Author: Ferrier Wire & Design Metals

Perforated metal is manufactured by punching or drilling uniform patterns on sheet metal. It makes the sheet lighter as well as provides an aesthetic touch. Hence, it is used extensively in architecture as facades, suspended ceilings, treads for stairs, infill panels and more. The surface finish of perforated metal also provides more design opportunities, apart from improving its durability. Thus, in this blog, 8 popular methods of finishing perforated metal will be examined.

What Are The Most Common Perforated Metal Finishes?

Powder Coating:

Unlike conventional paint, powder coating adds colour as well as offers more durability to the perforated metal.

Anodizing:

In this method, a layer of oxidation is added to the metal’s surface. This can add a nice colour to the perforated metal. Alternatively, a fresh coat of desired paint can be added after anodizing.

Electro-Coating:

As the name suggests, this method uses an electric current to coat the metal’s surface with paint. This makes it highly corrosion-resistant and guarantees uniform application.

Polishing:

It is a simple process of removing abrasions from the metal’s surface, leaving it smooth and uniform. Often used as a precursor to painting.

Deburring:

Similar to polishing, deburring is more closely related to punching, drilling or grinding. These processes can leave non-uniform surfaces or excess material. Deburring is used to remove them and make them even.

Degreasing:

Apart from abrasions, a freshly manufactured perforated metal or decorative metal screen can have oils or grease on its surface that can hinder its finish. Degreasing removes these oils, leaving them pristine.

Plating:

This typically involves plating or adding a layer of metal on the surface. This leads to increased corrosion resistance, better wear and tear resistance, as well as improved aesthetic appeal.

Passivating:

This is particularly done to reduce corrosion on perforated metal. The surface of the metal is coated with an inert material, thereby making it less reactive to the elements.

Wire mesh is used for numerous applications. However, for some specialized applications such as screen printing and filtration, tensile bolting cloth is used. In this blog post, the basics of tensile bolting cloth, its uses and some features will be addressed.

What Is Tensile Bolting Cloth?

Tensile bolting cloth is a type of fabric that is designed to be strong, durable, and resistant to high tension. It is typically made from materials like polyester or stainless steel, woven together in a tight mesh pattern that allows for optimal filtration and printing results. It is essentially a woven wire mesh with a uniform square mesh profile.

Application Of Tensile Bolting Cloth

One of the most common uses of tensile bolting cloth is in screen printing. The high tension capability and uniform mesh opening of this steel mesh help to produce clear and precise prints. It also ensures that the ink is evenly distributed, resulting in a clean and professional finish.

Features Of Tensile Bolting Cloth

High Tension Capability

This quality makes it an ideal choice for various industrial applications that require high-tension resistance.

Tensile bolting cloth can withstand immense amounts of pressure without losing its shape or form. Its high tensile strength ensures that it remains taut and stable, even under extreme stress conditions.

Durable Than Silk Or Nylon

When it comes to choosing the perfect bolting cloth for your application, durability is a crucial factor to consider. The material should withstand wear and tear over time, without losing its strength or effectiveness. Tensile bolting cloth is an excellent choice when it comes to durability.

It has exceptional resistance against abrasion and chemical degradation.

Mesh Opening Is Uniform

Meshes made from silk or nylon have a tendency to stretch or flex during manufacturing, thereby altering the openings in the mesh. However, since stainless steel is a rigid material, such distortions can be avoided altogether, leading to uniform mesh opening and high accuracy during screen printing.

In 2018, on Thursday October 11th during rush hour at Union Station, a chunk of concrete debris fell from above striking a woman in the head. Ferrier Wire was immediately contacted following the incident by a contractor working with Union station to make sure an incident like this could be prevented in the future. The contractor inquired if we had any mesh that could protect the public from falling debris. Ferrier Wire proposed a welded wire mesh GBW (Galvanized before welding) 1 x 1 x14 ga product. The product was approved for use at Union station and on Friday October 12th, Ferrier Wire delivered an order of this mesh directly to Union Station.

Fastforwarding to the Spring of 2022, Ferrier Wire was contacted again by a contractor looking for protective mesh to be used at Union Station. This time around, Ferrier Wire proposed a different welded wire mesh GAW (Galvanized after welding) ¾ x ¾ x 17 ga material. During discussions with the contractors engineering staff, a set of parameters were developed to test the material. The parameters established were as follows:

Material to be tested: GAW (galvanized after welding) ¾ x ¾ x 17 ga

Method: Frame constructed from 2” x 4” lumber with a 30” x 30” clear opening
Mesh attached to frame with 1-1/4” black drywall screws every 3 holes around the perimeter
50+ lbs dropped from a height of no less than 600 mm (actual: 67 lbs from 685 mm)
Click here to view the video of the test.

Results and findings:
Mesh deformation of 57 mm (165 mm – 108 mm)
Mesh did not break anywhere at or around impact point
Several broken wires around perimeter where stress was maximum at the screws

Notes:
The use of the wooden frame and method of attaching the mesh to the frame was for test purposes only and does not reflect the actual installation method to be used on this project. The results noted above were what we expected and confirms that the weakest link in this specific design is the method of installing the mesh. We believe the use of a wire cable sufficiently supported and woven through the mesh would be a superior installation method.
This test was designed, documented and executed by Michael Wiebeck. Please note that I am not an engineer and created this test based on knowledge learned witnessing previous mesh tests.

As a result of the successful test, this material was approved for use at Union Station in the fall of 2022. Please contact us if you have any questions about this product or project.

Chicken wire is a versatile solution for many applications around the home. Made of thin, stainless steel wires in a hexagonal pattern, they are even used in construction to reinforce concrete. However, many homeowners have questions regarding the material. So in this blog post, the 4 most common questions will be addressed.

Popular Questions Regarding Chicken Wire

Is it suitable for gardening and pest control?

Yes, chicken wire is an effective material for both gardening and pest control. When used in the garden, chicken wire will keep out small animals such as rabbits and rodents. It can also be used to support climbing plants. As for pest control, chicken wire with a high mesh count can keep out locusts and other insects.

Are they the best option for chicken coops?

Although the name suggests its use in chicken coops, the truth is chicken wire may not be the ideal choice for this purpose. This is because some predators might be strong enough to break through the wire mesh. Thus, for best protection, consider heavy-duty hardware cloth.

How long does the chicken wire last outside?

Chicken wire is made from galvanized steel, which means it is coated in a zinc oxide layer. This coating protects the steel from rust and corrosion, but it will eventually wear away. The lifespan of chicken wire depends on the thickness of the wire and the environment it is in. For example, a chicken wire that is thin and in a humid climate will not last as long as a thicker wire in a dry climate.

Are they suitable for kennels or pens?

As for using chicken wire to build a kennel or barrier for pets, there are a few things to consider. First, chicken wire is not going to provide much insulation from the cold or heat. Second, chicken wire is also not very durable and can be easily damaged or torn, hence it can turn into a hazard for pets. Go for more robust materials like hardware cloth, especially if the pets are large and inquisitive.

Woven wire mesh, created by weaving thin metallic wires to create a grid-like pattern is an integral part of cabinetry and millwork. It is also used in automotive grilles. In this blog post, the basics of automotive grilles and the functions and benefits of using a woven wire mesh for this component will be addressed.

What Are Automotive Grilles?

Automotive grilles are one of the most important parts of a car’s exterior. They protect the engine from debris and allow air to flow through to keep the engine cool. Grilles can be made from a variety of materials, but woven wire mesh is one of the most popular choices.

Application And Benefits Of Woven Wire Mesh For Car Grilles

Woven wire mesh is an excellent material for car grilles due to the following reasons:

Withstands Debris Impacts

Most factory-installed car grilles are made of substandard materials, which can shatter when hit by debris. A woven wire mesh grille, on the other hand, is often made of high-grade stainless steel wire. Hence, they will withstand impacts from even the largest pieces of debris. That means that the car’s engine will be better protected from damage.

Easy To Clean And Maintain

Woven wire mesh is an effective and efficient way to keep the car grille clean. It is easy to clean and maintain, and it keeps the grille looking new.

Simply hose it down with water or use a brush to remove any dirt or debris. If needed, a pressure washer can be also used to clean the mesh.

Lastly, if a section is damaged, it can be simply replaced with a new piece of woven wire mesh.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Aesthetically, woven wire mesh is an attractive material that can add a touch of sophistication to any car grille. Its intricate patterns and range of colours can give the car a lustrous shine that will set it apart from the rest. In addition, woven wire mesh is durable and will not rust or corrode over time.

Metal can be processed in a variety of ways, such as woven wire mesh, welded wire mesh, perforated metal and more. In terms of perforated metal, punching machines are a prominent way of manufacturing them. It can be done manually or can be automated, such as a CNC turret punching machine. It is a device which uses computer programming to punch holes into a metal sheet. In this blog, 5 major benefits of using this machine will be addressed.

5 Merits Of A CNC Punching Machine

Improvement In Production Efficiency

Since it is a highly automated process, a CNC turret punching machine can improve production efficiency by more than 5 or 10 times in comparison to conventional machine tools.

High Level Of Accuracy

A major benefit of a CNC-operated punching machine is its high accuracy. The pattern to be punched has to be uploaded to the computed system with the right dimensions, and the machine will produce the patterns with precision. Hence, it is far superior to conventional punching tools in this regard.

Easy To Manufacture Complex Patterns/Shapes

Complex patterns and shapes require specialized dies in conventional punching machines, which is impractical for small batches. However, a CNC punching machine can recreate the complex patterns with accuracy by making small adjustments in the orientation of the punch and the die.

Versatile Operation

Equipped with numerous tools in a single machine, it is highly versatile. Hence, one machine can produce more throughput than several conventional punching machines.

Economical In The Long Run

Although the initial cost of setting up the CNC machine is quite high, the punching machine makes up for it in the long run with improved production efficiency, speed, accuracy and versatility.

Ferrier Wire And Goods Company manufactures a variety of perforated metal sheets and textured metal panels with customized patterns. Contact us today to place an order.

Ferrier Wire + Design Metals: Easter Hours 2023

2023 Easter long weekend hours:

Closed Friday, April 7th
Closed Monday, April 10th

Wishing all a happy and healthy long weekend.

Textured metal panels are used in applications such as cabinetry, backsplash and millwork. As for millwork, it comprises crown moulding, trim work, shiplap, wainscoting and more. Millwork also plays a major role in roofing in the form of trim work. Its basic functioning, benefits and some types of metal roofing trim will be examined in this blog.

What Is Metal Roofing Trim?

It is part of the roof which seals the joints of the metal roof together, preventing water from entering the property. It is also used to redirect water from the roof so that it doesn’t accumulate. Overall, it is the finishing touch required in metal-panelled roofs.

Benefits Of Metal Roofing Trim

Extends The Longevity Of The Roof:

As mentioned above, a trim seals vulnerable parts of the roof like joints, thereby preventing water and moisture from seeping in. This in turn prolongs the life of the roof and reduces the need for maintenance and repair.

Provides Aesthetic Appeal:

An appropriate roofing trim also gives a seamless, polished appearance to the roof.

3 Main Types Of Metal Roofing Trim

Eave Trim:

These are installed at the exterior edges of the roof, the part that overhangs the walls. These are used to redirect water from the roof, walls and windows.

Gable Trim:

These are installed in the space between the roof panels and end wall panels to prevent wind and rain from entering the property.

Ridge Cap:

These are installed at the ridgeline of the roof where the two metal panels are interconnected. They absorb excess moisture and offer protection from the elements.

Ferrier Wire Goods Company Ltd. manufactures a wide range of woven and welded wire meshes such as bronze mesh, copper mesh, stainless steel wire mesh, and more, apart from textured metal panels and perforated metal. Contact us to place your order today.

Welded wire mesh is created by welding longitudinal pieces of wire in a grid-like pattern. There are numerous variations of welded wire mesh, such as PVC-coated welded mesh, galvanized welded mesh, re-galvanized hardware cloth and more. The former’s fabrication, properties, and application as a fencing material for playgrounds will be addressed in this blog.

Overview Of PVC Coated Welded Wire Mesh

What is PVC Coated Welded Wire Mesh?

This welded wire mesh is made of galvanized, high-quality iron wire. The zinc is coated onto the wire either through electro-galvanizing or hot dipping. Once, the galvanization is complete, an even layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is coated on top.

Properties Of PVC Coated Weld Mesh: