How is Galvanized Stem Wire Made

The baling process is one that many industries conduct on a daily basis, especially those in the recycling and waste management industries. Baling wire is a material that is often used in the process to help bind materials that are going to be transported and keep them in one piece. There are different types of baling wire and one is referred to galvanized stem wire. It goes through a different process than other baling wire and is known for being one of the strongest and most durable types. If you’ve heard of this before but never exactly understood what it is as well as what it’s made of, here is a breakdown below.

What is Galvanized Stem Wire?

For those who have never heard of it before, galvanized stem wire is used for the purposes of bundling large packages and preparing them to be shipped, stored, or sold. This is necessary so that items are tightly compressed, compact and safe at all times, especially while being transported. Galvanized stem wire which is often referred to as carrier wire, stump wire, or stand wire, is commonly used during the baling process while helping to package recyclable items like plastic, cardboard, or just about anything else that can be recycled.

For the most part, this type of wire can withstand enormous amounts of pressure and last over a long period of time. It has even been said that it can provide ongoing protection for steel for up to 170 years which is a few lifetimes.

How is it Made?

In terms of how galvanized stem wire is made, it’s usually coated with a material such as zinc. This is because zinc is known to be able to withstand different environments making it more of a practical material in terms of longevity. This makes it more resistant against rust and corrosion, which is one of the reasons that it’s able to last for so long.

For galvanized stem wire to be made effectively, the right amount of zinc coating needs to be added to the underlying material. Modern manufacturers tend to use an electroplating technique in which they add a thin layer of zinc over the underlying material.

Another approach would be the hot-dip technique which is where the iron or steel material is dipped into liquid zinc, and then a thick layer is formed over the material.

More technically, once the wire is removed from the dip, the zinc will be exposed to oxygen, and then zinc oxide is formed. That zinc oxide then reacts with the carbon dioxide that’s present in the atmosphere and creates zinc carbonate.

Galvanized stem wire is a quality product that is often worth the buy when correctly sourced. Knowing that your wires are likely to last for many years to come can make you feel as though it is worth every dollar spent. Also, knowing the process that it goes through to become the quality stem wire you use on a daily basis can give you a deeper appreciation for it as well.