Spiral Mesh

Spiral mesh is a mesh made from pre-formed metal wires that are hooked into each other in a spiral shape. It resembles the classic chain-link fence but is much more versatile. The individual wires are bent into elongated spirals (coils); adjacent spirals interlock like links of a chain. At the edges of the mesh, the wire spirals are fixed (by welding or bending) to prevent the mesh from unraveling.

Characteristics:

• Flexibility in one direction: Spiral meshes are bendable sideways like a spring, but much less stretchable lengthwise (because the spirals resist elongation). This makes them easy to roll and fold for transport.
• Seamless width: Spiral meshes can be produced in virtually any width, limited only by the manufacturing machine. Very wide elements (e.g., > 5 m) are possible, which would be difficult to achieve with woven wire mesh made from a single wire.
• Open area and transparency: Depending on the spiral diameter and wire thickness, spiral meshes can be quite transparent (with flat spirals spaced apart) or denser (with round spirals closely packed). Typical openings range from millimeters to centimeters.

Applications:

• Architecture: Spiral meshes like GKD’s Escale series are used as facade cladding. They often feature flat, wide spiral wires, visually resembling scales or louvers. These meshes look very elegant while being robust and wind-stable. They are used in front of glass facades or as decorative curtains in entrance areas.
• Conveyor belts: Many oven and dryer belts are made from spiral mesh (see oven belts, dryer belts). Here, spirals of steel or bronze are connected with cross rods to form endless belts.
• Chain-link fences: The typical green garden fence is a spiral mesh made from galvanized, plastic-coated wire—a simple but effective application.
• Filter inserts: Less common, but coarse spiral meshes are used as sieve inserts in drum screens or fixed-bed filters, where flexibility helps during installation (e.g., they can be stretched into a circular drum).

Spiral meshes can often be rolled up, which greatly facilitates the transport and installation of large surfaces (unlike rigid grid elements).

Installation in architecture: Similar to cable meshes, spiral meshes are usually hung at the top on a round bar and tensioned at the bottom. They have some “give,” which helps dampen wind gusts. Large spirals, such as in the Escale series, create attractive light reflections and provide texture to the facade up close while offering a homogeneous appearance from a distance.

GKD emphasizes the seamlessness of spiral meshes (no visible joints across the surface) and unlimited length: facades many meters high can be realized without horizontal interruptions.

Spiral mesh is therefore an important glossary entry as it represents, alongside metal mesh and plastic mesh, a third distinct product category in GKD’s portfolio. The description helps clarify how spiral mesh structurally differs from woven wire mesh and where its advantages lie.