Process
The process of producing welded wire mesh is done through a specialized machine capable of accurately welding wires together. The wires are rolled up into a production line that is connected to the welding machine. The welding slowly draws wire from the production line in a measured time pace. As the wires are being drawn, the welding machine will punch at the intersected wires to weld it together. The wires being drawn are similar to the process of weaving but in a welded outcome. Afterwards, the welded wire mesh is rolled up and taken to a warehouse where it will either be painted with a PVC coating or be prepared for marketing.
Applications
A welded wire mesh has many different applications. One of the best known uses for welded wire mesh is using it as reinforcement for fences. Decorative types can be used in gardens and lawns. It can be used as a road grating and can be used to contain your pets or livestock. There are those PVC coated welded wire mesh that has an improved durability. It can also be used to as a form of protection for various machines. It is also a presence in many different industries. They often use the stainless steel welded wire mesh because it is rustproof and very durable. It also has an agricultural use due to the fact that it can be used on farms for plant storage and for the protection of plants and animals from different pests and predators. In zoos and parks, it is used as form of animal enclosure especially when it comes to dealing with snakes and birds. Welded wire mesh is also used as a protective screen in buildings and stores to prevent thieves from breaking in. Welded wire mesh has an extreme corrosion resistance and great sustainability. Unlike woven wire mesh, it does not need support because all of its intersections are tightly welded together. It has been proven effective especially when doing heavy duty work. Many industries prefer the use of welded wire meshes because of its ability to sustain great loads of weight and pressure. Welded wire mesh is the strongest of the three types of wire mesh.
History
1901 was the first ever recorded mention of a welded wire mesh. John Kerry, an inventor from Massachusetts came up of an idea to weld together wires in order to use it as a fence. In 1906, it was told that these welded wires will serve as concrete reinforcements. Over the years, the development continued and right now, it has enjoyed an increase of popularity for 20 years.