There are different types of metal fencing, each having characteristics designed for specific uses. In this article we offer a comprehensive review of metal fencing that is available on the market and a focus on their characteristics. Firstly, it is good to distinguish between chain-link and electro-welded meshes. Let us compare these in detail.
CHAIN-LINK MESH
Chain-link mesh can be knotted or twisted (simple or triple). This type of fencing is typically recommended for irregular terrain, slopes or gradients; it can also be installed on low walls and flat land. It is mainly used on agricultural land and farms. Of course, the processing, diameter and coating of the wires influences the performance of chain-link meshes in terms of safety, strength and durability.
There are numerous types of chain-link meshes in our
. These products are characterised by different shape or size meshes with zinc and PVC coatings.
ELECTRO-WELDED MESH
Welding the wires ensures high levels of resistance and safety. Electro-welded fencing is suitable for installation on flat areas together with a concrete wall. The rigidity of this fencing makes installation in steep or wooded areas difficult. The
Cavatorta cataloguepresents various types of electro-welded mesh fencing with different shapes, with zinc or PVC coatings, varying wire diameters and different sized meshes.
FENCING IN ROLLS AND PANELS
At this point it is worth making a distinction between metal fencing that is distributed in rolls and that which is distributed in panels. We discuss their characteristics below.
Mesh in rolls
Wire fencing in rolls can be chain-link or electro-welded mesh. Mesh in rolls is characterized by wire that is typically between 2 and 3.5 mm in diameter, which enables the netting to be wound on itself. The rolls are typically 25, 50 or 100 metres in length. Certain specific types of this fencing are also available in 10 metre rolls, this accommodates those who need less of it. Moreover, mesh in rolls is available in different heights, ranging from 60 cm to 2.5 metres and above. It is obviously necessary to cut the fencing to size, depending on the nature of the project. As mentioned, both chain-link and electro-welded mesh are available to view in
our catalogue.
Mesh in modular panels
Mesh in panels is only electro-welded. Its wire is wider than that of rolled mesh, making it suitable for packing in panels. The panels are modular and have varying spacing. In this case it is possible to cut the panels during design and manufacture to fit perfectly the requirements of a project. Given the rigidity of their structure, the panels are best installed on flat terrain, together with a supporting wall. Available in a wide range of designs and finishes as presented in our catalogue, mesh panels are suitable for use in residential, industrial and sporting environments.
COATING
As ever, the raw materials used and the manufacturing processes are fundamentally important in determining the quality of wire mesh and its durability over time. Because of this, we underline the importance of coating the wire: this is usually done with zinc and PVC.
Over the years, Cavatorta has developed certain exclusive wire coating technologies that we briefly describe below.
Galvafort Process
A galvanising process developed by Cavatorta with a zinc layer heavier than the minimum required by European Regulations and a uniform coating along the wire. The main advantage with material coated in this way is that the coating never cracks even when bent 180°. Every product treated with this process is guaranteed to be corrosion free for 10 years.
Galvatec Process
The coating obtained with a zinc (95%) and aluminum (5%) alloy, gives the final product an excellent corrosion resistance (guaranteed for over 30 years) and an effective cathodic protection in instances of cuts and abrasions.
Galvaplax Process
An exclusive PVC coating process by sintering, developed by Cavatorta to give the base wire or the galvanized wire mesh characteristics of durability and corrosion resistance (guaranteed for over 10 years). The wire or the mesh is galvanized, immersed in a bath of special primer that allows PVC powders, when melted at a higher temperature, to adhere perfectly to the metal and form a compact and homogeneous coating.
Seaplax Process
Created from the combination of Galvafort Process and Galvaplax Process, it offers a further advantage due to the special formulation of the PVC coating. The protection obtained through the Seaplax Process can withstand constant immersion in salt water and corrosive environments, even in extreme cold temperatures and extreme temperature changes.