Bale ties or bale wires are all made from carbon steel but available in three types of finishes – galvanized, annealed, and painted or coated. Each finish imparts unique properties and traits to bale wires that not only make it look different but also give a different feel that aids the operations.
Baling Wire Direct single loop baling wire is usually available in annealed or galvanized finishes, but to know what these terms mean and how it can be useful for your purpose, the information provided in this article should be useful.
Galvanized wire
Galvanized baling wire is the most common type of baling wire that you will come across. The process of galvanization consists of adding a very thin layer of zinc on carbon steel that gives it a shiny finish and protects the steel from the elements of weather and rusting. The wire passes through a bath of molten zinc maintained at a controlled temperature that allows the metal to stick onto the surface of the wire.
Galvanized bale wire is suitable for use in wet and humid conditions without compromising on its structural integrity. Since there is minimal oil residue on the wire that comes in a silver or metallic finish, it ensures cleanliness during use. The material does not elongate much as its annealing properties are low, but its immense versatility and high durability make it the most popular choice for baling applications.
Black annealed wire
Black annealed wire comes next to galvanized bale wire in terms of popularity, and the wire is made from galvanized carbon steel material but specially treated to enhance its elongating property by the process of annealing. The galvanized wire is heated in a kiln or oven to a high temperature that changes the chemical structure of the metal and makes it softer and flexible that it facilitates elongation.
The change is also evident in the colour of wire that turns black or brownish from the bright silver or rough grey. A thin layer of oil applied to the surface for lubrication is good for preventing rusting, and the wire can elongate 5-10% more than galvanized wire. The property is useful when using bale wires for certain baling applications in which the material tends to expand after release or RAM pressure during the process of baling.
However, the black annealed wire used for 50-pound and 100-pound baler may rust if left outdoors for a long time.
Painted/coated wire
Galvanized wire is the basic material on which a thin layer of paint or coating is applied to provide an added layer of protection that gives a slightly rough texture to the surface. The paint protection makes the baling wire suitable for outdoor applications because even if the coat of paint gives away, the galvanization would still protect the wire from rusting.
Painted or coated bale wires are not much in use as people would prefer to use black annealed bale wire or galvanized bale wire, which can serve the same purpose.
The better you know about the kind of application you have easier will be the selection of the bale wire material.
