What is the Advantage and Disadvantage of Welded Wire Mesh

When it comes to construction, fencing, and industrial applications, MS Weld Mesh (Mild Steel Welded Mesh) stands out as one of the most commonly used materials. Known for its durability, strength, and versatility, MS Weld Mesh is often the go-to material for a wide variety of projects. In this blog, we will dive deep into what MS Weld Mesh is, how it’s made, its advantages and disadvantages, and other crucial information related to this material. We will also touch on its common uses and answer some frequently asked questions at the end.

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What is MS Weld Mesh?

MS Weld Mesh is a type of welded wire mesh made from mild steel wires. The term “MS” stands for Mild Steel, a type of carbon steel that contains low amounts of carbon, making it strong but relatively more ductile and easier to work with than higher-carbon steels.

This mesh is produced by welding the steel wires at their intersections, forming a grid-like pattern. The welding process ensures that the wires are securely connected, providing the structure with exceptional strength and stability. The mesh itself is available in various sizes and wire diameters, allowing for flexibility in different applications, from lightweight fencing to heavy-duty construction reinforcement.

How is MS Weld Mesh Made?

The process of creating MS Weld Mesh begins with selecting mild steel wires of varying thicknesses, depending on the intended application. These wires are arranged in parallel and perpendicular patterns to form a grid. The intersections of the wires are then welded together using electrical resistance welding, which melts the wires at the points of contact to create a strong bond.

For added durability, especially for outdoor applications, the mesh can be galvanized. Galvanizing is a process where the mild steel mesh is coated with a layer of zinc, which helps protect the steel from rust and corrosion, significantly increasing its lifespan in harsh environments.

Types of MS Weld Mesh

• Plain MS Weld Mesh: Untreated mild steel mesh that can rust when exposed to moisture. Suitable for indoor applications where exposure to the elements is minimal.
• Galvanized MS Weld Mesh: Zinc-coated mesh that is rust-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use in fencing, agricultural enclosures, and construction.
• PVC-Coated MS Weld Mesh: Another form of treated mesh, coated with PVC for added durability and color customization.

Advantages of MS Weld Mesh

1. High Strength and Stability

The most significant advantage of MS Weld Mesh is its strength. The welding of the wires at the intersections ensures that the structure is robust and can handle considerable loads. This makes it ideal for use in construction reinforcement and security fencing.

2. Durability

When treated properly (through galvanization or PVC coating), MS Weld Mesh can last for many years without losing its structural integrity. It can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

3. Versatility

MS Weld Mesh comes in a variety of sizes and wire gauges, which makes it highly versatile. You can find it being used in lightweight fencing, as well as heavy-duty reinforcement in concrete structures. Its adaptability makes it an excellent material for use in numerous industries such as construction, agriculture, mining, and even DIY home projects.

4. Ease of Installation

Unlike other materials, MS Weld Mesh is relatively easy to install. It can be cut and shaped to fit the needs of the project. Whether you’re using it for fencing or reinforcement, the mesh is easy to handle and set up.

5. Cost-Effective

Mild steel is generally less expensive than other materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. MS Weld Mesh provides excellent value for money, especially for large-scale projects that require bulk quantities of the material. Its longevity, combined with its relatively low cost, makes it a very cost-effective option.

6. Resistance to Corrosion (When Galvanized)

When galvanized, MS Weld Mesh becomes rust-resistant, allowing it to be used in outdoor environments without the risk of rapid corrosion. This is especially important in coastal regions or areas that experience a lot of rain and humidity.

7. Customizable

Depending on your needs, you can find MS Weld Mesh in different sizes and patterns. From small mesh openings for fine filtering applications to larger, more open designs for heavy-duty use, the variety available ensures that it can meet the needs of different projects.

8. Security

MS Weld Mesh is commonly used in high-security fencing applications. Its strong and rigid structure provides an effective barrier for securing perimeters around residential homes, industrial plants, and government properties.

9. Environmentally Friendly

Mild steel is recyclable, which makes MS Weld Mesh an eco-friendly option. At the end of its life cycle, the material can be recycled and repurposed, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with its use.

10. Fire-Resistant

Unlike some other materials, mild steel does not burn. This makes MS Weld Mesh an excellent choice for applications where fire resistance is important, such as in building construction.

Disadvantages of MS Weld Mesh

1. Prone to Rust (If Not Galvanized)

One of the major drawbacks of MS Weld Mesh is its tendency to rust if it is not galvanized. Mild steel is more susceptible to rusting than other materials, which can compromise the strength and integrity of the mesh if left untreated and exposed to moisture.

2. Heavy

MS Weld Mesh can be quite heavy depending on the wire thickness and the size of the mesh. While its weight contributes to its strength, it can make handling, transportation, and installation more challenging, particularly for larger projects.

3. Maintenance Requirements

If not properly maintained, especially in harsh environments, MS Weld Mesh can deteriorate over time. Even galvanized mesh may need occasional re-coating to maintain its rust resistance in certain conditions, adding to long-term maintenance costs.

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4. Limited Flexibility

Once installed, MS Weld Mesh offers little flexibility. It cannot be easily modified or reshaped after it is welded. This can be a disadvantage for projects requiring adaptable materials.

Common Applications of MS Weld Mesh

MS Weld Mesh is a versatile material used in a wide array of industries and applications. Here are some of the most common uses:

• Construction: Widely used as reinforcement in concrete slabs, walls, and other structures, providing additional strength and stability.
• Fencing: MS Weld Mesh is ideal for fencing solutions around residential, commercial, and industrial properties, offering both security and durability.
• Agriculture: Used to create animal enclosures, crop protection barriers, and even greenhouse structures. Its durability and rust resistance (when galvanized) make it a great choice for agricultural settings.
• Industrial Shelving and Storage: MS Weld Mesh can be used to construct heavy-duty shelves and storage racks in warehouses and factories.
• Cages and Enclosures: Frequently used in the creation of cages for animals, birds, and industrial equipment.
• Mining and Quarrying: Used for rockfall protection and ore handling in mining and quarrying industries.
• Filter Screens: Fine mesh versions can be used in filtration systems to separate particles or liquids.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is MS Weld Mesh? MS Weld Mesh is a welded wire mesh made from mild steel, commonly used for fencing, construction, and various industrial applications.
2. Is MS Weld Mesh rust-resistant? MS Weld Mesh can rust if it is not treated. However, galvanized MS Weld Mesh has a zinc coating that prevents rust and increases its lifespan, especially in outdoor environments.
3. What sizes does MS Weld Mesh come in? MS Weld Mesh is available in various sizes, with different wire thicknesses and mesh opening dimensions. The size and thickness depend on the intended use, ranging from fine mesh for filtration to large, heavy-duty meshes for fencing.
4. Can MS Weld Mesh be customized? Yes, MS Weld Mesh can be customized to fit specific needs. You can choose different wire thicknesses, mesh sizes, and even surface treatments like galvanization or PVC coating.
5. How durable is MS Weld Mesh? MS Weld Mesh is highly durable, especially when galvanized. Its welded structure ensures that it can handle significant loads and withstand wear and tear over time.
6. What are the applications of MS Weld Mesh? MS Weld Mesh is used in fencing, construction (as reinforcement), agriculture (animal enclosures and crop protection), industrial shelving, and more.
7. Is MS Weld Mesh fire-resistant? Yes, mild steel does not burn, making MS Weld Mesh a fire-resistant material, ideal for building construction and other applications where fire safety is important.
8. How long does MS Weld Mesh last? When galvanized, MS Weld Mesh can last for many years without rusting, especially in less corrosive environments. Even untreated mesh can last a long time indoors.
9. How much does MS Weld Mesh cost? The cost of MS Weld Mesh varies depending on the size, thickness, and whether it has been galvanized or PVC-coated. Generally, it is a cost-effective material compared to other fencing or reinforcement solutions.
10. What maintenance does MS Weld Mesh require? Maintenance depends on the environment. For outdoor use, regular inspections and possible re-coating of galvanized mesh may be necessary to ensure it remains rust-resistant.

Conclusion

MS Weld Mesh is an essential material in various industries due to its strength, durability, and versatility. Whether you need it for construction, fencing, or industrial shelving, MS Weld Mesh provides a cost-effective solution that is easy to work with and install. Its advantages, such as high strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion (when galvanized), make it a popular choice. However, it also has limitations, such as susceptibility to rust if not treated and the need for maintenance in harsh environments.

By understanding its pros and cons, as well as the various applications, you can decide whether MS Weld Mesh is the right fit for your project.

If you're researching high security fencing, you might have found that many of the systems out there are welded wire mesh. What you might not have discovered is why welded wire mesh is considered higher security, and what your other options are.

We've been in the high security fence business for a long time, which is why we decided to explain all of these things.

Is Welded Wire Mesh More Secure?

It's always a bad idea to make general statements when it comes to any construction product, and welded wire mesh is no different.

In some cases, welded wire mesh may be more secure than some other fence products, but a lot depends on the diameter of the wire, the size of the apertures, and the height of the mesh. Here's why that matters.

Wire diameter always matters when you are talking about fence systems that are manufactured from wire, because the thinner the wire, the easier it is to cut.

Aperture size is another important factor, because the larger the aperture, the easier it is to get tools between the wires, and the easier a fence may be to climb. Narrower apertures are simply harder to get hand and foot holds on.

Fence height is always a factor. The lower any fence is, the easier it is to climb, and that's the most common way for any fence or wall to be breached. When it comes to security fencing, higher is nearly always better.

Other Benefits of Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh may offer a few other security features that might be appealing. These include the type of cutting that is necessary. Woven fence systems might be easier to cut through, depending on the material and design. But because each wire in a welded wire mesh fence is independent, each one needs to be cut individually. This may make welded wire mesh slower to cut, and in security terms, slower is always better!

Drawbacks to Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh is great for very specific security applications, but it's not without it's limitations.

Welded mesh panels are rigid, unlike woven fence systems, which may mean that it's harder and more expensive to install on sloped or stepped sites.

Welded wire mesh systems also tend to be proprietary, and many are imported, which means they often cost more to install, and spare parts can be trickier to find if the fence does get damaged.

These fences are also a lot more difficult to install, and there are limited contractors who can do so correctly (we're one of those!), but this should be considered if you are developing a bid. You only want to hire a contractor who has experience with wire mesh or panel fence systems, for better results.

Alternatives to Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh certainly has it's place in the security fence world, and we're always happy to advise our clients, price your bid and install your welded mesh fencing, but there are other options. Thicker chain link fence or so called "mini mesh" with smaller apertures are one option, as are ornamental and palisade fence systems.

If you need a high security fence, and you are considering welded wire mesh, get in touch. We're always happy to help you to find the right product for the job.