Welded vs. Woven Wire Mesh

As our Wire Cloth Stock page mentioned, Wire Mesh incorporates thicker wire diameters starting around .063″ with a noticeable larger opening beginning around .25″. As a result, this type of material is both strong and rigid perfect for heavier-duty applications such as aggregate screening and architectural fencing.

Welded Wire Mesh is manufactured through a process of resistance welding using multiple welding heads.    This process fuses the wires together at every single intersection. In other words, the openings will remain the same, permanently, throughout even the most demanding of processes. It will also continue to provide consistent results throughout processing since the wires cannot move and thus maintain their same openings.

Woven Wire Mesh as the name implies, incorporates a weaving pattern as one wire passes over and then under the next repeatedly.  There are a variety of weave styles to choose from each with a different look. Additionally, a variety of metals & alloys including exotic types can be woven such as Brass, Copper, and Aluminum.

Welded Wire Mesh
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Woven Wire mesh
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Wire Mesh Benefits

Both Welded & Woven Wire Mesh has substantial advantages, especially when compared to other similar products such as Perforated and Expanded metals.

  • Openings: Wire Mesh can also have a larger opening in either a square or rectangular orientation.
  • Functionality: To that end, a more significant open area percentage can allow for increased production capacities and greater material flow. 
  • Aesthetic: Completely different visual appearance.
  • Options: Various metals & alloys are available for a woven preference.

For additional details on construction styles please check out our specifying page. Similarly, as you navigate our website you will easily view information about each mesh type along with applications, material specifications, and weaving capabilities. Furthermore, helpful resources such as images, videos, and sample kits are also available for your review.

Comprehensive Inventory

Our comprehensive inventory of both wire cloth and wire mesh spans from a sizable 4” opening to an ultra-fine 635 cloth with everything in between. Encompassing nearly 30,000 sq. ft of our main headquarters in Morrisville, Pennsylvania we warehouse countless rack space of various superior metals and alloys in a wide range of mesh styles, mesh counts and openings. If you are looking for an item in Market Grade, Filter Grade, Mill Grade, Tensil Bolting Cloth, Space Cloth or something larger woven or welded we likely carry it or can source it for you!

Filter Grade wire cloth

Space Cloth Wire Mesh

Market Grade Wire Mesh

Industries:

Building & Construction
Architectural
Aggregate/Mining
Entertainment (Amusement Park, Movie Props)

Applications:

Security Solutions
Fencing
Ventilation
Insect & Critter Control

Wire Mesh FAQs

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is made from intersecting metal wires that are used to form a grid. These are either woven or welded together using various materials and wire diameters.

Wire mesh is used in a variety of industries and applications. From energy & power production and water treatment to medical and food & beverage production. Click here to learn more – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/industries/

Wire mesh comes from coils of wire. The wire is first straightened and cut for welded wire mesh production or straightened then crimped to a specific profile to create a variety of woven wire mesh styles. Click here to learn more – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/mesh-wire/

Wire Mesh is used for a variety of applications such as fencing, guardrails, aggregate sizing, and sifting. To learn more click here – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/applications/

Wire Mesh isn’t transparent, but the mesh openings do allow for light, air, or whatever medium your application may call for to pass through.

Metal mesh is a broad term referring to Wire Mesh that doesn’t specify any specific material or wire diameter.

Wire cloth rolls are available in industry-standard 100′ lengths in either 36″, 48″, or 60″ widths. Wire mesh is available in a variety of widths and lengths. Additionally, depending on the specification, wire mesh can be rolled up or cut into sheets.

Fencing

Yes, Wire Mesh is a great alternative to standard fencing options. A variety of materials, construction types, and openings are available for use in interior or exterior applications. Learn more about wire mesh fencing here: https://www.universalwirecloth.com/wire-mesh-fencing/

Wire Mesh Exterior

Yes, wire mesh can be used outside. Please keep in mind certain materials are better for exterior applications than others. These would include Galvanized Steel and Stainless Steel which are better suited for the elements.

Wire Mesh Materials

Wire mesh can be made from a variety of materials that include, Stainless Steel, Plain (mild) Steel, High Carbon Steel, Galvanized Steel, Aluminum, Brass, Bronze, and Copper.

304 refers to a grade of stainless steel. In this case, Type 304 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh. It is the most common material used for a variety of applications. To learn more about the chemical breakdown of this material click here – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/metals-and-alloys/stainless-steel/

This depends on your application. Type 316 Stainless Steel is a higher grade of stainless steel with additional corrosion-resistant properties. While Type 304 is a standard grade of stainless that is most commonly used.

Wire Mesh Weaves

There are two types of wire mesh: Woven Wire Mesh and Welded Wire Mesh. Click here to learn more – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/products/wire-mesh/

A mesh weave refers to woven wire mesh. These weave styles include plain weave, intercrimp weave, lock crimp weave, and flat top weave. Click here to learn more – https://www.universalwirecloth.com/products/woven-wire-mesh/custom-wire-mesh-weaving/

Wire Mesh – Wire Diameters

When referring to mesh wires also known as wire diameters there is a variety to choose from. Additionally, the other key factor here is what material will be required. At Universal Wire Cloth, we carry a variety of the most common specifications in both our wire cloth inventory and wire mesh weaving operation.

The higher the gauge the thinner the wire. In this case, 19 gauge = .041″ and 23 gauge = .025″ making this the thicker of the two.

12 gauge refers to the diameter of the wire used to create the wire mesh. In this case, 12 gauge is also commonly noted as .105″ diameter wire.

19 gauge refers to the diameter of the wire used to create the wire mesh. In this case, 19 gauge is also commonly noted as .041″ diameter wire.

Woven vs Welded

Welded Wire Mesh fuses the wires at each grid intersection which may make it slightly stronger. However, lock crimp woven wire mesh as the name implies locks each wire intersection in place which creates a very strong product as well.