What is Wire Mesh?
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- February 21, 2022
- 10 min
The Basics of Metal Wire Mesh
Wire Mesh is a common material found across a large number of different industries. It is also something that people may use for personal hobbies or home improvement.
However, everybody may not have a strong understanding of what Metal Wire Mesh is or the potential applications it can have.
We’ve created a brief guide with some of the more important details that you need to know about it. Discover how to implement Wire Mesh into your next project, keep reading for more details!
What is Wire Mesh?
Also referred to as wire fabric, wire cloth, or hardware mesh, Wire Mesh is a material that has a wide variety of uses. As the name suggests, it’s created by weaving or welding wire into a screen-like product.
The Woven construction type is more flexible, easier to shape, and is available in smaller openings. Whereas Welded construction provides a flatter, cleaner appearance that maintains its shape and integrity when cut.
The size and number of the openings will often dictate their intended and applicable uses. In filtration or mining settings, Wire Mesh with smaller openings allows only the smallest substances, such as water or fine minerals, to pass through the metal. On the other hand, larger openings in infill panels for railings can allow light and air to pass through, while also providing safety.
As you might guess, it’s a common sight to behold in many different industries. These include the machining, mining, security, and automotive spaces just to name a few!
How is Wire Mesh Made?
The way Wire Mesh is made is dependent on whether it is a Woven or Welded construction type. Weaving strands of metal wire over and under each other makes Woven Wire Mesh. Welding the strands of metal at points of intersection makes Welded Wire Mesh.
The result is a screen that has either rectangular or square gaps between the wires. Also, decorative Wire Mesh is available with more intricate woven patterns, producing openings in a variety of shapes and total open area.
Popular material types include Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, and Aluminum. You can also find a wide range of non-ferrous and other specialty metals in the Wire Mesh construction type.
The type of material used will depend on the desired application for the mesh.
Common Applications
As previously mentioned, there are a large number of different applications for Wire Mesh. In most cases, it can prove to be one of the most integral parts of a particular project.
Some of the most notable uses include:
Infills
Infill panels are non-load-bearing walls or dividers used to create railings, risers, fencing, cabinets, partitions, and more. They create a modern and sophisticated look and bring functionality to any project.
Infill panels typically act as a barrier of some sort that allows light and air to pass through, which offers security without completely blocking sight or sound.
The benefit that Wire Mesh has over other railing alternatives or materials is that it is lightweight and easy to handle during installation. Because of the extensive selection of mesh and opening sizes, wire diameters, patterns, and materials, Wire Mesh offers a superior set of qualities for a variety of construction, manufacturing, or design projects.
Signage
It should come as no surprise that Wire Mesh is a versatile material in a wide array of signage applications. Above offering plenty of utility, it can also help increase aesthetic appeal.
For instance, it's possible to create an entire sign solely out of Wire Mesh.
You could incorporate this material in alternative ways, such as using it to enclose the sign itself. Regardless of how Wire Mesh is used within signs, it serves as an eye-catching and unique way to convey a message through signage.
Windows & Doors
Windows and doors are also common structures that incorporate Wire Mesh. In this context, Wire Mesh often serves as an additional security measure. This function is similar to metal bars over these structures without giving off such an industrial appearance.
Another use of Wire Mesh is to replace screens, frequently made from plastic. As long as the openings are relatively small, they create an appearance similar to that of a common screen that you would find on a door or window. As you might assume, this is a great option for keeping unwanted pests out of your home during the warmer months of the year.
In Conclusion
The guide above will help you understand a little more about Wire Mesh and its applications. Be on the lookout for our more extensive dive into Wire Mesh through our official Wire Mesh Guide coming soon!
We invite you to visit our main website to see what McNICHOLS® Wire Mesh can bring to your next project. We carry a wide variety of Hole Products to meet your metal needs, from Perforated and Expanded Metals to Wire Mesh, Bar Grating, Plank Grating and Fiberglass Grating.
If you would like more information, our Customer Service Specialists are ready and Inspired to Serve® you at 855.318.8791, [email protected], or via Live Chat on mcnichols.com.