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 gauge wire is best for baling plastic?

The best wire gauge for baling plastic depends on the type of baler as well as the size and weight of your bales. For vertical balers, we recommend 12–13 gauge wire. For horizontal balers, we recommend 11–12 gauge wire, and for two-ram balers, we recommend 10–12 gauge wire.

Ask your baler manufacturer, read your baler’s instruction manual, or talk to us to find the best baling wire for your equipment.

Choose a wire gauge based on the tensile strength and load strength requirements of your plastic bales. Your wire’s load strength should exceed the weight of the bale. We suggest going with a heavier-duty wire with a higher load strength if there is any uncertainty.

Remember, wire gauge is inversely correlated to wire diameter. The larger the diameter, the smaller the gauge, and vice versa. Lower gauges (thicker wires) will typically offer a higher load strength than higher gauges.

Best baling wire for plastic

We carry several wire options for baling plastic. The best type of wire for baling plastic will also depend on storage conditions and duration. Here are some of the best options:

Black annealed wire feeds smoothly through high-volume automatic baling machines that are commonly used in plastic recycling.
Galvanized wire is less commonly used for baling plastic. But if your bales require long-term storage, the galvanizing process offers increased resistance to rust and corrosion to keep bales safe and secure.
Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate inconsistent bale sizes. They work with manual horizontal and vertical balers. We offer both black annealed and galvanized single loop bale ties. Galvanized bale ties offer enhanced abrasion resistance.
Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length for use in auto-tie balers. The double loop configuration accelerates the tying process, increasing productivity.

Benefits of recycling plastic

Plastic recycling benefits the environment, the economy, and society as a whole. Some benefits of plastic recycling include:

Reduced landfill waste. According to the EPA, recycling and composting prevented 94 million tons of material from ending up in landfills in 2018.
Conservation of natural resources. The manufacture of new plastic products from recycled materials requires less energy and fewer raw materials than the production of plastics from virgin resources.
Lower greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic recycling can help mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of energy needed for plastic production.
Job creation and economic support. The recycling industry creates jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing.
Protection of wildlife and ecosystems. Plastic recycling reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans, rivers, and other natural habitats.

Plastic recycling is a step towards a more sustainable future. Active participation in plastic recycling programs and support for businesses that use recycled materials can help minimize the environmental impact of plastic waste and preserve our planet for future generations.

The plastic recycling process

Plastic undergoes the following process as part of its circular economy:

Collection and sorting. Plastic waste is collected and sorted at a waste material recovery facility. Different types of plastics are separated and prepared for recycling.
Baling process. The sorted plastic waste is then compressed into dense bales.
Sale to processors. The plastic bales are sold to plastic processors or recycling facilities.
Arrival at processing destination. Upon arrival at the processing destination, the bales are prepared for the recycling process. This may involve re-baling smaller bales into mill-size bales.
Shredding and cleaning. The plastic bales are shredded into smaller pieces. These shreds are then cleaned and filtered to remove any impurities.
Granulation. The cleaned, shredded plastic is melted and formed into pellets.
Manufacturing new products. The plastic pellets are then used to manufacture new products. Depending on the type of plastic, these recycled products can range from new plastic bottles and containers to textiles, outdoor furniture, and building materials.
Distribution and sale. Recycled products are then distributed and sold to consumers, completing the recycling loop.

Not all plastic waste can be recycled due to contamination or the type of plastic.

Plastic recycling tips

Some key tips for recycling plastic include:

Rinse plastic containers to remove food residue and prevent contamination.
Check local recycling guidelines to identify accepted plastic types and preparation requirements.
Remove caps, lids, and labels from plastic containers when possible.
Do not include non-recyclable items such as toys, hangers, or electronics in the recycling bin.
Opt for reusable products to reduce overall plastic waste.