Galvanized wire is a type of metal wire that has been coated with zinc to make it resistant to corrosion. It is used for reinforcing steel and for shielding electric cables.
Galvanized wire is formed by passing a metal wire through zinc vapor and oxygen. This causes the metal to become covered with a layer of zinc oxide. The process creates a strong bond, which ensures that corrosive elements (rust) cannot reach the wire.
The galvanizing process has been around for more than 150 years. At first, it was used for shipbuilding and architectural designs. Today, it is applied as an inexpensive coating on millions of wires each year around the world. Here is a short guide on the benefits of galvanized wire.
What is galvanized wire and what are its uses?
The galvanization process protects the wire from corrosion. This makes it the perfect material for using in baling wire. Baling wire is used to hold materials that have been compressed by a baling machine, and therefore they need to be held securely. Any corrosion caused by the bales being stored outside (or by liquid found in the bales) could cause the bales to lose their shape and fall to the ground. The galvanized wire is the perfect material for holding the baling wire in place. It is possible to purchase baling wire from a manufacturer such as Baling Wire Direct.
A galvanized wire may also be called galvanized cable, galvanized rod, or insulated wire.
An alternative material to galvanized wire is black annealed wire which is softer, and therefore more flexible. This allows it to be used in applications where the wire needs to be pliable enough to let recycled materials to expand or stretch. Annealed wire isn’t as rust-resistant as standard galvanized wire, therefore it is best to choose galvanized wire for outdoor applications.
Typically, you will find both galvanized wire and black annealed wire being used in agriculture, recycling, pulleys and winches, and motorized doors.
Galvanized wire vs stainless steel wire or cable
Stainless steel tends to be more expensive than galvanized wire. However, that doesn’t mean that it is better in all applications than galvanized wire. Galvanized wire is more cost-effective for lightweight applications, and it also performs better in environments such as near salt water or other corrosive materials. Galvanized wire is also more wear-resistant than stainless steel wire, making it more suitable where there the cable is exposed to friction.
The time to use stainless steel wire is in applications that require additional strength. For example, you will find stainless steel used in aircraft, rigging and overhead lifting, and load and cargo binding.
In conclusion, there are many benefits to using galvanized wire. It has a strong, durable coating that prevents rust; it is flexible and conforms to the shape of the materials being used; and it is inexpensive in comparison to stainless steel wire. Since galvanized wire has so many different uses, it is easy to see why you should plan to use it in your next project.