Wire Mesh Fabrications offer a range of sub-contracted finishing processes. Here is a quick summary of our most commonly offered finishes.
Powder Coat
Powder coating is applied as a free-flowing dry powder, before being cured under heat to allow it to flow and form a skin. Once set, the powder forms a hard finish tougher than conventional paint
Nylon Coat
Nylon coating is another type of thermoplastic coating which offers unique resistance to solvents, chemicals and temperature. Nylon produces a hard satin finish and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures. Nylon has increased durability and has a greater resistance to impact giving finished goods a longer shelf life. (Recommended maximum temperature 150°C).
Plastic Coat
Plastic coating is a thermoplastic coating which provides a superior resistance to environmental exposure, general wear and tear, damage and malicious attacks. Plastic coating has a softer, and more “warm-to-touch” feel than powder coating, making it well suited for industrial wash baskets, fridge/freezer shelves and balustrades. Plastic coating benefits from low maintenance properties. (Recommended maximum temperature 100°C).
Galvanising – For Mild/Carbon Steel
Hot Dip galvanising is processed to prevent mild steel (carbon steel) from corroding. The steel first goes through a chemical clean to remove any oil and other surface contaminants. It is then dipped into a bath of molten zinc heated to around 450°C before cooling in a quench tank. Hot-dip galvanising is defined by a single British Standard : ISO 1461:2009. Typically anything made in mild or carbon steel would be galvanised to prevent corrosion and provide a longer life, such as handrail mesh infill panels, bridge parapet and gantry mesh, security cages and mesh
enclosures. Depending on its environment and application, life expectancy is estimated at 70 years.
Pickle & Passivate – For Stainless Steel
As part of the welding and manufacturing process, weld discolouration from heat input and foreign surface contamination from any carbon steel tooling can occur. The pickling and passivation process removes any welding discolouration or surface contaminants and restores the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. An industrial aesthetic look is often required for finished goods, such as refrigeration shelves, food processing trays and baskets. In essence, any finished product that will be seen, should be cleaned in one way or another. The ‘pickled’ finish has a uniform, yet dull industrial (almost satin) appearance.
Electro Polishing – For Stainless Steel
Under a microscope, the surface of stainless steel would appear full of “peaks” or high spots, which is where bacteria and other foreign entities can reside which can lead to spot or localised corrosion. The process of electropolishing encourages the dissolution of these peaks and leaves a smooth, hygienically clean surface that optimises corrosion resistance in any given environment. The finish is smooth, bright and aesthetically pleasing, commonly used in food and medical and pharmaceutical environments.