Galvanized Baling Wire

When we make our galvanized tie wire, we leave nothing to chance. From raw materials, through the galvanizing process, to quality testing—every stage of the manufacturing life cycle is done to the highest quality standards.

It all starts with a select family of melting plants where we purchase 100% American-made steel billets. Each is delivered with metallurgical traceability specs certifying chemical composition to meet the end product’s load and tensile strength.

From there, our 125-person production staff and five onsite engineers get to work.

First, the newly-formed carbon steel wire is descaled through mechanical reverse-bending. This gives a completely scale-free surface. Even better, mechanical descaling means we eliminate harsh, environmentally unsafe chemicals from the production process.

Next, the wire is drawn through a heavy-duty, bull-block continuous wire machine, and low-carbon (1018) grades are air-cooled to ensure consistent tensile strength. Then, it’s on to the galvanizing process.

The galvanizing process

Our hot-dip galvanized wire is corrosion-resistant and durable. The galvanization process applies a protective coating of zinc to the steel wire. Zinc forms a protective oxide layer that acts as an extremely durable shield when exposed to the atmosphere.

We offer both Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization. While Class 1 is more economical, Class 3 provides enhanced protection as it has a thicker, longer-lasting zinc coating:

• Class 1 galvanization: our class 1 galvanized wire offers a basic zinc coating that uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot. Class 1 galvanized wire is more cost-effective, but will typically rust in anywhere from 2–11 years, depending on the environment. In coastal areas, Class 1 coating fails even sooner due to saltwater corrosion. 
• Class 3 galvanization: Baling Wire Direct also offers Class 3 zinc coating on all galvanized wire products. With 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, this premium galvanization is nearly 3 times thicker than Class 1. The robust coating is more resistant to corrosion, providing a lifespan of 13-30 years. Class 3 stands up to the demands of extensive use, heavy friction, and extreme environmental conditions.

Here is how our hot-dip galvanizing process works:

1. Surface preparation: first, the wire is cleaned to remove any impurities from the surface of the metal. This is important for ensuring proper adhesion of the zinc coating.
2. Pickling: the wire is then immersed in an acid solution to remove any remaining oxides and scale. This process prepares the surface for galvanizing by creating a clean substrate.
3. Fluxing: the wire is then immersed in a flux solution (zinc ammonium chloride), which helps to prevent oxidation and promotes a uniform application of the zinc coating.
4. Galvanizing bath: next, the wire is dipped into a bath of molten zinc at a temperature of around 450°C (850°F).
5. Alloy formation: while immersed in the molten zinc, a metallurgical reaction occurs between the iron in the wire and the zinc, resulting in the formation of a series of zinc-iron alloy layers. These provide excellent adhesion properties and corrosion resistance.
6. Withdrawal: the wire is then slowly withdrawn from the zinc bath. The rate at which the withdrawal takes place is controlled to allow excess zinc to drain off and ensure the final product has an even coating.
7. Quenching: the coated wire is then quenched in water or a quenching solution to cool it rapidly. This process solidifies the zinc coating and completes the galvanizing process.

The galvanizing process creates a durable and corrosion-resistant coating that increases the longevity of the wire.

After the wire is galvanized, we apply a coat of wax to the finished product. This creates abeautiful surface finishand also serves to further protect the wire. The surface finishensures that the wire never leaves a mess and always feeds smoothly in automatic baling machines.

For our clients in the recycling industry and other sectors, there s no room for compromise. That s why we go above and beyond to ensure our baler wire meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Baling Wire Direct controls every aspect of baling wire production and distribution, which allows us to provide the best products, with the best customer experience, at the best prices.

While some suppliers (especially those who don’t control the manufacturing process) may manipulate wire gauge and weight to cut corners or inflate shipping costs, we take a different approach. Our dedication to quality control is unwavering, and we meticulously test our wire to ensure it performs to the highest standards.

Our quality control process begins with tensile testing samples from every carrier, pushing them to their breaking point. Any carriers with failed wires are immediately removed, ensuring only the strongest and most reliable carrier wire gets shipped.

But our commitment to quality doesn t end there. We carefully spool the wire through a coiling machine. Our galvanized baling wire comes by the stem (approx. 1300 lbs), with each one being carefully shrink-wrapped to ensure it arrives at your doorstep in pristine condition.

To make your experience even more seamless, our Autoship™ system keeps you informed every step of the way. You ll receive tracking information via your preferred contact method (email, text message). The entire process takes just 1-3 business days.

With our set-and-forget reordering and invoicing, you ll get exactly what you need, when you need it, without sacrificing USA quality or customer service.

What is galvanized wire used for?

Galvanized baling wire is used across many industries to bind materials into bundles. The galvanization process—and the resulting durability and resistance to corrosion—make galvanized baling wire a popular choice for a broad spectrum of applications.

• Recycling and waste management centers use galvanized wire to compact and secure recycling and waste materials like paper, metal, cardboard, and plastic into compact bales that are easier to handle and transport.
• In the construction industry, galvanized baling wire can be used to bundle and secure various types of construction materials and debris such as wood, metal, and stone.
• Packaging and shipping companies take advantage of the reliable durability and corrosion resistance of galvanized wire to secure materials for transport and protect them from damage or corrosion during transit
• Vineyards and orchards use galvanized wire for trellises, tree supports, and other purposes. Our galvanized wire products perform well under the demanding outdoor conditions of vineyards and orchards.

At Baling Wire Direct, we sell galvanized wire in diameters from 9 to 14 gauge. Gauge is a common measurement of wire size. The larger the gauge, the smaller the wire’s diameter. This might seem counterintuitive, but it s rooted in the manufacturing process of the wire.

Wire is made by drawing a metal rod through a series of dies, each with a hole slightly smaller than the last. This process, known as drawing, stretches the metal, making it longer and thinner. The gauge number was originally defined as the number of times a wire was drawn to reach a certain size. So, a wire that has been drawn more times (and is therefore thinner) has a larger gauge number.

Here’s a handy reference of gauge size and equivalent diameter.

Why our wire is Class 3 galvanized

Our galvanized wire–both the regular and hi-tensile varieties– undergoes Class 3 galvanization, extending the longevity of its coating and the protection that it provides.

With a zinc coating that is approximately three times as thick as Class 1 galvanized wire, our Class 3 galvanized products will last anywhere from 13 to 30 years longer. Class 1 wire can develop rust in as little as 2 years and need to be replaced, so a slightly higher price point is well worth the investment.

This is yet another reason why we are a cut above the rest. We offer only the highest quality, extra-durable products that are built to last and proven to perform. Don’t settle for thinly coated galvanized wire that some companies sell to sweeten their bottom line. Get the best baling wire for your needs from Baling Wire Direct.