We offer a wide range of welded wire mesh (weldmesh) ranging from 4” x 4” squares down to a 4 x 4 mesh (1/4” x ¼” centre to centre) for use in primarily industrial applications.  The weldmesh is either made from mild steel wire, pre-galvanized wire, stainless steel wire or a mild steel wire which is then hot dip galvanized.    

Resistance spot welding is the process used to manufacture weldmesh. Here is an overview of this process:

1. The long and short wires running through a machine are aligned over electrodes in either a square or rectangular pattern.  The bottom electrode is stationary and the top one is attached to a welding gun which is usually pneumatically operated.
2. When the welding guns are actuated, they come down and apply pressure to the wires (where they cross). 
3. Once all of the welding guns are fully pressurized (the delay is called squeeze time), a current (the heat setting) is sent through the wire for a pre-set amount of time (weld time).
4. The resistance of the wire to the current causes the wire to heat up and melt.  The pressure from the welding guns forges the wires together. 
5. The welding guns wait for a pre-set time (hold time) before releasing, allowing the wires to cool a little and complete the welding process. 

A few weldmesh families and their applications:

Mild (plain) Steel Weldmesh - Regular or mild steel weldmesh is the most economical variety and can subsequently be powder coated, painted, plated or finished by other means to achieve the desired look or corrosion resistance.  Commonly used in railings and guarding.

GBW (galvanized before welding) – This is material that is welded from a galvanized wire (pre-galvanized wire).  The benefit is that it is more economical that the GAW option while still offering some weather and corrosion resistance.  In the long run, this mesh will corrode as the galvanized coating is burned off at the weld (black marks are visible at the welds).  Commonly used as cagemesh, birdscreens and for animal control applications.

GAW (galvanized after welding) – This is material that is hot dip galvanized after the welding process, providing superior corrosion resistance.  It is more expensive than the GBW product.  Applications include cages that are left out year around, raccoon control at hydro transformer stations and any application that requires a long-term mesh solution.

Re-Galvanized Hardware cloth – A light hot dip galvanized after welding product typically used in the HVAC industry.  The ½” x ½” mesh is used in louvres, ducts and often referred to as “birdscreen”.  Also used as a bird barrier under bridges and other applications that require a light economical solution to keep birds, debris and small animals out. 

The finer ¼ x ¼ hardware cloth is also used in the HVAC industry and similar applications that call for smaller mesh openings.  An effective and economical option as an animal control barrier to keep bats and smaller rodents from getting the where they can wreak havoc. 

Stainless Steel Weldmesh - Mostly made from the 304 grade of stainless steel (an overall good performing food grade of stainless steel) used for guarding and filtering in wet or corrosive environments, as well as in food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.  Some items are available made from type 316 stainless steel which is a marine grade and more corrosive resistant grade of stainless steel. 

Specialty Concrete Weldmesh – We stock a range of products for use in shotcrete for bridge and masonry repair.  These products are most often either GBW (galvanized before welding) or stainless steel.  Stainless steel type 310 (a high temperature grade of stainless steel) weldmesh has been supplied for use in the refractory industry.

If you have any questions about our weldmesh or other products, please don’t hesitate to email or call us.

Image 1: Transformers that create the current used in spot welds.

Image 2: Control panels for the machines.

Image 3: Pneumatic manifold that feeds the welding guns.