Plain Steel Wire Mesh

 
In the wire mesh industry, plain steel, also known as carbon steel, is a widely used metal available in both woven and welded wire mesh forms. It primarily consists of iron (Fe) with a small amount of carbon (C) and other trace elements, making it a cost-effective and versatile option.

Plain steel wire mesh is manufactured from a wide range of wire diameters directly cold drawn from hot rolled rod. Known for its strength, durability, and magnetic properties, the material represents very good value. Plain steel is widely used in applications where its weld-ability and economy make it a popular option. Its appearance can range from black to gunmetal to silver but is susceptible to rusting when exposed to wet or moist conditions.  Plain steel wire mesh is often finished with a secondary coating such as plating, powder coating or hot dipped galvanized to beautify and/or protect it from further corrosion.

Plain steel can be further categorized into two groups known as low carbon steel and high carbon steel depending on the percentage of carbon content.  The amount of carbon content affects strength and hardness characteristics in the wire.

Low Carbon Steel is also known as “Mild Steel” and is most common in general wire mesh manufacturing.  The versatility, ductility, and cost make this wire mesh material the most popular choice for a wide range of both architectural and industrial applications.

High Carbon Steel is often used in wire mesh manufacturing when an increased hardness or abrasion resistance characteristic is beneficial.  Applications like aggregate sizing and sorting use a high carbon steel wire mesh for increased wear resistance and impact related strength.   The drawbacks of a higher carbon content are that the wire can be more difficult to work with in both it’s weldability and the ability to be formed due to an increase in brittleness.