The 3 Main Types of Woven Wire Mesh

Woven Wire Mesh demonstrates a flexible strength and a timeless aesthetic that makes it ideal for many different applications. Even if you've selected a woven Wire Mesh specification, you might still be wondering how to navigate the many weave types available. We invite you to follow along below as we guide you through our weave types and their benefits.In this woven Wire Mesh guide, we discuss three main weave types, their benefits and their ideal applications.

What Weave Types are Available?

For standard woven Wire Mesh products, there are three main weave types to choose from: Plain, Lock Crimp and Intercrimp.

plain wire mesh

Plain Wire Mesh is a traditional weave formed with straight warp wires and fill wires assembled in a simple over, under weave. The resulting product will exhibit a simple appearance with a relatively smooth surface. Plain weaves are often utilized in Wire Mesh items with a higher mesh count. It is likely that many of the wire cloth items you encounter in daily life will exhibit a Plain weave.

lockcrimp wire mesh

Lock Crimp Wire Mesh also features straight wires assembled in a classic over, under configuration. However, this Mesh is characterized by a pinched, or locked, section of wire at each intersection. As the wires in one direction are woven above or below perpendicular wires, they are mechanically formed into secure “bumps” and “reverse bumps.” The locked wires create additional rigidity and security to prevent shifting or separating. You may hear of another type of weave known as Flat Top. This is a slightly altered version of a Lock Crimp where all the bumps are on the same side of the sheet.

intercrimp wire mesh

Intercrimp Wire Mesh is made with wires that have been crimped in a zig zag fashion. When it is woven into a Mesh, there will be several crimps between each wire intersection. This texture creates a heightened grip between the crossing wires, therefore adding rigidity. In addition to helping the wires stay in place, these crimps are also beneficial for adding a unique visual interest.

What Wire Mesh is the Sturdiest?

Of these weaves, Lock Crimp could be considered the sturdiest because the pinched intersections are very resistant to forces attempting to spread the wires. For this reason, Lock Crimp is a favorite for security applications and Infill Panel railing inserts. Following Lock Crimp, Intercrimp also provides an elevated level of strength that would require a more concentrated effort to shift the wires than a Plain weave.

How to Specify and Order Woven Wire Mesh

If you are wondering where to buy woven Wire Mesh, BZ Wire Mesh provides a vast inventory for applications of any nature. To begin your Wire Mesh selection,  our ordering guide will walk you through the specifications needed to finalize your product, including material, opening/mesh size and wire diameter. Our woven items, along with our welded Wire Mesh, are ready to serve you with strength, aesthetics and the versatility to fulfill a variety of functions in your next project!