Annealed Wire vs Galvanized Wire - Which is Right for You?

In the world of strapping, there are three common finishes or types of wire used in the manufacturing process. The wire with one of these three finishes will ultimately be used to manufacture your straw bale ties. Each type has unique characteristics and features that give straw bale tape a distinctive look and feel.

Listed from most common to least common are galvanized, black annealed, and painted/coated. Below is a description of each finish and some of the properties and characteristics.

Galvanised wire

The most common type of wire finish used to produce strapping for a bundle of galvanized single loop strapping is galvanized. Galvanizing is the process of coating or dipping the rough or "bright basic" wire in a molten zinc bath. This usually occurs close to the drawing processor directly after the wire has been drawn to the required thickness or gauge.

  Electro Galvanized Wire     

How do you make galvanized wire?

The galvanizing process allows the strapping to be used in wet and damp conditions without compromising its structural integrity. In short, galvanized strapping can be used and should be used when storing baling material in a location where it is exposed to the elements.

Galvanised strapping looks silver or metallic, has little oil or residue, and can be used cleanly. Galvanized wire tends to be stiffer and has less elongation than black annealed strapping. Galvanised wire is the most durable and versatile of the three finishes, especially when storing bales in outdoor areas.

Black annealed wire

What is black annealed?

Black annealed strapping will appear black or dark in color and feel slightly greasy. With black annealed strapping you will also find that the elongation of the wire is increased by 5-10%, making it more suitable for baling materials that will expand when the RAM pressure on the baling press is released. We can do it into straight cutting wire U type wire and also do according to customer’s special requirements.

  Black Annealed Wire

Unlike galvanized strapping, black annealed wire will rust if used and stored outdoors, often causing damage to the wire. 50lb and 100lb baler wire are almost always made from black annealed wire because of its versatility and elongation.

Painted or coated wire

The final type of wire used to make a bundle of black annealed strapping and galvanized single loop strapping is coated or painted wire. The painted wire is usually a bright, basic wire with a colored coating or 'paint' that gives the wire a rough texture when dry.

 PVC Coated Iron Wire

What is a coated wire?

Painted wire ties perform similarly to galvanized ties and are designed for outdoor storage. Although it is often cleaned during handling and knotting, sometimes problems can occur during manufacture or during transport or use, causing the paint to chip and expose the wire underneath, but this exposed wire will usually fail when exposed to the elements. Painted strapping is the least common type of strapping and is often replaced by the more affordable black annealed or more durable galvanized strapping.

Each of the above finishes offers unique features and benefits. Depending on your particular system, the material you are working with, and your budget, one of these 3 finishes will suit your strapping. Also, be sure to consider where you will store your strapping once it is packed, as this may limit your options.

If you want to know more information about strapping wire wholesale, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.