Comparing Different Grades of Binding Wire

A strong foundation is the key to the success of any thriving endeavour. A binding wire provides the underlying support in many industries like construction, packaging, manufacturing and others to secure and hold things together. Different ventures use different grades of binding wire, depending on the type of project and undertaking. This article delves into the world of binding wire and grades of binding wire used to suit projects of various kinds - from packaging to manufacturing to humongous construction projects.

Grades of Binding Wire and Their Classification

A binding wire is a slender yet sturdy metal wire used to tether countless structures and products. A Binding Wire can be classified into different categories or grades of binding wire based on various criteria.

Classification of Binding Wire based on the Material

A binding wire can be broadly classified into the following grades of binding wire based on its material -

1. Annealed Wires - Annealed wires are characterised by their softness and flexibility. Generally made with steel or copper, they undergo a heat treatment process called annealing that improves their ductility, hence the name. They are moderately strong but are suitable for a range of applications as they are ductile, soft, flexible and corrosion resistant.

2. Hardened Wires - A hardened binding wire is characterised by its strength and rigidity. Made up of steel or copper, they undergo a heat treatment process called hardening, wherein the wire is heated to a high temperature and quenched in a cooling medium. They are less flexible but they are strong and long-lasting.

3. Galvanised Wires - Galvanised wires are manufactured by coating a steel binding wire with a layer of zinc to prevent it from getting rusted. They are ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications like places with high levels of humidity and moisture. There are two types of galvanised wires -

1. Hot-Dip Galvanised Wires - These galvanised wires have a thick and durable coating of zinc that is up to 300g/sq m and provides higher resistance to corrosion.
2. Electro-Galvanised Wires - These galvanised wires have a thinner coating of zinc and are corrosion resistant.

4. Plastic-Coated Wires - This is a type of binding wire that has been coated with a layer of plastic that provides protection against corrosion, abrasion and environmental factors. Their characteristics include resistance from corrosion, abrasion,  insulation and aesthetics.

5. Tempered Wire - Tempered wire is produced by reheating hardened wire to a lower temperature and then allowing it to cool naturally. The wire ends up with increased toughness and reduced hardness, but maintains a good balance of hardness and ductility in the process. They are used for their strength, flexibility, abrasion resistance and durability in a number of applications.

6. Pvc or Pre-Coated Wire - PVC wires are produced by applying a coating of polyvinyl chloride on the surface of a galvanised wire. They are resistant to salt, chemicals, dirt, oil, UV rays and come in a variety of colours.

7. Stainless Steel Wire - Made from a corrosion-resistant alloy (iron, chromium, nickel and other elements), stainless steel is characterised by its resistance to corrosion, staining, aesthetics and low maintenance cost and comes in different grades. They have an advantage over galvanised wires because of their higher melting points, higher tensile strength and oxidation resistance.

Also Read: Binding Wires - A Comprehensive Guide For Your Project

Classification of Binding Wire Based on Size and Shape

Binding wire can be classified based on its gauge or diameter. Gauge is a standardised system to measure the thickness of a wire. A higher gauge indicates a thinner wire and a lower gauge indicates a thicker wire. Thicker gauge wires are suitable in construction and thinner gauge wires are suitable for delicate binding tasks. Diameter measures the thickness of a wire at its widest point. The diameter of a wire is directly proportional to its width. Depending on their size, grades of binding wire are categorised into -

Classification of Binding Wire Based on Application

Different Grades of Binding Wire find their use in various industries. They can be classified based on their intended use as follows -

• Construction Binding Wire - Construction binding wire is used to reinforce concrete structures such as buildings, dams, tunnels, parking garages and bridges. They are used to secure rebar together in concrete structures. They are also used to tie and secure construction materials like lumber, pipes, cables and so on.
• Agricultural Binding Wire - Agricultural binding wire is used in building fences for property boundaries, crops, livestock and for hog fencing. This grade of binding wire is also used to tie bales of hay, straw and other agricultural produce.
• Industrial Binding Wire - Industrial binding wire is used in packaging of products in industries, either for storage or shipping. They are also used in manufacturing processes such as assembly and fabrication and as machinery components and equipment.
• Security Binding Wire - Barbed wires are used for security purposes like in fencing and securing various perimeters. Razor wires have razor sharp blades used for high-security applications.
• Household Binding Wire - These wires can be used for general purposes at home for tying and securing things. Craft wires are used in craft projects and other hobbies.

What is Wire Binding?

Wire binding is a strong and durable binding technique to secure documents and papers by inserting wire coils or combs through pre-punched holes in the documents. Wire binding can be done in several ways -

• Wire Binding Combs - Wire binding combs use plastic or metal combs with wire prongs that are inserted into the pre-punched holes in the documents.
• Metal Coil Binding - Metal coil binding is a wire binding method that involves inserting metal coils through the pre-punched holes in the documents.
• Spiral Binding - Spiral binding uses spiral-shaped coils for wire binding a stack of documents.

Advantages of Wire Binding

Wire binding is a strong and durable solution for securing documents that need to be handled frequently. Both wire binding combs and metal coil binding are popular choices for their durability, versatility and appearances. Wire binding is suitable for a wide range of document thicknesses and paper types. Wire binding gives a neat and polished finish too making the documents look more professional. Most wire binding methods including wire binding combs and metal coil binding are cost-effective. 

Applications of Wire Binding

Common applications of wire binding include binding documents for presentations, meetings, manuals and guides, notebooks, journals, brochures, catalogues and so on. The wire binding method would depend on the thickness of the document, desired appearance, budget and the frequency of use. While wire binding combs give a traditional look, metal coil binding gives a modern, sleek finish. Wire binding combs are not as strong as metal coil binding, hence the latter is more durable. Wire binding combs are more affordable than metal coil binding.

It is prudent to keep in mind that specific types and grades of binding wire vary depending on the region and industry. It is important for the tenderer or business to consult with the manufacturers or suppliers before selecting the correct grades of binding wire for a project. 

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