Types of Small Mesh Wire
Wire mesh is created by interweaving small wires together. It is often found in window screens or screen doors, but the material also appears in other every day items like tea strainers, mosquito nets and metal baskets. Small mesh wires have various opening sizes, materials and weaving patterns. Although one wire may seem small at first glance, when many are interwoven together, it can result in product that is extremely difficult to break through.
Wire Cloth
Wire mesh is also often referred to as wire cloth. It comes from different types of metal wires which are woven together into various patterns. Although there are numerous patterns, wire cloth usually has a plain weave pattern. This simple pattern is often seen in screens for windows and doors that have just small enough opening sizes to allow for airflow and to keep bugs from coming inside the house.
Welded Wire
Welded wire is a little bigger and studier than typical wire cloth. The material is sometimes made from steel passing through a hot galvanizing process, which produces a highly resistant coating. Although the material is often used for many heavy-duty type jobs, welded wire is often also used for making fences. Welded wire can also have the same patterns as wire cloth and have opening sizes are bigger than that of wire cloth, but small enough to keep pets away from the housing area.
Knit Wire
Knit wire is extremely thin. The material can come from stainless steal, super alloys and fibrous filament with diameters between 0.08 to 0.05 millimeters thick. As name implies, knit wire is composed of fine wires which are thin enough to thread through needle holes or jewelry holes. However, knit wire is also referred to as chicken wire, as the material is not only inexpensive, but is durable enough to create an effective barrier for livestock.
