Welded Wire Mesh: Types, Uses, Features and Benefits

01 Jul.,2024

 

Welded Wire Mesh: Types, Uses, Features and Benefits

Welded Metal Mesh

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Introduction

This article will give detailed information about welded wire mesh.

The article will give details on topics regarding:

  • What is a welded wire mesh?
  • Types of welded wire mesh
  • Benefits and applications of using welded wire mesh
  • Galvanized wire mesh manufacturing methods
  • Galvanized steel mesh panel
  • Types of galvanized steel mesh panels
  • Applications and benefits of galvanized steel mesh panels
  • And much more...
Welded Wire Mesh by Banker Wire

Chapter 1: What is Welded Wire Mesh?

Welded wire mesh is a series of wires that are welded where the individual wires cross. The openings of the mesh varies depending on the type of wire used and the function of the mesh. Regardless of size and wire, welded wire mesh is permanent and impossible to deconstruct without using extreme force.

The manufacture of welded wire mesh includes threading spools of wire through a welding machine that is programmed to uniformly weld the many intersections of wire simultaneously, efficiently, and quickly.


Welded wire mesh, or "weldmesh," is produced in rolls or sheets. Thinner wires can be used to produce larger open areas while the mesh remains sturdy and stable. Mild, galvanized, and stainless steels are used to manufacture welded wire mesh.

In construction, mild steel is used for retaining or reinforcing purposes. Fences, security screens, partitions, general storage solutions, machine guards, cages, and aviaries are made of galvanized mild steel. Pre-galvanized wire or hot-dipped wire is used to create galvanized welded mesh. Hot-dipped is preferable for aesthetic reasons because it hides welds.


For usage in food or pharmaceutical production, when hygiene standards must be upheld, or where the end product must withstand environmental conditions without rapidly rusting, stainless steel welded mesh is chosen.

As opposed to the clear opening between wires, as is the case with a woven mesh, the opening for welded mesh is typically measured from the center of one wire to the center of the next wire. Therefore, when buying welded wire mesh, it is required to give as much information as possible about your inquiry, including the material, opening center to center (or clear opening), wire diameter, the needed width x length, and the number of sheets or rolls.


Chapter 2: Types of Welded Wire Mesh

The wide use of welded wire mesh is due to its durability, strength, and ability to be applied to multiple applications but still retain its initial form and shape. The many uses of welded wire mesh include fencing, cages, shelving, and grates, to name a few. For each of the different applications, there is a specific type and kind of welded wire mesh to fit the conditions.

Welded wire fabric is another name for welded wire mesh and is constructed, used, and configured in the same manner as welded wire mesh. It is a prefabricated grid that has longitudinal wires that are precision spaced and welded to cross wires. The intersections of the wires are welded automatically using electric resistance welding.

Square Welded Wire Mesh

With square welded wire mesh, the intersecting wires meet at right angles and are evenly spaced. It is one of the most versatile forms of welded wire mesh and is made from carbon steel and stainless steel.

Rectangular Welded Wire Mesh

Rectangular welded wire mesh is constructed like square welded wire mesh and has wires that intersect at right angles with its wires spaced further apart in one direction. The rectangular design gives the wire mesh greater strength.

PVC Welded Wire Mesh

PVC welded wire mesh is coated with a thin layer of PVC powder for corrosion resistance, which gives the mesh color and shields the underlying metal. Aside from its corrosion resistance, PVC welded wire mesh is age, sunlight, and weather resistant. It is used in farming, building, transportation, and mining to protect structures and workers, house livestock and poultry, and serve as a decorative accent.


Galvanized Welded Wire Mesh

Galvanized welded wire mesh is coated with a protective layer of zinc, which is applied using an electro process or a hot dipping technique. Galvanizing can occur before or after wire mesh is welded and may be delivered for manufacturing coated. Hot dipping of welded wire mesh involves submerging the welded wire mesh in molten zinc that adheres to the surface of the wire sealing and shielding it from rust and corrosion. Electro-galvanizing uses electricity to link zinc to the metal wires.

Galvanized wire mesh has different aperture sizes and wire diameters, which is one of its advantages. It is applied to welded wire mesh for a range of applications.


Welded Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

Welded stainless steel wire mesh is made by joining stainless steel at the intersections to make a uniform steel barrier. It gives its users durability and strength. The welded wire mesh made of stainless steel has a consistent appearance. It is among the most widely used types of wire mesh available. Resistance welding links the wires together rather than filler metal, producing a robust, reliable product. It can be reduced to smaller shapes like disks, squares, or rectangles. Stainless steel wire mesh filters are frequently utilized because they last longer and function better because they never react with fluids. It is extensively utilized in transportation, agriculture, mining, horticultural, leisure, and other service industries.


Welded Wire Fencing

Rolls or panels of welded wire fencing are used as fencing. Galvanized and non-galvanized forms are available with the price of non-galvanized being less. Installation is simple, especially when rebuilding a deck. Rolls are produced to order according to customer specifications, require little to no cutting, and can be installed by one to two trained individuals. Wire fence rolls are ideal for applications requiring work crews and expert installers and vast linear footage to cover.


Installation of welded wire fencing requires posts, rings, pliers, and other tools necessary to erect a fence. Panels are built in predetermined forms and sizes to fit the structure, which makes it simple to disassemble and reuse the fencing.

Welded wire fencing is made of thick gauge steel that needs torches to cut through since it cannot be cut using conventional methods. Its steel construction and posts set deep in the ground with cement footings makes welded wire fencing one of the most stable types of fence on the market. It is used in urban, suburban, rural, and industrial settings.


Heavy Welded Wire Mesh

The distinctive feature of heavy welded wire mesh is the diameter of the wires, which is much larger than all other types of welded wire mesh. Heavy welded wire mesh is made from the same materials as traditional welded wire mesh using larger more robust wires. Its strength and durability make it possible to use it as floor reinforcement, wall structure, and construction material.

The properties and characteristics of heavy welded wire mesh vary depending on the type of materials used to produce it. Stainless steel and galvanized heavy wire mesh are resistant to corrosion and are able to withstand extreme conditions.


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    Chapter 3: Benefits and Applications of Using Welded Wire Mesh

    The major factor that differentiates welded wire mesh from woven wire mesh is the welding process that significantly increases the strength of the wire mesh. Its exceptional strength, endurance, and durability are the properties that make it so popular for use in security measures and the construction of enclosures.

    Benefits of Using Welded Wire Mesh

    The solid construction of welded wire mesh gives it a wide range of benefits over similar products.

    • Enhanced site productivity and efficiency with less reliance on on-site labor
    • Since bending machines bend the material as a single piece, the possibility of incorrect bar bending is decreased.
    • Adjusting bar size and spacing provides precisely the right reinforcement where needed.
    • Welding wire mesh may be positioned rather quickly. As a result, slab casting has a shorter cycle time.
    • It decreases building costs as a result of the increased construction pace.
    • Designers can achieve efficient stress transmission to concrete with substantially lower crack widths by using thinner bars at closer spacings, leading to better-finished surfaces.
    • Rolls rather than standard-length bars can be used to make welded wire mesh, reducing waste.
    • Less site storage space is needed for welded wire mesh.
    • Cutting and bending in the facility eliminates the requirement for a rebar yard on site.
    • Compared to bending rebar on the job site, manufacturing is fundamentally safer in the factory.
    • Quicker time to erect
    • Eliminates the location of reinforcement
    • Wire mesh adheres to concrete quite well and stays put when used.
    • Installation and unloading at the job site are simple.

    Applications of Welded Wire Mesh

    Other applications for welded wire mesh include construction. For the reinforcing of concrete structures, welded mesh is frequently utilized. In this instance, welded reinforcing mesh is inserted inside poured concrete forms (beneath the slab, the frame foundation slab is poured), increasing the strength of the formed concrete structures.

    Building frames: A road-reinforcing mesh grid is welded reinforcing mesh used to reinforce road surfaces or parking lots.

    Mesh for masonry: It supports the roadway in coal mines as a supporting mesh.

    Chapter 4: Galvanized Wire Mesh Manufacturing Methods

    The process for the manufacture of welded wire mesh is the same across all industries. A prefabricated linked grid is welded using electric fusion welding. Parallel longitudinal wires with precision spacing are welded at the intersection of cross wires at measured intervals.

    Welded wire mesh can be formed into many different shapes. It is made of high strength metals such as carbon steel, galvanized steel, and stainless steel. Special coatings may be added to make the metal surfaces more corrosive and chemical resistant.

    Hot Dip Galvanization

    With hot dip galvanization, the base metal is dipped in a molten zinc pool. Before beginning the process, the base metal is cleaned, physically and chemically, to ensure that the zinc coating will adhere to the base metal and form a high-quality bond. After the cleaning processes, the base metal is fluxed to remove lingering oxides that could have remained after cleaning.

    A metallurgical bond is created by dipping the base metal into a heated zinc liquid bath where the zinc and the receiving metal bond. When the metal is removed from the bath, it reacts with oxygen in the air to create a zinc oxide protective layer.


    Steps to hot dip galvanization:

    • Using a sodium hydroxide solution to clean debris off stainless steel, rust and other impurities are removed.
    • A cleaning chemical made of zinc ammonium chloride is sprayed on the surface to stop oxidation.
    • A vat of molten zinc is used to dip stainless steel in.
    • Until the steel achieves the same temperature as the hot zinc, it stays in the vat.
    • The stainless steel is quickly cooled in a separate tank after being removed.

    Electro Galvanizing

    Electro galvanizing, also known as electrolytic galvanizing, is a cold procedure that uses an organic solvent, made up of zinc particles that are applied to the surface of the metal. The chemicals react to create a zinc-steel alloy. Once the solvent evaporates, the zinc remains on the metal. During the process of electrolytic galvanizing, zinc ions are electrically reduced to zinc metal and positively placed on the charged metal substrate.


    Grain refiners may be used to create a uniform zinc coating. On a roll of sheet metal, electro-galvanizing is normally applied constantly. Lead-silver or other insoluble anodes and electrolytes of zinc sulfates are used in the most typical zinc electrolyte-anode configuration.

    Galvanizing stainless steel is an option before and after it is formed into wire mesh. First, the metal is pulled down to the desired diameter before galvanizing. Next, zinc is applied to the individual metal wires, which are weaved or welded into screens. The zinc coating may need to be reapplied if it was burned off during welding at the joints. Pre-woven steel goods are coated with a solvent or dipped into molten zinc when fabrication happens first.

    Compared to low-carbon steel, galvanized welded wire mesh offers higher corrosion resistance without the cost of stainless steel. This particular brand of welded wire mesh is intended to construct fences and other infrastructure. For industrial usage, it is also offered in various formats, such as rolls and panels. Various galvanization procedures vary regarding the material utilized, the thickness, and the kinds of processes used.

    Chapter 5: Welded Wire Mesh Materials

    Welded wire mesh consists of wire strands that are resistance welded where they intersect when woven together. Aside from galvanized steel, there is a wide assortment of wire types that are used to produce welded wire mesh including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and brass.

    Carbon Steel

    Carbon steel welded wire mesh is the most common form of wire mesh. It is made of iron with a small amount of carbon. Carbon steel has high tensile strength and is resistant to abrasion from normal wear and abuse. Welded carbon steel wire mesh is used for filtration systems, infill panels, window guards, caging, and security enclosures. It is available in different wire diameters, thicknesses, and finishes, which makes it flexible enough to fit various applications.

    Stainless Steel

    Stainless steel is well known for its resistance to rust due to its 11.5% chromium content. It is popular in the welded wire mesh industry due to its durability, sturdiness, and resilience to meet the needs of any conditions or environments. When stainless steel&#;s oxide layer is subjected to impact or force, it self heals such that the portion that has been stressed is not exposed.

    Aluminum

    Welded aluminum wire mesh is approximately one third the weight of stainless steel welded wire mesh and has the same properties as stainless steel. The main benefit of aluminum as welded wire mesh is its resistance to corrosion, which makes it ideal for use in hostile environments with freezing temperatures, heavy rain, and high winds.

    Aside from its obvious positive strength and endurance properties, aluminum welded wire mesh is less expensive than the heavier metals, which makes it applicable to a wider array of projects and uses. It can be treated with a variety of surface treatments to enhance its strength and resistance.

    Brass

    Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. Since it is anti-sparking, it is an ideal choice for use with combustible and explosive materials. Brass welded wire mesh has a very pleasing appearance that makes it useful as an architectural and decorative accent. Brass alloys used for welded wire mesh are C230, C260, and C270.

    Copper

    Welded copper wire mesh has exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity with corrosion resistance. It is used as an architectural accent and marine applications.

    Chapter 6: Welded Wire Mesh Panels

    Welded wire mesh panels, normally made from galvanized steel, are made using electric welding machines in the same way all other forms of welded wire mesh are produced. The welded wire mesh is galvanized before or after the panels have been welded. The main use for welded wire mesh panels is as security protection and fencing.

    Galvanized steel mesh panels have a smooth surface, are corrosion resistant and are more affordable than sheet materials. It is lightweight, simple to install and convenient. Galvanized wire mesh panels are made from steel and stainless steel wire. They are galvanized by an electroplating process, which forms a layer of zinc coating to prevent the mesh from corroding or rusting.


    With hot dip galvanizing, the panels are submerged in hot, molten zinc to form a thick zinc coating, which makes it possible to use the panels in tough rugged conditions. At the same time, the electro-galvanized method is more productive and less expensive.

    Characteristics of Galvanized Steel Mesh Panels

    • Excellent durability - resistant to rust and corrosion
    • Smooth surface
    • Different gauges and mesh sizes are available.
    • Easy to install and store due to weight
    • Exceptional tenacity and flexibility

    Applications of Galvanized Mesh Panels

    Galvanized mesh panels are widely used in various applications, such as fencing for homes, gardens, sports fields, highways, and bridges, due to their high strength, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance. Common applications include:

    • Animal enclosures and caging
    • Agriculture, gardening, and farm uses
    • Window gates or screens
    • Ornamental panels for the infill
    • Wall and slope retention using gabions
    • Industrial applications, such as filter systems

    Packaging of Welded Wire Mesh Panels

    A covering of kraft paper and a layer of plastic film are frequently used for packaging welded wire panels. It seeks to keep the panels dry while being transported and stored. In addition, wooden pallets are positioned between the packages to help secure the panels during shipping. Thus, the panels are safely received.

    Price of Galvanized Mesh Panel

    Numerous variables affect how much-galvanized steel wire mesh costs. The market offers prices for items ranging from $8 to $20. Size, wire diameter, galvanization technique, zinc coating thickness, packaging cost, shipping, tax, etc., are all factors that affect it.

    Chapter 7: General Specification for Welded Wire Mesh

    Material

    Either stainless steel rebar or galvanized steel rods, which have great corrosion resistance and may be used in moist situations, produce the wires for welded fiber.

    The wires comply with IS:432-Pt II/, which calls for a characteristic strength of 480 N/mm2 and tensile strength of 570 N/mm2.

    Shape and Size

    The welded wire fiber is typically found in rectangular and square shapes. The fabric can be produced in lengths up to mm, although widths up to that size are possible. The normal length is mm when delivered in flat sheet form ready to be laid. Otherwise, the fabric can be delivered in rolls at conventional lengths of 15 meters, 30 meters, or 45 meters.

    Typically, wires with a diameter of 2 to 12 mm are produced for use in the production of fabric. IS:- classifies it, and its long and cross-wire spacings range from 25 to 400 millimeters.

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    Cutting and Forming

    Wire cutters make it simple to cut welded wire fabric. The mesh is bendable to the necessary size and placed down if it is to be used in a stairway.

    Lapping and Clearance

    Lapping is typically unnecessary because wire fibers are available in any size needed, but if it is required, a minimum of 6 inches of lapping is advised.

    Standard procedure calls for 1 to 3 inches to be left between the wire fabric and formwork.

    Vibrating

    To ensure the mix is evenly dispersed and the fabric is adequately implanted to minimize cracking, vibrating plastic concrete reinforced with welded fiber mesh is advised.

    Chapter 8: Welded Wire Fabric In Concrete Benefits and Uses

    Benefits of Welded Wire Fabric in Concrete

    Higher Design Strength

    Welded wire fabric has the same structural behavior as HYSD bars or plain mild steel bars. The welded wires' inherent strength accounts for enhanced strength.

    Better Bonding

    The peripheral surface area mostly causes concrete bonding. Stress transfer from concrete to steel and vice versa in welded wire fabric is caused by the rigid mechanical connections between welds and cross-wires. Each rigid weld can resist up to 210 N/mm2 to achieve swift and full stress transmission inside two welded joints from the vital section.

    Effective Crack Resistance

    The two main characteristics of welded wire fiber contributing to the reduction of cracks in concrete are the close spacing of thinner wires and the strong mechanical anchorage at each intersection. The close spacing of the wires most effectively counters the strain-induced stresses brought on by shrinkage and temperature fluctuations. This feature of the welded wire fiber maintains the slab's structural stability.

    Economical

    The immediate and beneficial labor and time savings are the most evident and compelling benefits of using welded wire fabric. The bars are not chopped, marked, and spaced apart; most importantly, the binding wires are not laboriously tied.

    Flexible in Handling and Placing

    Welded wire fabric is particularly flexible to handle due to smaller wires. Welded wire fabric offers the best and most practical solution for all types of repair work by replastering due to its availability in considerable lengths in roll form.

    Uses of Welded Wire Fabric in Concrete

    • Construction using structural flat slabs or slabs with beams
    • Large floor slabs create surfaces with fewer cracks, such as pavement, airport runways, and aprons.
    • Concrete features with curved or challenging shapes, such as arches, domes, lotus petals, etc., benefit greatly from the flexibility of welded wire cloth and its ready-to-use nature.
    • Fins or balcony drops are precast parts that are thin or challenging to reinforce. Other examples are:
    • Curved arch flat members
    • Hyperbolic paraboloid shells
    • Folded plate roof girders
    • Precast RCC and prestressed parts such as wall and slab panels are typically produced in large quantities.
    • As a bonding fabric when replastering or guniting is necessary for repairs and building rehabilitation
    • Unstressed shaping or form reinforcement is utilized in the box
    • I, T, or double T-section prestressed concrete girders
    • For ferrocement or ferroconcrete projects, the sole option for creating the reinforcing matrix for precast parts like water tanks, fins, shelves, etc., is welded wire fabric.

    Applications of Welded Wire Mesh

    There have been more recent developments and breakthroughs in welding technology. Remote welders enable increased output and reduced downtime. Manufacturers who offer on-site repairs and modifications are praised for their capacity to respond to the market's shifting demands. These services are in high demand. Each type can be employed according to the need and demand.

    Galvanizing can occur before or after wire mesh is created, whether woven or welded. The mesh is submerged in molten zinc once welding or weaving is finished. Zinc adheres to the surface of the wire, completely sealing it off and shielding it from rust and corrosion. A galvanized wire mesh has several different aperture sizes and wire diameters, which is one of its key advantages. It is applied to wire meshes for a range of final product applications. It can be used for safety guards, window grills, security cages, and building enclosures. In addition, it is regarded as a fantastic choice for wants involving general fencing.

    Weld mesh is made of tough steel wire electronically welded at every point of contact, creating an incredibly strong and adaptable material. It may be used for various demanding applications because each intersection of steel weld mesh is electronically welded. For example, it is used to make a variety of safety guards and screens since it is almost unbreakable and simple to manufacture.

    It is frequently utilized in various sectors, including horticulture, retail, transportation, and agriculture, and has a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.

    Welded mesh has numerous residential uses, including as an affordable fencing material, an impact screen for windows, or a safety cover for drains and open water.

    A welded mesh offers a flat surface that maintains a solid structure and can support or protect other objects. Uses for steel mesh, often known as welded wire mesh, include:

    • Safety covers
    • Fencing and cages
    • Stairways and balustrading
    • Catwalks
    • Large-scale construction projects
    • Anti-theft screens
    • Shelving
    • Fishing traps
    • Concrete reinforcement

    Chapter 9: Welded Wire Mesh Terminology

    When discussing welded wire mesh, there are a few terms that are associated with it that need to be understood in order to clearly describe the types of treatments and style of wire mesh to purchase.

    Calendering - Calendering refers to flattening the knuckles of welded wire mesh to give it a smooth surface.

    Fill Wire - The fill wire is the wire that runs across the width of the wire and is referred to as the shute wire.

    Hardware Cloth - Welded square wire mesh that is lightweight and galvanized after welding.

    Market Cloth - Market welded wire mesh is general use welded wire mesh.

    Mesh Count - The mesh count is the number of openings per lineal inch measured from the center of wire to center of wire.

    Oil Tempered Wire - Oil tempered wire is carbon steel that has been made heat resistant.

    Opening - The opening is the distance between parallel wires.

    Selvage - Selvage is the looped edges of welded wire mesh.

    Space Cloth - Space cloth is a descriptor for welded wire mesh using the opening size and not the mesh count.

    Warp Wire - The warp wire runs parallel to the length of the welded wire mesh and is perpendicular to the shute wire.

    Weave Pattern - The weave pattern is the pattern that the intertwined welded wires make.

    Wire Diameter - Wire diameter is the diameter of the wire being used to manufacture welded wire mesh.

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      Tips for Welding High Strength Steel and Selecting Filler ...

      By: Hobart Brothers

      When a finished product in a welding application requires elevated levels of strength and toughness, high strength steels may be right for the job. These materials provide outstanding strength while also allowing for a reduction in material thickness &#; and offering less weight as an additional benefit. 

      While high strength steels deliver many benefits, welding these materials can present some challenges. As high strength steels become more commonly used in manufacturing and fabrication, it&#;s important to consider factors, such as filler metal selection, to weld these materials successfully.

      The basics of high strength steels 
      The term &#;high strength steel&#; refers to base materials and filler metals that have high tensile and yield strengths. Yield strength is the amount of force required to deform or bend material, while tensile strength is the amount of force needed to pull or stretch a material until it breaks. Because high strength steels have higher tensile and yield strengths, they don&#;t flex as much under heavy loads, resulting in a lower chance of deformation or breakage compared to other steels.

      High strength steels may follow an industry standard classification such as ASTM, ABS, AISI; or they may be proprietary to a steel manufacturer, in which case they will not fit traditional classification systems. For proprietary high strength alloys, the steel manufacturer can provide valuable insights into welding procedures, filler metal recommendations, and pre- and post-weld heat treatment, as well as recommended interpass temperature controls. 

      Due to their elevated strength-to-weight ratio, high strength steels are used to build products that carry more, weigh less and withstand extreme service conditions. In applications where it&#;s important to reduce weight, using high strength steel can allow for using thinner material that weighs less. 

      High strength materials have traditionally been required in industries, such as crane manufacturing and pressure vessels, and their use is growing in other industries like truck and trailer manufacturing.

      The increased strength in these materials comes from alloying elements, primarily manganese and nickel. Some high strength steels also use molybdenum and chromium to improve strength. These alloying elements change how the steel structure forms upon cooling, making it more resistant to deformation, bending or twisting. 

      Using a high strength steel requires choosing a filler metal that meets the engineering design of the structure. The nature of the stresses incurred by the weldment and the engineering design of the welded structure will ultimately determine if a matching chemistry should be used.

      As high strength steels become more commonly used
      in manufacturing and fabrication, it&#;s important to 
      understand the unique considerations involved in 
      successfully welding these materials.

      Challenges in welding high strength steels
      Because of their unique properties, high strength steels can be more challenging to weld than mild steels. The material is stronger, but often used in thinner cross sections to decrease the overall weight of the structure. Because the weld metal wants to shrink as it transforms from liquid to solid during welding, the process introduces stress into the weld joint. 

      Reducing this stress requires close attention to several factors, including proper weld joint design, filler metal selection and heat input. Consider these common challenges when welding high strength steel:  

      Hydrogen embrittlement: To avoid hydrogen embrittlement and the potential cracking it can cause, use a low-hydrogen filler metal and a welding process that discourages hydrogen formation, as well as proper welding practices and joint design. These factors help reduce residual stress during the welding process, which in turn helps reduce the risk of cracking. Hydrogen induced cracking requires three elements to occur: sufficient hydrogen present in the weld metal or base metal, susceptible microstructure and high levels of restraint. Choosing a low hydrogen filler metal and welding process is crucial to reducing the amount of available hydrogen in the weld metal. Choosing proper preheat and interpass temperature control will also help control the cooling rate of the weld metal and base material to lessen the risk of cracking. Fast cooling rates are the result of a low heat input welding process, and they promote the formation of brittle microstructures in the weld metal and heat affected zones. 

      Risk of distortion: Compared to welding mild steel, there is a greater chance of distortion when welding high strength steel. Higher levels of residual stress present after welding, combined with thinner cross sections, can lead to distortion problems. While mild steels are often more tolerant to higher heat inputs, too much heat can threaten weld strength and integrity in high strength steels. Because high strength steels can be weakened by improper weld procedures, it&#;s critical to take care with heat input and joint design. In applications that require multiple welding passes, be sure to use smaller weld beads with multiple passes, rather than trying to complete a larger single-pass weld using higher heat input. 

      Quenched and tempered steels: Some high strength steels derive their strength from a quench and temper heat treatment. First, the material is quenched, a process by which the steel is rapidly cooled to room temperature. During the tempering process, the steel is heated to a temperature well below the melting point and helps restore some toughness. When high strength, quenched and tempered steels are welded, the heat from the arc can alter the temper on the material. For this reason, it is recommended to weld the material in the annealed condition whenever possible. Proper preheat and post-weld heat treatment are essential to minimize cracking risks. 

      Choosing the right filler metal 
      There are fewer filler metal options per material class for high strength steels. Consider the yield and tensile strength of the base material and the engineering design requirements prior to making a filler metal selection. If the base material provides 100 ksi yield strength and a matching filler metal is desired, the weld metal should provide at least 100 ksi yield strength to ensure the weld is as strong as or stronger than the base material. In some applications, American Welding Society (AWS) codes specify the filler metal type that should be used for joining specific base materials. A word of caution to not confuse yield strength (YS) with ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Often filler metals are classified by their UTS (e.g., E110C-K4).

      Filler metal options with high tensile and yield strengths include low alloy metal-cored or low alloy flux-cored wires. Choosing between the types depends upon the welding process being used and what a shop is equipped to do. 

      Metal-cored filler metal options for welding high strength steels include AWS E90C-D2 and E110C-K4, which offer higher deposition rates and travel speeds, virtually no slag and smooth arc characteristics. Most low alloy metal-cored wires also offer excellent toughness properties and bridge gaps more efficiently than other filler metals, particularly solid wires. 

      Flux-cored filler metal options include AWS E81T1-Ni1C/MJ H4 and AWS E111T1-K3 MJ H8; both provide excellent low temperature toughness combined with all-position weldability. Gas-shielded low alloy flux-cored wires for welding high strength steels commonly use one of two types of slag systems: T-5 or T-1. Wires with a T-5 basic slag system usually have good mechanical properties, strength and low diffusible hydrogen levels. However, these benefits typically come at an expense; most T-5 wires are not as operator-friendly as those with a T-1 rutile slag system and create greater levels of spatter and smoke than T-1 wires. T-1 wires provide good arc stability and weldability but tend not to have as much ductility or toughness. Like any other flux-cored wires, both produce slag that will need to be removed after welding or between passes.

      Just about any filler metal designed for use with high strength steel will carry a low-hydrogen designation such as H4 or H8 since reducing hydrogen is critical in many of these applications. An H4 designator, for example, signifies that the filler metal contains only 4ml of diffusible hydrogen per 100 g of weldment. 

      Choosing the right filler metal and using proper heat treatment and weld 
      procedures can result in finished welds that are very high in strength. 
      These factors are an important way to minimize rework and maintain 
      good productivity when welding high strength steels.

      Proper heat treatment 
      Because high strength steels can be more prone to cracking than mild steels, utilizing proper heat treatment before, during and after welding is key. In single-pass welding, heat treatment isn&#;t as common or may not be required, but it&#;s crucial in thicker, multi-pass welding applications. 

      Proper preheat helps maintain the right metal temperature during welding (effectively slowing the cooling rates) to prevent defects and cracking. It also helps reduce some of the residual stress that can build up during the welding process, allowing the metal to regain toughness in and around the weld joint as it cools. 

      The time and temperature necessary for proper preheat vary by application and are dependent on the material type and thickness. 

      Awareness of proper interpass temperatures is also important in multi-pass welds. Sequencing the weld process correctly helps ensure temperatures don&#;t exceed allowable interpass temperatures. It&#;s also important to check temperatures between passes to make sure the material stays within the proper range, which helps avoid premature weld failure or cracking. 

      Maintaining interpass temperatures also reduces changes to the grain structure of the steel during cooling, which in turn limits any mechanical changes that could adversely affect the toughness or tensile strength. 

      Post-weld heat treatment is sometimes necessary to ensure the welded structure cools at a uniform rate. This type of heat treatment is designed to provide ample time for hydrogen to escape the weld metal and allows the material to reduce residual stresses from the welding process.

      Success with high strength steels
      High strength steels offer benefits for toughness and durability in a growing number of applications, but it&#;s important to keep in mind several key considerations when welding these materials. 

      Choosing the right filler metal and using proper heat treatment and weld procedures can result in finished welds that are very high in strength. These factors are an important way to minimize  rework and maintain good productivity. 

      Are you interested in learning more about Welded Steel Bar Mesh? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!