Primary Differences Between Woven Wire Mesh and Welded Wire Mesh

It is likely that when deciding which construction type is right for you, the desired opening size (clear space between wires, measured from the inside edge of one wire to the inside edge of the next adjacent wire) will be an important factor. Generally, Woven items are available with smaller opening sizes, while Welded is better suited for applications that call for larger openings.

For Welded, the smaller the desired opening size, the smaller the wire diameter has to be in order to leave enough clear opening for the welding process to occur between the wires. However, if the wire diameter (often referred to as wire gauge) becomes too small, the heat generated from the welding process can melt the wires.

For these reasons, the smallest opening size offered for Welded is typically 4 x 4 Mesh (four openings per lineal inch measured from the center of the wires), although there are a few smaller Mesh sizes available in Stainless Steel and PVC-coated finishes.

It is important to note that woven is often unavailable in some of the larger opening sizes common in welded items. Without Welded bonds to hold them in place, woven wires in larger opening sizes can shift and lose their original shape. If you need a larger opening size but still require a Woven construction, Lock Crimp and Intercrimp weave types provide increased rigidity.