Welded Wire Mesh

Welded Wire Mesh

A welded wire mesh is a grid made of metal rods where the intersection points are firmly joined by spot welding. Unlike woven wire fabric, the wires here run straight in two directions (usually perpendicular to each other) and are welded at every contact point. This creates a rigid mesh with square or rectangular openings.

Welded meshes are often produced as sheets—such as reinforcing steel mats (commonly used in concrete reinforcement) or fence panels (e.g., double wire mesh fencing). The mesh openings are usually much larger than those in filter screens, typically ranging from several millimeters to centimeters. Wire diameters vary from about 1 mm (small animal cages) to 10 mm (heavy reinforcement mats).

Advantages of welded mesh:

• High stiffness: The weld points maintain geometric stability, even when the mesh is held only by two sides. It can bear loads without deforming.
• Easy processing: Mesh sheets can be cut, framed, welded, or bolted without any shifting in the structure.
• Cost-effective mass production: Welded meshes are produced in large quantities by automated welding machines (e.g., for construction and industry).
• Possible larger wire thicknesses/openings: Welding allows manufacture of very thick wires or large mesh fields, which would be difficult with woven fabric.

Disadvantages:

• No flexibility: Unlike woven wire mesh, welded mesh cannot be rolled or bent plastically without breaking the weld points; only elastic deformation is possible. This limits transport and installation on curved surfaces.
• Not suitable for fine meshes: Welding requires a minimum cross-section and precision, so very fine wires or very small openings are not feasible.
• Weld points as corrosion sites: Each weld alters the microstructure, making it prone to corrosion if not treated afterward (e.g., hot-dip galvanizing or coating).

Applications:

• Reinforcing steel mats: For strengthening concrete slabs.
• Rigid fencing: Garden or industrial fence panels (e.g., double wire mesh fences).
• Grating: Walkable grids where flat steel bars are welded onto support bars (similar principle).
• Aviaries and cages: Often fine aviary mesh is welded (e.g., 12.7 x 12.7 mm openings, 1.75 mm wire, galvanized).
• Protective screens for windows or machinery: Welded mesh is common when a more rustic appearance is acceptable.

In GKD’s product range, welded mesh plays a minor role because GKD focuses on woven media. However, welded hybrid solutions can be interesting, such as woven filter fabric applied onto a coarse welded mesh for stabilization. These combinations unite precision and strength.