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The Basics of Welded Wire Mesh Sheets

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The Basics of Welded Wire Mesh Sheets Blog

Back in 1901, a Massachusetts inventor named John Perry filed a patent for an advanced machine that allowed metal workers and welders to weld together wires in sheet form for various applications. This invention was a landmark event for the industry that saw welded wire mesh sheets be produced more quickly and used in more complex applications like concrete supports. Today, welded wire mesh sheets can be seen frequently in all sorts of construction projects, big and small.

What Are Welded Wire Mesh Sheets?

Welded wire mesh sheets are created from wires that are welded together at their cross points to form a grid-like pattern. The welding technique used is resistance welding to properly create a sheet from raw materials. The wires of the grid are guided through using a pattern board which allows the two planes of wires to form and fuse into a complete welded wire mesh sheet. 

What Raw Materials Are Used? 

Many different raw materials can be used to create welded wire mesh sheets. The basis of choosing what material depends on the application and setting that the finished welded wire mesh sheets will be used for. 

One form of raw material that can be used is plain steel. Plain steel has a fairly low carbon content rating and is known for its value for the price. However, plain steel can rust easily if used in certain outdoor conditions. 

Another form of raw material that can be used is stainless steel. Stainless steel is pricier than plain steel but more durable. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and offers aesthetic properties that soothe many tastes. Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion due to the presence of chromium in the chemical makeup. 

Weathering steel is a raw material that can be used in the creation of welded wire mesh sheets as well. Weathering steel is utilized when natural weathering from the earth is a concern. Weathering steel develops a rust-like color when under the influence of weathering to help protect the structure of the steel. 

Pre-galvanized is a form of a raw wire that has a zinc coating applied before the welded wire mesh sheets are developed. Pre-galvanized is a tiny bit more expensive than the cheapest option of plain steel. The pre-galvanized material has slightly more corrosion resistance properties and is a better base for powder coating and other aesthetic finishes. 

No matter the raw material used, a variety of finishes can be performed that enhance aesthetics or add extra protection to the welded wire mesh sheets. Some of these finishes include powder coating, plating, and dipping. 
If you have any questions regarding welded wire mesh sheets, reach out to Gehret Wire Works at 215-236-3322!

Aesthetically Pleasing Fence Designs

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Aesthetically Pleasing Fence Designs Split Rail Fence With Wire Mesh

A modern and sleek fencing design can be just what your property needs to make it stand out from the rest of your neighborhood. Not only are there many options for aesthetically pleasing fences, but a lot of functionality is built inherently in them. Here are some of the most aesthetically pleasing and functional fence designs for your home or business.  

Iron Fencing

Metal fencing is a popular option for fencing in your backyard. Metal fencing such as wrought iron or split rail fence with wire mesh allows for great ventilation for your property as well as durability. Iron fencing is aesthetically pleasing as well and only requires periodic painting in terms of maintenance.

Gabion Wall

A gabion wall is a less uncommon fencing type that is very decorative and can fit a unique house aesthetic. A gabion wall consists of retaining wire that is filled with various stones. The retaining wire is usually connected to wood posts or panels for more contrast. The contrast can be quite the piece for your backyard and not to mention very durable. 

Climbers Wall

A climber’s wall fence is a beautiful wood fencing design that looks great year-round. A climber wall has a well-positioned and functional design that makes it perfect for supporting the overgrown look of planets and vegetables. Not to mention, these walls can be scaled pretty high if privacy is a major concern.

Black Horizontal Slats 

Black horizontal slats are a very modern solution to fencing that fits newer-style homes with its combination of privacy and protection of your lawn. The sleek black slats match very well with modern architecture and rock-filled yards. 

Bamboo Fencing

A natural bamboo fence utilizes full bamboo stalks that are framed together with stained wood. A concrete foundation is used to house the panels in place. Bamboo fences allow light to pass through and provide a unique look to your yard. If you have a more tropical and zen look in your backyard, consider bamboo fencing.

Concrete Fencing

Another modern form of fencing is geometric concrete fencing that is pure heavy-duty concrete for your backyard. More of a wall, concrete fences can be used for both extra safety purposes and a look for modern homes. Concrete fencing allows for sun and air to pass through geometric gaps. A fence install like this will require extensive professional help, however. 

These are some of the most popular, aesthetically pleasing fence designs that go with older and more modern homes. Gehret Wire Works hopes you see one that strikes your fancy!

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Gehret Wire Works at 215-236-3322!

Applications of Wire Mesh Panels

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Wire Mesh Panels Header Blog

Wire mesh panels are a fabricated design of stainless steel made through various welding and coating processes. The process creates a high-quality and functional design that can be used in all sorts of installations. When properly done, wire mesh panels are welded at each contact point that results in a pattern and durable piece of material that can support various structures. 

Let’s take a look at some different applications of wire mesh panels and why they are so common in today’s world. 

Wire mesh panels are commonly seen as a resource for securing areas around valuable assets like tools, equipment, and machinery. Wire mesh panels can be used to create fencing structures that surround these assets to keep them safe and only accessible to certain personnel that are authorized to be in the area. 

Wire mesh panels can be seen used in free-standing cages as well that are used for inventory retrieval and protection. These free-standing cages can have a door built out of the same material that is wire mesh panels which adds a great way to create an organized safety cage for high-value items. On top of this, wire mesh panels can be used as racks and rails to keep products safely on shelves of the particular warehouse that stores the items. 

Wire mesh panels can be seen as dividers in businesses that require a lot of foot traffic to pass through such as large shipping and manufacturing warehouses. Due to the time-sensitive and critical operations of these businesses, dividers are important for driving efficiency and indicating where the right person should be. Wire mesh panels allow for the division of sections of a large machine and personnel rooms. Wire mesh panels are used for this due to their high degree of flexibility and durability. Flexibility in this instance speaks upon how easy it is to move wire mesh panels in and out of certain areas. 

Wire mesh panels can be simply used for aesthetical purposes as well. Wire mesh panels that are coated in different alloys and metals give a modern and upscale look to different architectural projects such as residential areas and nightlife districts. The price, durability, and aesthetics can be the finishing touches to your future construction project. 

Wire mesh panels are custom fabricated and built to the direct specifications of the end-user. Wire mesh panels are available in bulk orders and sheets that can allow for a one-time order house and supply the largest of projects. 

If you are interested in wire mesh panels or other custom fabrications of stainless steel, reach out to Gehret Wire Works at 215-236-3322!

The Applications of Steel Wire Mesh

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The Applications of Steel Wire Mesh Header

As a leading custom fabricator of steel wire mesh in the Tri-State Area, we have a lot of experience with creating steel wire mesh solutions for various projects. Steel wire mesh is one of the most popular products in metal fabrication due to its high degree of durability, versatility, and functionality. Let’s take a look and discuss the various applications of steel wire mesh and where you could use it in your next project. 

The Food Industry

Steel wire mesh applications can be found within the food industry. Before the food hits your table, steel wire mesh may play a role in helping the chef out during food preparation. Steel wire mesh is used in different food hardware such as barbecue grills, frying baskets, food covers, and much more. The steel wire mesh is used as the material to form the wire baskets that are a part of the hardware that holds the food while it undergoes extreme temperatures.

The Construction Industry

During the late 1800s, steel wire mesh was utilized to build upon the country’s current infrastructure. The construction industry has seen many innovations since then but utilizes steel wire mesh continuously for building and construction across the country. Steel wire mesh is seen used for retention walls, bridges, highways, enclosures, and infill panels. 

The Agricultural Industry  

Steel wire mesh can be seen used in the agricultural industry heavily. For decades upon decades, steel wire mesh has been used on farms for patches in fencing or crop protection against different animals. Farmers enjoy having a product that serves various uses on a farm. You will see steel wire mesh used as fencing, barriers, sifting, equipment repairs, coops, and much more. 

The Oil Industry

Due to its high durability, steel wire mesh is seen used in the oil industry. Oil plants and fields are under stress due to strong chemicals and high temperatures being released all around, which damages metals through corrosion. Steel wire mesh is used due to its ability to withstand these conditions. Steel wire mesh can be seen in filtration devices or storage spaces at oil plants or fields. 

The Manufacturing Industry

Steel wire mesh is seen utilized as the go-to security measure in the manufacturing industry. When trying to secure an area or valuable tools, steel wire mesh is used to create security features that allow for protection against theft and harmful chemicals in warehouses. Steel wire mesh will create cages and barriers to service this purpose. These cages and barriers serve as secure, authorized-personal only areas within warehouses. 

If you have any questions or concerns about steel wire mesh, reach out to Gehret Wire Works at 1-(215) 236-3322!

What to Know About Welded Wire Mesh Panels

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Installed Welded Wire Mesh Panels

It is time to break out the tools and start your next project. With all the downtime and warm weather, renovations are in full swing for residential and commercial properties. However, there are so many styles and aesthetics out there which means a lot of decisions have to be made. If you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing, durable, and functional material, look no further than welded wire mesh panels. 

Welded wire mesh panels have a wide range of uses in our world. For decks on your home, vinyl-coated wire mesh or stainless steel wire mesh are commonly seen as a way to add a twist on the railing of your deck. It allows the yard to pop through by avoiding a wall of wood but still allows for safety. For animal enclosures, thick gauge welded wire mesh panels can be used to design a cage that still allows for the animals to be viewed. For nurseries and aquaculture installations, PVC-coated welded wire mesh panels can be used to section off parts of the structure. These are only a few of the many uses of welded wire mesh panels. 

Welded wire mesh panels are offered in many different sizes of gauges, usually from 8 to 16. The size of the gauges depends on how strong the requirement is for the project or other design specifications. Welded wire mesh panels can be offered in a variety of ways that include complete customization. Whereas, a chain link fence is strictly a few sizes and not highly customizable. Metal fabrication contractors like ourselves offer welded wire mesh panels with a variety of coats such as weather-resistant coating and ultraviolet coating to be able to withstand nature’s worst. 

Welded wire mesh panels are not the same as wire fence rolls. Panels are easy to install due to the fact that they are completely customized and require very minimal cutting if any. Welded wire mesh panels are ideal for small work crews and tight timeframes. Wire fence rolls work out great for high square footage jobs but require larger work crews and other materials. Wire fence rolls need additional materials such as posts, rings, and other tools. Both serve many different purposes and can fulfill most needs. 

A tip for the DIY’ers going with welded wire mesh panels for their home. Wooden frames are commonly used to house the panels. Whether you are doing a deck or fencing a garden, be sure that the welded wire mesh panels are accurate when ordered. They cannot be molded or stretched like normal fencing can. When installing welded wire mesh panels to wood, consider using galvanized staples every few inches that provide security for the panels as well as weather resistance. 

If you have any questions about welded wire mesh panels or other custom fabrication needs, reach out to Gehret Wire Works at 1-215-236-3322!

Common Methods for Welding Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

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Welding Methods For Stainless Steel Wire Mesh

The stainless steel wire mesh welding process changes based upon the thickness and finish of the material as well as the intended use for the end product. There are many ways to weld stainless steel, but only a handful are widely adopted and used in the United States. These stainless steel welding methods are TIG welding, spot welding, and MIG welding. Our metal fabrication experts discussed the differences between each and when to use which technique. 

TIG Welding

Gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) methods offer high quality, versatility, and longevity for the end product. This welding technique creates a low heat input, which makes it the perfect style to use when working with thin material. The argon gas is mixed with other gases such as helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen-based on the specific needs of the project. A single-sided welding process can create gas protection between the inside and outside welds. The single-sided welding process helps to prevent oxidation and increase resistance to corrosion. 

Spot Welding

Spot welding or resistance welding is one of the most cost-efficient stainless steel welding processes. Resistance welding equipment is incredibly versatile, which makes it a great investment if your average project size varies across the board. Resistance welding uses an electrical current to heat metal edges and seal them together. This method works best on metal with a low melting point because it can be altered in a way to prevent distortion of the metal. 

MIG Welding

Gas metal arc welding (MIG) is a slightly automated process that when done properly offers a strong joining of two pieces of stainless steel. This process uses a shielding gas that is rich in argon and a wire electrode to perform the metal fabrication process. MIG welding is common because it allows the skilled welder to use a pulsed current supply, which makes it easier to weld in hard-to-reach areas on some of the most complex steel projects. Other gases can be utilized alongside the gas shield to offer a boost in stability of the arc and quality of the overall weld. 

What Method Works Best?

Each method offers a different level of quality and support which you have to correctly decide what lines are best for your project. As we explained above, each has a set of pros and cons. Spot welding is the most affordable option that could be used for a smaller, cheaper project where margins are tight. When the material being worked with is super thin, TIG welding is the best option to avoid wasting material. MIG welding works best when time is of the essence and the size of the project is rather big. MIG welding is usually the most expensive technique to utilize. 

Different Applications of Infill Panels

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Infill Panels Blog Image

Infill panels have a wide range of common uses in various architectural projects. The idea of an infill panel is to create a division of space between one or more areas for a number of reasons. Infill panels and the frame that houses them usually are made of a metal material that can either match or mismatch. These panels can not bear any load but are a great durable, cost-efficient support for the overall structure.

Railings

Rail Infill panels are used to create barriers and blockages to prevent injuries on stairs, balconies, and walkways. These barriers add security and protection to particular areas. The most common structures to utilize infill panels in this way are public transit stations, stadiums, malls, airports, and so forth.

Wall Coverings

Another use for infill panels is installation on building exteriors as a rain screen, curtain wall, or structural support with other material. These panels can serve a particular purpose or be purely for aesthetic depth.

Parking Structures

Infill panels can be spotted on the exterior of parking structures. These panels allow for maximum airflow and safety. Due to the height of these garages and fumes released from vehicles, it is important to have both these measures covered to prevent any health complications or accidents. On top of this functional role, they can provide for an interesting design touch.

Exterior Shelters

As mentioned previously, infill panels are a great way to fill spaces of the support structure. You can see them get put to work with different kinds of canopies, bus shelters, waiting areas, parks, zoos, playgrounds, and so on. These panels offer natural shade and a durable design that leads them to be the number one choice for public structures.

General Fencing

Mesh infill panels can be used for any general fencing need to create a reinforced fence around the desired area. The durability is unmatched in comparison to other material options like wood. Some might say wood is more attractive, but the mesh can come in a variety of finishes and materials to make it more aesthetically pleasing for your home or business.

Techniques of Wire Mesh Sheets & Rolls

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Gehret Wire Work’s wire mesh solutions are all customized to specifications for your next project. We offer the ability to craft different bulk orders of wire mesh sheets and rolls based on material, gauge, weave, and much more. How do we fulfill our obligations? Let us dive into the process of coming up with a solution to achieve your desired result.

How is Wire Mesh Made?

Wire mesh is a type of metal screen that has connected rows and columns of wire weaved throughout the individual sheet. These intersecting wires are put together through different welding or weaving processes based on the material, size, and so on. The solid wire is made by drawing down the original metal until the correct diameter has been achieved. Our expert welders have been in this business for 75+ years and know all the tricks to keep the weld from getting sloppy or contaminated. Contamination is prevented by using an electrical arc with a mix of argon and carbon dioxide during the welding process. There are three different main welding techniques used to achieve these results.

Resistance Welding

Resistance or spot welding is the process in which electrical currents are used to generate heat to combine the desired material together. When fine specifications are asked for, resistance welding can be ideal due to it being the least harsh technique to bond metals. This welding technique is also the quickest out of the main four, but that has its drawbacks. Knowledge of the metals and voltages requirements is important to avoid burning through the metal entirely, which can result in a lot of wasted material and time. On top of this, this technique isn’t always the most eye-catching. When appearance is a concern, other techniques are used.

TIG Welding

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a technique that uses a tungsten electrode to bond with. Very thick material is required to work with due to the ability to cut through delicate material very easily. In comparison to resistance welding, this technique is more time-consuming and expensive but has the ability to create multi-layered sheets that can be aesthetically pleasing and functional. This technique works best for projects where no leaks are a must.

Plasma Welding

Plasma welding is merely identical to TIG welding regarding the strengths. Plasma welding is the technique that uses the plasma arc found in a Tungsten electrode to bond together material. The main difference is Plasma Welding is way more automated, which results in less chance of time being wasted and user error. However, automation comes with drawbacks. Wrong inputs from the operator can result in a lot of material going to waste or an ineffective weld being done. On top of this, plasma welding is more of a volume tool. The software used is only effective when bonding long, cylindrical materials. This usually means some treatment has to be done before it goes through this technical process.

Advantages of Cages and Wire Partitions

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Warehouses and distribution centers account for a large flow of valuable goods that cycle in and out of their facilities on a daily basis. On top of the flow of goods, there are many different types of personnel that float around your facility. Security cages and wire partitions allow for you to protect your goods and personnel by sectioning off certain areas to make them restricted to select individuals only. Numerous benefits come with the addition of security cages and wire partitions. Here are some of the best benefits that can help your company out.

Increased Savings

Security cages and wire partitions save your firm money by providing a cost-effective solution for potential security and accident risks. These installations will help prevent theft of products and tools as well as decrease the likelihood of workers’ compensation claims. Security cages and wire partitions are a lot easier to install, versatile, and cheaper than permanent walls.

Safety Precautions

Without your employees, your day-to-day operations would collapse. When an employee gets injured on the job, it costs a business to lose money in many ways including skilled manpower, disability pay, and much more. When a business shows that they are making strides to protect their employees, employees will appreciate working for you that much more.

Versatility

Security cages and wire partitions as mentioned previously have many uses. These security cages and wire partitions have the ability to be custom-made based on the valuables they are protecting, the area in which it is housed, and much more. In comparison to permanent walls, these installations can also be easily installed as well as moved to different areas in the result that your building’s layout changes.

Expansion

As you scale your business, storage and space needs will change. Luckily, security cages and wire partitions are very easy to make additions to. More wire mesh segments can be made to expand the cages and partitions to accommodate your changing needs,

Strength & Compliance

All workplaces must be compliant with OSHA and other industry-based regulations. Security cages and wire partitions easily accommodate regulations due to their ability to be accessible to sprinklers and airflow requirements in and out of the space. Alongside this, the material used for these security measures is very durable and strong. Bolt cutter or any other kind of popular theft tool will not be able to blow through the cage or partition before they get caught. This makes them an ideal alternative to a permanent wall.