Some baling wire undergoes a galvanization process that involves coating the wire in a layer of zinc. The zinc coating acts as a sacrificial outer layer, protecting the wire from rust, corrosion, and abrasion.

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Zinc-coated steel wires are exceptionally resilient to weather conditions, making them a primary choice for baling recyclable materials that will be stored outside, farm fencing, and vineyard trellising.

Different classes of galvanized steel

Baling Wire Direct offers both Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization on all wire products. Class 3 galvanization offers significantly higher corrosion resistance than the standard Class 1 galvanization.

• Class 1 galvanized wire features a thinner zinc coating of 0.28 ounces per square foot and provides basic protection, but it tends to rust after 2&#;12 years depending on the environment. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails even sooner due to saltwater corrosion. It is often used for barbed wire fencing.
• Class 3 galvanized wire offers a premium zinc coating (nearly three times as thick as Class 1) that uses 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot. This wire coating offers a higher degree of protection, providing a lifespan of 13&#;30 years. Class 3 galvanized wire is more expensive up front, but it is much more long-lasting. Class 3 galvanization is our most rust resistant wire coating, the ideal choice for harsh environments.

Galvanized steel properties

Compared to regular baling wire, galvanized wire has many advantages. The benefits of galvanized wire include:

• Versatility. Galvanized steel wire is suitable for a variety of industries, including recycling, agriculture, and construction, due to its high tensile strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.
• Corrosion resistance. Galvanized iron wire resists rust up to 100 times better than uncoated steel, making it highly durable and long-lasting.
• Durability. The zinc coating is extremely durable and resistant to scratches from abrasion.
• Recyclability. Hot-dip galvanized wire is as recyclable as other types of steel, making it an environmentally friendly wire material.
• Surface appearance. All zinc-coated steel wires have a matte-gray appearance. The zinc coating applied by electro-galvanizing is smoother than galvanized steel made with hot-dip galvanization.
• Formability. The zinc coating on galvanized steel is resistant to cracking and loss of adhesion, making it highly formable.
• Long life. Hot-dip galvanized steel has a long life, requiring less maintenance and offering a low long-term cost.

Different types of galvanization

Metal can be galvanized through several different processes, including:

• Hot-dip galvanizing. This involves immersing the base wire material into a bath of molten zinc, providing a complete zinc coating. It is the most popular and trusted method of galvanization due to its thorough coverage and durability.
• Pre-galvanizing. Similar to hot-dip galvanizing, but performed at a steel mill, where the steel is coated with a layer of zinc before it is formed into the final wire product.
• Galvannealing. A process that combines hot-dip galvanizing and the annealing process, resulting in a zinc-iron alloy product with a dull matte surface appearance. It is conducive to welding and provides an excellent surface for paint adhesion.
• Electro galvanizing. This method does not use a molten zinc bath. Instead, it involves applying zinc in a thin coating to the base metal, typically through an electroplating process. The zinc coating applied by electro-galvanizing is smoother than that of hot-dip galvanized products.

Our hot-dip galvanizing process

Our hot-dip galvanization process involves the following steps:

1. Surface preparation. First, the wire undergoes a cleaning process to eliminate any impurities from the exterior of the metal. This purification ensures the adhesion of the zinc coating.
2. Pickling. We then submerge the wire in an acidic solution to strip off any remaining oxides and residue. This process primes the surface for galvanizing by generating a pristine foundation.
3. Fluxing. We soak the wire in a flux solution (zinc ammonium chloride) that hinders oxidation and enables a uniform coating of zinc.
4. Molten bath. We then plunge the wire into a bath of zinc heated to around 450°C (850°F).
5. Alloy formation. While immersed in the pool of zinc, a strong bond occurs between the iron in the wire and the zinc, forming a sheet of distinct iron-zinc alloys.
6. Extraction. We then gradually extract the wire from the zinc bath. We control the extraction rate to enable excess zinc to drain off and ensure an even coating on the final product.
7. Quenching. We then quickly cool the coated wire in water or a cooling solution to solidify the protective zinc coating and complete the galvanizing process.

Our technique generates galvanic protection that safeguards against the elements.

Mclassic Metal Product Page

We sell galvanized bale ties and galvanized wire by the stem.

Wire Coatings

One of the most important parts of selecting the right fence is familiarizing yourself with the different types of galvanized wire coatings that are available.

Commercial

This is the minimum galvanized wire coating. Commercial wire meets no standards and will last 3 months to 1 year before rust occurs.

Class 1

This is typically found on your basic barbed wire and field fence. Class 1 wire is likely last 2 to 11 years in most non-coastal climates.

Class 3

This is considered the industry standard. The Class 3 coating is 2.5 times thicker than Class 1 and may last approximately 13 to 30 years before rusting in non-coastal climates.

Class 40

This state-of-the-art, advanced wire coating technology is featured on all 50-Year Fence products. The Zinc-Aluminum hybrid base coat extends the life of StaTite50 up to twice the life of Class 3 galvanized wire.

The 50-Year Fence is available in a variety of sizes to meet virtually any application at dealers across the state of Texas.

The company is the world’s best Galvanized Farm Fence supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.