Choosing the Right Welded Mesh for Your Specific ...

Welded mesh is a bit of an umbrella term for metal-based panels that can be manufactured to a range of specifications. From light mesh to heavy-weight coated mesh, it&#;s important to understand the component aspects of the final product to ensure it will perform as required.

Read more

Welded mesh is an increasingly popular choice for fencing panels where strength, durability and overall performance are valued. Suitable for a wide range of applications, from High security to low-level demarcation, this is an ideal solution for when full through-visibility is needed as part of a robust fencing structure.

Understanding welded mesh

Welded mesh is essentially a series of durable steel wires that are welded together at each intersection.

At Siddall & Hilton, we boast 5 cutting-edge machines that utilize coil-fed cross wires for electric resistance welding onto line wires. Out of these machines, 4 are specifically designed for line wire coils, while the ATT126 machine employs pre-straightened and cut-to-length line wires. This technique results in a flat and rigid panel with either a square or rectangular-shaped mesh with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Our machines perform resistance welding to join wires together. For machines using line wires from a coil, a guillotine is utilized to cut panels to the desired length. In contrast, the machine using cut lengths determines the panel length based on the number of line wires used in production.

The resulting structure is extremely robust and as a result, is highly effective as a perimeter solution. There are a number of common types of welded mesh available, including:

Wire gauge and thickness

An indicator of strength and durability; the thicker the wire, the smaller the gauge and the more expensive the product. However, the focus should be on the correct gauge for each specific project as selecting a wire that is too thin can result in a product that is not strong enough to withstand the intended application, while using a wire that is too thick can be unnecessarily expensive.

In fencing and fabrication, the choice of wire gauge depends on the specific requirements of the application. Heavy-duty security fencing, for instance, might use lower gauge wires for added strength and deterrence, while lighter applications or decorative fencing might use higher gauge wires.

It's essential to consider the intended purpose, load-bearing requirements, and environmental conditions when selecting the appropriate steel wire gauge for welded mesh panels in fencing and fabrication projects.

Material type and coatings/finishings

Whether selecting a commonly manufactured specification or something more bespoke, every mesh panel will be produced from good quality metal that will adhere to Internationally recognised standards, minimum level of material and tolerance requirements. The additional coating then begins to offer enhanced protection of the mesh, adding to the longevity and performance of each panel.

Self-colour &#; Simply put this is steel in its raw form. The wire used does not undergo any additional surface treatment or coating after being manufactured. it's important to note that self-colour steel wire is more susceptible to corrosion compared to coated variants. It can be used for concrete reinforcement and for fabrication into other steel structures. You may choose to hot dip to galvanise the panels and integrate them into fencing and gate systems.

Pre-Galvanised &#; Steel wire that has undergone the galvanising process Prior to welding. Pre-galvanised steel wire offers the benefit of slightly enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly when used in combination with polyester powder coating.

Hot dip galvanised &#; This is where we take a completed steel panel and immerse it into a bath of molten zinc, allowing the zinc to bond metallurgically with the steel surface. This zinc coating offers steel panels additional corrosion protection. Want to learn more about the hot Dip galvanising process read our article on 10 reasons you should hot dip galvanise.

Galfan &#; This type of protective coating is a combination of zinc and aluminium, which provides superior corrosion protection to traditional zinc alloy. Read our guide on Galfan coating for more information.

Powder coated - Also known as electrostatic spraying, this process is popular as it creates a thick and durable layer of protection for metal surfaces which is ideal for fencing solutions. In most cases, fencing panels receive triple resistance protection. A pre-galvanised wire is used and is then pre-treated with a phosphate solution (other chemical pre-treatments are available), this helps promote adhesion between the metal and the coating. 

For more information, please visit Mclassic Metal.

Additional reading:
How A Security Fence Can Protect Your Business
Unlocking Essential Answers: Key Questions to Ask When Ordering MZP Wire for Reinforcement
How is diamond metal mesh used?

We exclusively utilise directly drawn mild steel wire, ensuring a maximum carbon content of 0.1%. When producing wire mesh panels, choosing the appropriate finishes and coatings is crucial. Factors such as the structure's purpose, exposure conditions, expected maintenance, lifespan, and budget all contribute to forming the optimal specification.

Application-specific considerations

The versatility and flexibility of wire mesh panels mean they are used across a wide range of applications.

In the agriculture sector, Profiled wire mesh is a strong, durable and economical option for a range of purposes. It is effective for animal enclosures as part of a post and wire fencing structure or to ensure animal safety in more structured spaces. It can also be used for crop protection and given its strength and durability, is popular for guarding machinery as part of a high-security system.

For high-security projects, such as prisons, military installations and critical infrastructure, the 358 range is the clear choice (358,35duo, 35 superior). These mesh fencing panels are a reliable and high-performing option. With finger and foot-proof anti-climb barriers and anti-cut design, these panels are designed to withstand immense pressure whilst being compatible with most electronic alarm and detection systems.

When it comes to demarcation, Safetop and profiled panels are a cost-conscious yet visually acceptable choice to help with public footflow. Whether being used to create safe walkways, separate areas of specific use or simply create no-go zones for the general public, wire mesh panels can play an important role in defining boundaries.

With its adaptable design and flexible security features, double panels such as 868 and 656 wire mesh panels are ideally suited to the sports and leisure industry. Aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance and available in a range of colours, this kind of fencing system offers excellent visibility whilst still providing a rigid, strong and secure perimeter solution.

Talk to us today about wire mesh solutions

When it comes to perimeter fencing, wire mesh is an excellent choice. It&#;s strong, low-maintenance and cost-effective, as well as being available in a range of sizes and materials. How it will be used is important in defining the characteristics a specific perimeter structure will need, as is the coating and wire gauge.

This guide is intended to help inform you about the different options available to help you make an informed decision as part of your buying process. If you&#;d like to explore how we can help you with your next welded mesh purchase, we&#;d love to talk to you.

You can contact us at +44 (0)  or .

Mesh materials come in various forms, each offering unique properties and benefits suited to specific applications. Understanding the differences and advantages of each type is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with the project&#;s requirements and goals. The most common question that we get from our customers is usually &#;Which Mesh Can I Use For My Project?&#;.

It is clear that The Mesh Company specialises in providing a diverse range of mesh materials, catering to a wide spectrum of industrial and architectural needs.

This guide focuses on four primary types of mesh:

 

Each type presents distinct characteristics and applications, making them suitable for various tasks, from reinforcing concrete in construction to enhancing aesthetic appeal in architectural designs.

For more Welded Wire Mesh Panelinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.