There are several types of wires and wire gauges used in the manufacturing of woven wire and welded wire mesh. The selection of the appropriate size, type, and material of wire is important to produce a strong and durable product.
The most common materials of wires used in woven wire mesh include carbon, stainless-steel wires, aluminum, copper, and brass. Each has its own set of properties, pros, and cons. However, the wire gauge used is just as important, as it can impact the final product’s usability, durability, and even price.
Common Types of Wire Gauges
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish with your welded wire or woven wire mesh, you can have wires of different gauges manufactured specifically for your needs. However, the three most common types include:
8-gauge:
This is a 0.155-inch-thick wire that is often used in applications where strength and durability are required. It is also one of the more expensive options. 8-gauge wire meshes are often used in security applications and for containment purposes.
10-gauge:
This is a 0.128-inch-thick wire often used where a lighter-weight product is required. It is also less expensive than the 8-gauge wire. 10-gauge wire meshes are often used in filtration applications and for sifting.
12-gauge:
This is the thinnest wire that is commonly used in woven wire mesh with a thickness of 0.099 inches. It is often used in applications where a very lightweight product is required. It is also the most economical option. 12-gauge wire meshes are often used for screening and straining purposes.
There are thinner options available as well. The wire gauge you select depends on the specific application and requirements. As the leading woven wire mesh and welded wire mesh manufacturer, we use several standards to meet your industry requirement.
AWG – American Wire Gauge Standard
According to this standard, the wire gauge measurement begins at 40 gauge and progresses to the thicker wires at 1 gauge. The 40-gauge thickness, according to the standard, stands at just 0.0031 inches. The welded or woven wire mesh with 40-gauge wire is more useful as an insect repellant than for security usage.
The 1-gauge wire thickness stands at 0.2893 inches and is a much better option for security measures.
Understanding Heavy Gauge Metal Wires
The diameter of a wire is inversely proportional to its gauge: the thicker the wire, the smaller the gauge. As such, understanding the thickness of metal is key to understanding what the wire will be best used for.
For example, 18-gauge (0.048″ or 1.2 mm) is thicker than 20-gauge (0.036″ or 0.9 mm) but not as thick as 16-gauge (0.062″ or 1.6 mm), and all three heavy gauge metal wires will therefore have different applications.
The thickness (gauge) of the wire will also determine its overall strength and durability for any use, including welded wire structures or woven wire mesh.
Higher gauges also mean that the wire will be thicker and, therefore, more expensive. However, it is important to select the correct gauge for your project is important to avoid problems down the road. Using a wire that is too thin can result in a product that is not strong enough to withstand the intended application, while using a wire that is too thick can be unnecessarily expensive.