Which Wire Mesh Is the Best? Woven or Welded?

Woven Wire mesh and welded wire mesh are popular design materials used in commercial and industrial applications due to their structural integrity and unique aesthetic qualities. However, to properly utilize them, you must first understand their differences to get optimal value in terms of safety, regulation compliance, and design. 

What Is Woven Wire Mesh?

Woven wire mesh is a series of metal (aluminum, steel, stainless steel, etc.) wires interlaced or interlocked together to form a metal wire cloth with a specific weave pattern, wire diameter, opening (aperture ) size, and length/width. 

Applications

Woven wire mesh is typically used in filtration and separation equipment. Popular applications include:

• Security mesh to protect windows

• Stairwells and walkways

• Ventilation

Machine guards

• Railings

• Decorative screening

• Secure partitions, etc. 

What is Welded Wire Mesh?

Welded wire mesh, in contrast, is best described as a predetermined number of metal wires welded at the cross-sections using different welding techniques, resulting in more permanent opening size and durable design that’s virtually impossible to compromise. 

Applications

Like woven wire mesh, welded wire mesh serves a host of commercial and industrial applications, such as:

• Infill panels

• Protective free form encasings

• Security fences and cages

• Stairways and balustrading

• Catwalks

• Largescale construction projects, etc. 

Woven Wire Mesh vs. Welded Wire Mesh – Which One’s Right For You?

The application will determine which structure will be more suitable for your use case as with all mesh wire solutions. For instance, if you’re looking for a more sturdy, corrosion-free, durable mesh for heavy-duty applications, welded wire mesh will be a good fit. Suppose you’re looking for a cost-effective material with small openings, especially for filtration purposes. In that case, woven wire mesh is the right option for you. Since it’s predominantly made with stainless steel, it is more resistant to corrosive materials, such as acids and alkaline solutions. As far as the cost is concerned, welded wire mesh easily takes the cake since its production is a lot more hands-on and time/labor-intensive.

Since 1948, California Wire Products (Cal-Wire) has been manufacturing top-notch wire meshes for the commercial and industrial sectors all across the country. To learn more about the differences between woven and welded wire mesh, get in touch for a FREE quote tailored to your specific needs.