4 Advice to Choose a Industrial Mesh

Author: Bonny

Aug. 18, 2025

Helpful hints for buying wire mesh

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. has developed a list of answers to some of the most asked questions we have received over the years. For questions and answers not discussed here, please contact us for more information. For questions related to wire mesh, please visit the wire mesh glossary or the wire mesh overview pages.

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Do you offer blind shipments & drop shipments?

Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. has been a major player in the wire mesh industry for over 160 years, and as a result, we have earned a reputation for honesty and trust. To that end, Darby offers both blind shipments and drop shipments. These special shipments ship directly from our facility to our customer’s customer, which saves both of them time and money. Blind shipments are ideal for customers who do not want to reveal the source’s name to their customers. We have worked with UPS and various motor freight carriers to enhance our customized blind shipment program. This program allows us to set up and schedule blind shipments and keep sensitive information private. We routinely use generic shipping labels and can easily use our customer’s own, if desired.

What is your cancellation policy?

Once an order is placed – verbally, via purchase order, or through e-commerce—Darby immediately begins to fill your order. Darby requests that you double check your specifications, quantity and dimensions before placing your order.

Orders that can be cancelled may be subject to a minimum cancellation charge of 25%. However, certain orders, including custom manufacturing, fabricated parts and cut-to-size pieces, are non-cancellable.

What is your chemical & physical certification policy?

Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. can offer chemical and/or physical certification for most any woven or welded wire mesh. A request for Darby’s standard chemical and/or physical certification must be clearly stated on your official written purchase order. Unfortunately, in most cases, we are unable to provide certifications more than 60 days after the order ships.

For any non-standard or specialized certification, including, but not limited to, statements of DFAR and/or USA manufacture, Country of Melt, ROHS compliance, Conflict of Materials (Dodd-Frank), LEED, magnetic permeability, or a particular industrial specification, the request must be clearly communicated in the original request for quote (RFQ) and clearly stated on the official purchase order. In order to comply with these special certification requests, additional charges may apply. Please speak to a sales person or a quality control representative for more information.

What is your damaged shipment policy?

Upon receipt of your wire mesh shipment, it is the customer’s responsibility to inspect the package for any external damage. If external damage is found, the delivery receipt and other associated paperwork must note the damage before accepting the delivery. A photo in these instances is highly recommended. After opening the package, if the material is damaged, a claim must be made with the carrier. Filing the claim and requesting an inspection in a prompt fashion are the responsibilities of the customer.

Do you offer expediting services?

Darby understands that there are times when our customers “need material yesterday.” As a result, we offer numerous expediting services including same day shipments, rush delivery, pick-ups, and expediting fabrication. Because of our extensive inventory and devoted staff, we routinely ship stock material out the day your order is placed. We utilize UPS World Ship which allows us to ship material out Express Critical, Next Day Air, Second Day Air and UPS Ground. We also work closely with various motor freight carriers and same day courier services to make sure our customers receive material when it is needed. Surcharges may apply to some expediting requests; please contact us with your expediting requirements.

Because we understand today’s business climate, Darby also provides quick turnaround on most quotations.

What are your quality standards?

Most wire mesh that Darby supplies adheres to the standard specification for industrial woven wire cloth, namely ASTM-E-11. It is important for any purchaser of wire mesh and wire cloth to be familiar with this specification, which can be accessed online at www.astm.org. This specification discusses quality standards within the wire mesh industry.

ASTM E--11 states that wire cloth “shall be woven with first-class workmanship, although some blemishes or defects are inherent in the weaving process.” Darby understands its role as a major supplier of wire mesh and wire cloth and abides by a specially designed quality initiative that aims to consistently provide its customers with high quality wire mesh.

Wire mesh is an industrial product and is intended for use in industrial applications, where functionality is the primary objective. Because mesh is an extremely versatile product, it is often used in applications not related to industrial use, for example in instances where appearance is critical.

Generally speaking, Darby is unable to guarantee perfect, or defect-free, material. Blemishes or defects are inherent in the weaving process and are virtually impossible to avoid. We encourage all customers who may have stringent quality requirements to discuss them with a sales representative and to review the permissible blemishes detailed in ASTM E--11, if applicable. We routinely work with these types of customers and have been largely successful in meeting their requirements.

What are your quantity tolerances?

Most wire mesh that Darby supplies adheres to the standard specification for industrial woven wire cloth, namely ASTM-E-11. It is important for any purchaser of wire mesh and wire cloth to be familiar with this specification, which can be accessed online at www.astm.org. This specification discusses tolerances in the wire mesh industry, in detail.

Two of the more popular discussion points related to quantity tolerance are full roll purchases and fabricated parts.

ASTM E--11 designates that a standard roll shall be 100 linear feet, +/- 10 linear feet; the roll may consist of up to three pieces, no pieces less than 10 linear feet. For example, an acceptable roll can consist of 1 piece, 50 feet, 1 piece, 30 feet, and 1 piece, 20 feet.

On custom manufactured items, including, but not limited to discs, cut-to-size pieces, and fabricated parts, there is a quantity variance of +/- 10%. All other variances must be agreed to prior to the acceptance of a purchase order.

Should a customer have any specific quantity tolerances, it should be discussed with Darby. For a more detailed look into tolerances, please visit www.astm.org.

What is your return policy?

From its inception in to today, Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. has been committed to supplying high quality, industrial grade wire mesh. After receiving material and before cutting to size, fabricating or shipping, it is important that Darby’s customer inspect material to confirm it is received as ordered. Darby is unable to accept a return on any mesh that has been processed or modified.

Should the quality of mesh be in question, the disparity must be noted in writing within 10 days of delivery date. At that point, Darby will have the option to issue a Return Goods Authorization with shipping instructions. The customer is responsible for shipping costs back to Darby, unless the dispute is an error in Darby’s fulfillment of the order.

Darby reserves the right to inspect material before issuing credit, refund or replacement. Darby will inspect the material for non-conformance, including tolerances, defects and blemishes referenced in ASTM E--11, or other applicable industrial standards. After inspection, should the material not conform to the applicable industrial standard, Darby issue a refund for /replacement of material and reasonable transportation costs.

Full, unprocessed, rolls that are authorized for return will be subject to a restocking fee. Darby may be unable to accept returns on incorrectly ordered items, mesh that has been cut, fabricated parts or custom manufactured items.

Do you offer special packaging requirements?

Often times, users of wire mesh require special packaging for their material. Some of the more popular packing requirements include: individually packaged and marked shipments, flat shipments, shipment with extra protection, consolidated shipments and customized boxed. Please contact us to discuss your special packaging requirements. Extra charges may apply.

Do you offer wire mesh analysis?

If you have a piece of mesh that you are looking to identify or even replicate, look no further than Edward J. Darby & Son, Inc. Our team of knowledgeable and experienced technicians has the ability to identify virtually any woven or welded mesh you may have.

We commonly identify mesh count, diameter wire, opening size and percentage of open area. We are happy to offer this service, free of charge. We also have the capabilities to distinguish specific alloys and chemical compositions; additional charges for this service may apply.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Industrial Mesh.

Can you make specific wire mesh recommendations?

This website has been designed with the goal of providing website visitors with all of the detailed information we have learned from our broad range of customers over the years. More importantly, this website has been developed to serve as a guide to assist in the decision making process for the purchase of wire mesh.

We are unable to make specific wire mesh recommendations for a specific application. If you are unsure about what mesh will work best in your application, we suggest sampling, prototyping or speaking to an expert or engineer in your particular industry.

Sample Policy

To learn about our Sample Policy, please visit here:

Buyer's Guide to Choosing the Right Welded Wire Mesh

When it comes to selecting the right welded wire mesh, understanding the options and specifications can make a significant difference in achieving the desired outcome for your project. Whether you’re using welded wire mesh for fencing, reinforcement, or other applications, this buyer’s guide will help you navigate the choices and make an informed decision.

Introduction

Welded wire mesh is a versatile material used in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and security. It consists of intersecting wires welded together to form a grid pattern. Choosing the right type of welded wire mesh involves considering factors such as material, wire gauge, mesh size, and coating. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you select the best welded wire mesh for your needs.

Understanding Welded Wire Mesh

1. What is Welded Wire Mesh?

Welded wire mesh is made by welding horizontal and vertical wires at their intersections to create a strong, rigid structure. This process ensures that the mesh maintains its shape and strength over time, making it suitable for various applications.

2. Common Uses of Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh is used in numerous applications, including:

  • Fencing and enclosures
  • Concrete reinforcement
  • Animal cages and enclosures
  • Garden and landscaping projects
  • Security barriers

Key Factors to Consider

1. Material

The material of the welded wire mesh is crucial for its durability and suitability for specific applications. Common materials include:

  • Galvanized Steel: Provides good corrosion resistance and is suitable for outdoor use.
  • Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength, ideal for harsh environments.
  • PVC-Coated Steel: Adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion and enhances the aesthetic appeal.

2. Wire Gauge

The wire gauge indicates the thickness of the wire used in the mesh. A lower gauge number means a thicker wire. Common wire gauges for welded wire mesh include:

  • 16 to 20 Gauge: Suitable for light-duty applications like garden fencing.
  • 12 to 14 Gauge: Ideal for medium-duty applications such as animal enclosures.
  • 8 to 10 Gauge: Used for heavy-duty applications like security fencing and concrete reinforcement.

3. Mesh Size

Mesh size refers to the distance between the wires, determining the size of the openings in the mesh. Common mesh sizes include:

  • 1/2-inch to 1-inch: Provides a tight grid, suitable for security and small animal enclosures.
  • 1.5-inch to 2-inch: Ideal for general fencing and garden applications.
  • 2.5-inch to 4-inch: Used for larger enclosures and reinforcement projects.

4. Coating and Finish

The coating and finish of the welded wire mesh affect its durability and resistance to corrosion. Options include:

  • Galvanized: Provides a protective zinc coating to prevent rust.
  • PVC-Coated: Adds a layer of plastic coating for enhanced protection and visual appeal.
  • Stainless Steel: Naturally resistant to corrosion without additional coatings.

5. Application and Environment

Consider the specific application and environmental conditions when choosing welded wire mesh. For example:

  • For outdoor use, galvanized or PVC-coated mesh is recommended to withstand weather conditions.
  • For industrial or marine environments, stainless steel mesh offers superior corrosion resistance.
  • For decorative purposes, PVC-coated mesh is available in various colors to match aesthetic preferences.

Choosing the Right Welded Wire Mesh

1. Fencing and Enclosures

For fencing and enclosures, consider the level of security and durability needed. For high-security applications, choose a thicker gauge and smaller mesh size. For garden fencing, a medium gauge and larger mesh size may be sufficient.

2. Concrete Reinforcement

When using welded wire mesh for concrete reinforcement, ensure that the mesh size and wire gauge meet the structural requirements of the project. The mesh should provide adequate support and strength to the concrete structure.

3. Animal Cages and Enclosures

For animal cages and enclosures, select a mesh size that prevents animals from escaping and protects them from predators. The wire gauge should be strong enough to withstand any force applied by the animals.

4. Garden and Landscaping

In garden and landscaping projects, consider the aesthetics and functionality of the welded wire mesh. Choose a coating that complements the garden design and provides sufficient protection against pests.

5. Security Barriers

For security barriers, opt for a welded wire mesh with a tight grid and thick wire gauge to deter intruders. Stainless steel or galvanized steel with a PVC coating can enhance durability and resistance to tampering.

Installation Tips

1. Proper Measurements

Accurate measurements are essential for a successful installation. Measure the area where the mesh will be installed and purchase enough material to cover the entire space, including allowances for overlaps and adjustments.

2. Quality Fasteners

Use high-quality fasteners, such as U-clips, hog rings, or wire ties, to secure the welded wire mesh to posts or frames. Ensure that the fasteners are made from corrosion-resistant materials to prevent rust and degradation.

3. Tensioning and Support

Proper tensioning and support are crucial for a stable and secure installation. Use tensioning tools and braces to keep the mesh taut and prevent sagging. Secure the mesh to sturdy posts or frames to maintain its integrity.

4. Safety Precautions

Wear appropriate safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when handling and installing welded wire mesh. The sharp edges of the wire can cause injuries if not handled carefully.

Maintenance and Care

1. Regular Inspections

Perform regular inspections of the welded wire mesh to check for signs of damage or corrosion. Address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

2. Cleaning and Coating

Keep the mesh clean by removing dirt, debris, and vegetation that can trap moisture and cause rust. Apply protective coatings, such as paint or rust inhibitors, to extend the life of the mesh.

3. Repairs and Replacements

Replace any damaged sections of the mesh to maintain its functionality and appearance. Use compatible materials and follow the original installation method for seamless repairs.

For more information, please visit Custom Perforated Panels.

Conclusion

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