Galvanization is the process of applying zinc coating on steel surfaces, mainly to prevent rusting or corrosion. This technique is used on wire meshes for a variety of applications of the finished product. From beautification of the fence to heavy industrial area uses, it is treated as a separate category of the product and is available in different opening sizes and quality.

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Types

There are two basic types of the product - Galvanized before Welding (GBW) and Galvanized after Welding (GAW).

Galvanized before Welding (GBW)

In this type of wire mesh, the wire used in the manufacturing process is galvanized before welding of the joints. In this manner, the welding material is visible over the steel wires. This method is generally more cost-effective and costs less to the customer.

Galvanized after Welding (GBW)

In the process, the entire wire mesh (with welding) is immersed in a galvanization tank for the specified period. Here, the entire mesh along with welding metals is coated with the protective layer. This process is more rigorous and costly, but the product is better resistant to external forces and corrosion. Also, wire meshes with small-diameter holes are unsuitable for this process, as the holes also may be clogged with the galvanization compound.

Applications

The extra protection of the galvanization process enables the usage of the mesh in a variety of applications apart from fencing enclosures. Some of the important ones are discussed below.

Window Safety Guards

It is widely used as a barrier for windows in residences. These are meant for stopping insects and other undesirable elements from entering the rooms. These wire meshes have openings which are smaller than the insect sizes, resulting in blockage of entry. Moreover, the room's aesthetic is undisturbed as the colors of the screens are repaint-able according to the room color also.

Building Projects

Wire meshes of fine diameters are an integral part of the construction industry. These sturdy, galvanized screens are used as a holding enclosure for setting the concrete mixture, both in vertical and horizontal positions. In many cases, these meshes are left to fuse with the concrete for extra strength. This is one example of the various other applications of the galvanized wire screens in building projects.

Forming of Artificial 'Stone' Boulders

Another interesting application of a galvanized wire mesh is its involvement in the formation of stone boulders or barriers. These may be used for slowing down the natural land erosion process besides the rivers or sea. Strong, specially treated wires meshes are used for this purpose; they encase concrete blocks inside to absorb the water's force, thus slowing down the erosion process.

Mesh fencing is normally intended as general boundary fencing to either keep people out of a given area or to keep them in for security purposes. This type of fencing can also be used in rural areas to contain wildlife and even at small zoos for enclosures of small animals such as monkeys, gerbils and birds etc.

Mesh fencing systems are most often used as a perimeter fence for industrial or commercial purposes. This type of fencing provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, and will provide privacy, security and durability; it is cost effective and more attractive than the typical alternatives. Some mesh fencing is designed with roll top and roll bottom, and this is considered to be user friendly, and also add safety and extra rigidity.

Wire mesh panel systems are available in several different styles and colours to suit various types of applications, and robust welded mesh panel systems are used in a variety of applications where high security is not a major requirement. This type of fence has very low maintenance costs owing to the strength of the panel and the coated finish for a long life.

A typical panel will consist of Intersections with reinforcing folds of horizontal and vertical wires and at these wire panels will be welded to the intersections.

The weld strength will be 75% of the minimum tensile strength of the wire, and the opening will be 200 x 50mm in the folded areas. The wire diameter is 4mm but may also be 6mm if required.

The posts are constructed from rectangular hollow section and will be capped with either plastic or optional welded steel post caps.

Other post options may include:

o    Base plates or dowels

o    Plates for mounting on walls

o    Base plates for fixing to concrete or top of walls

o    Cranked extensions to receive mesh panels

o    Doglegged cranks at base to rise above walls

The finish of these panels may be colour coated in black or green, but other colours are available.

Other çelik hasır types of mesh fencing can include insect and fly screen mesh which is extremely fine with very small holes and is generally manufactured from plastic, stainless steel or aluminium.

Monofilament netting is another type of mesh, and this is used for the protection of plants and crops, and it can also be used to protect fish from predators as well as being effective at keeping out leaves.