Have you ever considered how many of the things around us are made of wire? There’s the obvious stuff like the wire baskets in the supermarket and wire fencing but if you start to look around you you’ll notice loads of other stuff too. Not just mesh grilles but things like hooks and display stands too. Once you become aware of its uses you’ll realise that wire is an incredibly versatile thing and it’s everywhere. So why is wire such a popular material?
Part of the reason for this is that – given the right machinery – it’s easy to form into remarkably complex shapes. With modern technology it’s also easy to repeat that forming process over and over to make a run of identical items. So whether you need a one-off prototype or something that can be produced quickly in large numbers, forming it in wire might well be the answer.
Wire lends itself to complicated shapes that might prove difficult to make using other materials. The results are strong and long lasting, whether they’re individual items or incorporated into larger fabrications or buildings. You could for example need a framework for a floral display based on your company logo or other shape. Or perhaps you need a specially shaped display stand to fit in an awkward point of sale location in a shop or exhibition space. The latest computer controlled production techniques used by manufacturers mean that it’s possible to create single items or long production runs in an efficient and cost effective way. The retail and construction industries are major users of wire formed products, often with many thousands of pieces being produced to meet particular design needs.
Wire also of course lends itself to mesh panels. We’re not talking the pre-made mesh that you buy on a roll here but custom made panels welded together from steel wire. These have a variety of uses in industries including security, architecture and agriculture. Wire grilles can be used as practical guards to protect machinery, or to close off access to unauthorized areas. Mesh can be used to create baskets and shelving too. In architectural terms it can be used to create an industrial look when used to cover ventilation ducts and fans or as infill for openings in balcony or stairwell guardrails. A skilled manufacturer is able to produce custom-made mesh panels in any size and shape. They can also be formed into curved or angled pieces to fit into particular locations.
Whether shaped or mesh, once formed wire products can be plastic coated after fabrication to prolong their life, prevent corrosion and make them easier to clean. This is ideal for retail displays and also makes them suitable for food applications such as fridge shelves or freezer baskets. Plastic coating also means that the product can be tailored to fit a particular décor or corporate colour scheme at the production stage without you having to worry about how you’re going to paint it or otherwise treat it.
While we’re talking plastic, wire can be combined with other materials such as extruded PVC for specialist applications. For example, Studrail uses double strands of wire joined by PVC to create strong, safe, low-maintenance horse fencing to replace wooden rails. This offers a long-lasting solution that’s easy to install and helps to keep the animals safe.
If you’re still with us at this point you’ll have come to realise that wire products are featured in many applications and industries – and not just the obvious ones. Whether it’s a mesh guard over a fan, a point of sale display, a stacking warehouse basket or just a humble barbecue mesh, wire ensures that it can be produced cost effectively and that it will be robust enough to be able to do its job over a long life.
Whether you want a one-off wire product or a long production run, Peter Perks offers high levels of service and top quality products.
