from embers and can contain flames within a chimney or fireplace.
Installing an indoor fireplace cover—along with the foundation vent, soffit, and gutter screens mentioned above—can also help prevent residential fires.
What Metal Mesh Products are Best for Pest Control?
Galvanized, welded, and poly-coated stainless steel are among the best wire mesh materials for pest control. Since they're notably strong and able to withstand severe weather conditions, these products work well for excluding various critters, including rodents, bats, raccoons, gophers, and snakes.
Can You Make Insect Screens Out of Stainless Mesh?
Insect screens can be made out of a few metal mesh materials. These include aluminum, copper, and multiple types of stainless steel.
Woven from super-fine steel wires, high-transparency mesh is a top choice for window and door screens. That said, professional installation is recommended to ensure a wrinkle-free finish.
What Mesh is Best for Gardening & Landscaping Projects?
While copper is a go-to for slug and snail control, stainless steel is the most widely used material in the garden. It can be fastened into fences, trellises, greenhouses, chicken coops, or benches. Some folks place it underneath the soil to keep moles, gophers, and other burrowers at bay.
To learn more about this do-it-all material, see our Guide to Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.
Contact Our Wire Mesh Suppliers
TWP. Inc was founded in the California Bay Area more than 50 years ago. As one of the top wire mesh suppliers worldwide, our woman-owned business carries a robust selection of woven, welded, galvanized, and poly-coated T-304 and T-316 stainless steel panels, sheets, and rolls.
Shop our inventory today, or contact us with questions.
To have your DIY projects featured in our gallery, post photos on Instagram using the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.
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