What is the Correct Spelling Baling Wire or Bailing Wire?

The correct spelling is baling wire, although if you search for bailing wire online, you'll get near enough the same results. This is because the two spellings have become somewhat (incorrectly) interchangeable, and many companies still refer to it as bailing wire. Baling and bailing are known as homophones, two words that have separate meanings, yet they sound exactly the same. Bear in mind, however, that currently, Google will suggest the correction of baling wire if you search instead for bailing wire. There is also no difference in the product that the words are describing, so one type of wire will not differ in function from another simply because of the name. The term bailing usually refers to either the releasing of a prisoner on bail, bailing out a bank or an institution (providing it with money to keep it afloat), or to leaving an area (informally). Baling, on the other hand, often refers to the bundling of goods, the primary function of what baling wire is used for. As a noun, a bale describes a tightly packed bundle of materials like hay, cardboard, or scrap metal. To find out more, you can check out this blog post on bailing wire vs baling wire.

Do You Have a Wire Gauge Chart to Choose the Correct Size?

Gauge refers to the thickness of a wire. Gauges operate on an inverse scale, which means the smaller the gauge number, the larger the circumference of the wire. Typically, baling wire starts at around 9 gauge, and can go all the way up to the incredibly thin 35-gauge variety. Choosing the right type of baling wire can be tough if you don’t know what to look for, yet it’s essential if you want to ensure maximum quality and functionality. You can find a reliable wire gauge chart by clicking here. You can find a wide range of different gauge baling wire online, but if you’re not sure which one will work best, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer of your baling machine; they should be able to give you advice on which size go for. For paper, it’s worth going for a lighter gauge, like a 14, but for tougher materials like plastics, you’ll probably need to go as low as 12. It’s worth noting that the properties of the wire can differ based on whether they’re galvanized or annealed, even if they’re the same gauge. Remember that it’s crucial to check your baler’s specifications before you start using the wire, as it may have limitations as to what gauge you can use.

Which Wire is Best for Cardboard Baling?

Generally, you'll want to use either an 11, 12, or 13 gauge wire for baling cardboard. The 11 gauge wire is the thickest and, therefore, more suited to packing denser bales. It is important to consider your baler, however, as this will likely determine the type of wire that you'll need. This can differ between make and model, and there will likely be a users manual that will have the right info. If not, you could always call up the manufacturer and ask them directly. You wouldn't want to risk damaging your baler by using the wrong materials with it. For example, a smaller vertical baler that generates smaller bales may need a smaller gauge, like a 14. In contrast, a horizontal baler that operates at a larger scale may require an 11, even though you're baling the same material. Cardboard baling wire is usually very tough, no matter the gauge, so the main point to concern yourself with is whether or not your chosen type of wire is compatible with the machine you're using. It's worth noting that this can vary extensively, so make sure you find the right wire for your specific machine and the type of material you hope to bale.

What is baling wire used for?

Baling wire is used to secure waste and scrap materials into neatly manageable bundles, making them easier to transport. It's perfect for aiding waste management in the recycling industry, and cutting down on wastage in general, no matter the area of work that you're in. Baling wire can come in many different forms, for example, galvanized baling wire is exceptionally strong and durable, and it's able to withstand the harsh conditions of the recycling process with ease. Galvanized baling wire is strong enough to survive being submerged into a molten liquid for some time, making it suitable for the galvanization of other types of metal. Black annealed baling wire is developed using the annealing process, a cycle of carefully measured heating and cooling, which is what gives it the increased level of ductility and elongation. Baling wire can be threaded through a baling machine to secure the scrap or waste material, or it can be tied by hand, as it's incredibly ductile, making it an extremely versatile material and an essential one in the recycling and agriculture industries. Baling wire has long been regarded as a fix-all type of material, so it's always handy to have some around the workspace.

Why is it called baling wire?

It's called baling wire because it refers to the job it's used for, securing bales of scrap material like hay and cardboard. The word bale might have its roots in the old Germanic language, relating to ball. Bales are the bundles of material compressed in a baling machine, and the wire is what binds this material together, holding it in place for easier maneuverability. Baling wire has been used extensively since the 1800s (this is likely when the term began gaining widespread popularity), but it's come a long way since then in both form and function. From humble origins, baling wire has become a critical material in the recycling and agricultural industries, largely due to the phenomenal rise of modern machinery like advanced baling machines and tractors.The words baling wire are often interchanged (incorrectly) with bailing wire, yet searching for either term on Google will likely still send you to the right place. By galvanizing either stainless steel or iron wire, manufacturers can make baling wire tougher than ever before. This process involves submerging the wire in a molten metal coating (usually zinc) in order to make it more durable and corrosion resistant. Baling wire can also be developed using the annealing process, which is when the wire is exposed to a cycle of heating and cooling over time.

What kind of wire is baling wire?

Baling wire is ultra-strong, highly durable, galvanized steel or iron wire. The galvanization process refers to the act of hot dipping (submerging) stainless steel or iron wire in a bath of molten zinc.The resulting metallurgical reaction causes the zinc to bond with the steel, creating a protective coating, enabling it to withstand erosion with ease. This process enables the baling wire to become exceptionally resilient and able to resist even the harshest weather and wear and tear for extensive periods of time. You can also find baling wire in the form of black annealed wire, an incredibly sturdy and versatile material that's created using a meticulous cycle of heating and cooling, causing it to increase in ductility for maximum ease of use. You can find out more about the properties of this wire here. Due to its many unique properties, including its ability to stand up to harsh conditions, baling wire is essential in the recycling and agricultural industries, and it's generally found in any type of baling application, include office recycling. Its main purpose is to secure bales (compact bundles of waste and scrap material) and hold them in place, making them easier to store, handle and transport, greatly aiding the waste management process.

What are the different types of cardboard?

According to Statista, approximately 34 million tons of cardboard were recycled in the United States in 2022. Cardboard is a generic term for heavy paper-based products. It can range from a thick paper known as a paperboard to a corrugated fiberboard.

Cardboard is highly recyclable, and it is an important container material used in the recycling industry. Baling Wire Direct supplies cardboard recyclers with the high-quality baling wire products they need.

What is cardboard made of?

Cardboard is made of paper pulp, which comes from either virgin pulp or recycled fibers obtained through a pulping process. The resulting wood pulp is then processed and bonded into flat sheets. These can then be made into cardboard products such as corrugated cardboard and paperboard.

Types of cardboard and their uses

The different types of cardboard are defined by their thickness, finish, and presence of corrugated fluting.

Corrugated cardboard

Corrugated cardboard (corrugated fiberboard) is the most common cardboard used for boxes and packaging. It consists of a fluted, corrugated layer between two flat liners, providing cushioning and stacking strength for packaging and shipping.

It is the most frequently recycled type of cardboard packaging and is known as “old corrugated containers” (OCC) at the end of its life cycle. Corrugated cardboard comes in a variety of forms, including:

Single face. Constructed of just one wall and a fluted layer, this cardboard is added to cushion products.
Single wall. Featuring two liners and one layer of fluting, single-wall cardboard boxes are the most common corrugated products.
Double wall. Two fluted layers provide extra cushioning.
Triple wall. Three fluted layers offer excellent crush resistance and structural stability for shipping heavier products.

Paperboard

Paperboard (solid cardboard) is a thin, compact cardboard sheet suitable for high-quality printing. It is used for mass-consumer packaging and retail displays. It is:

Available in bleached and unbleached grades.
Easy to form into boxes.
Flexible enough to form tubes.

Chipboard

Chipboard, also known as particleboard, is an engineered wood product made from wood particles or fibers. The fibers are combined with an adhesive under heat and pressure to form solid boards. It is thicker than paperboard and offers a durable, cost-effective option.

Types of cardboard boxes

Cardboard is primarily used to manufacture cardboard boxes.

Corrugated cardboard boxes (corrugated fiberboard, shipper boxes, cardboard boxes) are commonly used in both shipping and retail environments. They are made of corrugated fiberboard and are used for their strength and cushioning properties.
Folding cartons (paperboard boxes, paperboard cartons) are thin and flimsy. They are commonly used for consumer products such as cereal boxes.
Rigid boxes (set-up boxes) are sturdy and durable, often used for high-end products such as electronics or jewelry.

Grades of cardboard

Grade denotes the percentage of recycled fiber present in a piece of cardboard. All cardboard grades are recyclable. The different grades of cardboard include:

Kraft (K). It is made from virgin fibers and has not been recycled before.
Test 2 (T2). Consists of partly recycled liner paper.
Test 3 (T3). Made from 100% recycled fibers and is commonly used in the production of cardboard.
Chip (C). Made from 100% waste-based liners.
Bleached white (BW). This consists of a bleached Kraft liner. It is made from virgin fibers.
White top (WT). Made from white coated recycled liner. It is made from recycled fibers.
Mottled kraft (MK). Made from a combination of virgin and recycled fibers.
Oyster (OY). Made from a combination of virgin and recycled fibers.
Semi-chem (SC). Virgin fibers use a neutral sulfite semi-chemical process. Made from virgin fibers and is often used as fluting.
Waste-based (WB). Made from 100% recycled paper fibers and is often used as fluting.

The only cardboard that cannot be baled or recycled is that which is wax-coated or contaminated by food or other substances.

How is cardboard recycled?

The cardboard recycling process involves the following steps:

Cardboard is collected from curbsides or drop-off points.
The cardboard is taken to a paper mill or recycling facility for processing.
The cardboard is separated from other recyclables such as paper, plastic, and metal.
Sorted cardboard is compressed into dense bales.
The bales are sent to a mill for repulping. Paper fibers are separated and cleaned to remove contaminants.
Cleaned fibers are made into new cardboard and paper products.

In 2022, 93.6% of cardboard was recycled, making it one of the staple materials of the circular economy.

Best baling wire for cardboard

The right baling wire for cardboard baling depends on your baler, the cardboard density, and storage requirements.

Black annealed wire is ductile and feeds smoothly through automatic baling machines. Cardboard is not often stored outside, so the rust resistance of galvanized wire is not usually necessary.

Single-loop bale ties work well with manual horizontal and vertical balers. They are useful for baling cardboard since they can accommodate inconsistently sized cardboard bales. We sell both galvanized and black annealed single-loop bale ties.

Baling wire products we offer

Baling Wire Direct sells the following high-quality baling wire products.

Baling Wire FAQ

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What are the different types of cardboard?

What is cardboard made of?

Types of cardboard and their uses

Corrugated cardboard

Paperboard

Chipboard

Types of cardboard boxes

Grades of cardboard

How is cardboard recycled?

Best baling wire for cardboard

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