Welded wire mesh, also known as welded wire fabric or weldmesh, is a type of metal screen composed of interconnected wires that have been welded together at their intersection points. It is commonly made from mild steel wire, but can also be made from stainless steel, galvanized steel, or other metals.
The manufacturing process of welded wire mesh involves the following steps:
1. Wire Drawing: The first step is to draw the metal wire from a larger coil or spool through a series of dies to reduce its diameter and achieve the desired thickness. This process can be repeated to achieve different wire gauges.
2. Wire Straightening: The drawn wire is then passed through a series of rollers or straightening machines to straighten any bends or irregularities in the wire.
3. Wire Cutting: The straightened wire is cut into individual lengths or rolls of the desired size. These lengths of wire will serve as the longitudinal (or warp) wires of the welded wire mesh.
4. Cross Wire Preparation: Another set of wire is used to create the transverse (or weft) wires of the mesh. These wires are cut to the desired length.
5. Welding: The longitudinal and transverse wires are fed into a welding machine, which joins them together at their intersection points. The welding process typically involves the use of electric resistance welding, where an electric current is passed through the wires at the intersection points, heating them and causing them to bond together.
6. Mesh Formation: The welded wires are formed into a mesh pattern by the welding machine. The spacing between the wires and the mesh size can be customized based on the specific requirements of the application.
7. Surface Treatment: After welding, the welded wire mesh may undergo surface treatments to enhance its corrosion resistance and durability. This can include processes such as galvanization (where the mesh is coated with a layer of zinc), PVC coating (where the mesh is covered with a layer of PVC), or powder coating (where the mesh is coated with a dry powder and baked to form a protective layer).
8. Quality Control and Packaging: The finished welded wire mesh is inspected to ensure it meets the required specifications and quality standards. It is then packaged and prepared for shipment or distribution.
Welded wire mesh is widely used in various applications, including construction, fencing, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and reinforcement of concrete structures. It provides strength, stability, and security due to its rigid structure and welded intersections. The mesh openings can vary in size, allowing for different levels of visibility, airflow, and filtration.
