Class 3 galvanization is a thick zinc coating that enhances a wire&#;s resistance to corrosion and rust. A wire&#;s galvanization class refers to the amount or thickness of the zinc it receives during the galvanization process.

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Baling wire will rust, so galvanization is used to increase its longevity by giving the steel a protective coating that will shield it from harsh and corrosive conditions. Galvanized wire is often used to bale recyclables that will be stored outdoors, as pasture fencing, and on vineyards and orchards as trellising.

Even galvanized wire will eventually rust. Its lifespan depends on its galvanization class and the corrosiveness of its environment.

The difference between Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization

The difference between Class 1 and Class 3 galvanization has to do with the thickness of the wire&#;s protective zinc coating.

• Class 1 galvanized wire features a thinner zinc coating of 0.28 ounces per square foot and provides basic protection, but it tends to rust after 2&#;12 years depending on the environment. In coastal areas, Class 1 coatings fail even sooner due to saltwater corrosion. It is often used for barbed wire fencing.
• Class 3 galvanized wire offers a premium zinc coating (nearly three times as thick as Class 1) that uses 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot. This wire coating features a higher degree of protection, providing a lifespan of 13&#;30 years. Class 3 galvanized wire is more expensive up front, but it is much more long-lasting. Class 3 galvanization is our most rust resistant wire coating, the ideal choice for harsh environments.

Benefits of galvanized wire

Compared to regular baling wire, galvanized wire provides an extra level of resilience and longevity. Some of the benefits of galvanized wire include:

• Versatility. Galvanized wire is used across a range of industries, including agriculture, construction, and recycling.
• Corrosion resistance. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial anode, protecting the underlying steel from corrosion.
• Durability. Galvanized wire also provides some extra abrasion-resistance and durability.
• Recyclability. As with standard baling wire, galvanized wire is recyclable.
• Longevity. Class 3 galvanized wire has a lifespan of 13&#;30 years, and in some cases even longer.

Our hot-dip galvanizing process

Our hot-dip galvanization process involves these 7 steps:

1. Surface preparation. We clean the wire to prepare it for the zinc application.
2. Pickling. We bathe the wire in an acidic solution, stripping impurities for an optimal foundation.
3. Fluxing. We then submerge the wire in a zinc chloride solution, which prevents oxidation for a smooth zinc coverage.
4. Molten zinc bath. The wire then enters a 450°C zinc bath.
5. Alloy formation. Sustained heat melds the zinc and wire, creating durable galvanic layers.
6. Extraction. We slowly extract the wire so excess zinc drips off, leaving an even coating.
7. Quenching. The wire enters a cooling bath of water or a quenching solution, solidifying the protective zinc layers

Our Class 3 galvanized wire

At Baling Wire Direct, we offer Class 3 galvanization on all of our galvanized wire products, including: 

• Single and double loop bale ties. These are ideal for manual vertical balers of recyclables that can be stored outside, such as rubber, plastic, and aluminum cans.
• Regular galvanized wire. Often used for fencing and other non-baling applications.

High-tensile wire. This wire is commonly used in high-volume two-ram automatic balers. Its increased tensile strength allows it to bale dense, heavy-duty materials, and its corrosion resistance is great for outdoor usage.

Wire Fence Galvanization Types

There are different types of protective coatings and finishes on metal steel wire fence. It's important to choose the right product for your application.

Below are some examples of what is available on the market, and why offer only one type to our customers:

Electro Galvanized - (Least Protective)

• Zinc is electro-deposited on bare wire then spooled

• Spooled wire is then woven (hex mesh, fixed knot) or welded (welded wire mesh, hardware cloth) into wire fence. 

• The wire fence roll is then coated again (plain galvanized, class 1, 2 or 3) or PVC coated.

• Less expensive - uses less zinc to galvanize the entire fence roll at once

• Short useable lifespan outdoors -

  3-5 years

  depending on the specific fence and it's use

The disadvantage of this process is the wire joints (knotted or welded) are not galvanized and will rust. This galvanization type is not engineered for fence to soil contact. We don't offer this type of fencing to our customers or suggest they use it. It's most often found in big box stores or mass marketed online. 

Hot Dip Galvanized Before Welding / Weaving - (Better)

• Bare wire is entirely dipped in zinc then spooled. Uses more zinc than electro-galvanization above. 

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• Spooled wire is then woven (hex mesh, fixed knot) or welded (welded wire mesh, hardware cloth) into wire fence. 

• The wire fence roll is then coated again (plain galvanized, class 1, 2 or 3) or PVC coated.

• More expensive than electro galvanization - uses more zinc to galvanize the fence roll but less expensive than hot dip galvanized after welding (below)

• Medium lifespan outdoors -

  5-7 years

  depending on the specific fence and it's use

For the same reasons as above, the disadvantage of this process is the wire joints (knotted or welded) are not galvanized and will rust. This galvanization type is not engineered for fence to soil contact. We don't offer this type of fencing to our customers or suggest they use it. This process is better than electro-galvanization but for our specific application (fence to keep animals in or out) it's not recommended. 

Hot Dip Galvanized After Welding / Weaving - (BEST)

• The start of the process uses bare, uncoated wire spools

• Spooled wire is then woven (hex mesh, fixed knot) or welded (welded wire mesh, hardware cloth) into wire fence. 

• The wire fence roll is then entirely dipped in zinc, galvanizing the entire fence roll including the welded or woven joints. Uses much more zinc than the above two processes. 

• The wire fence roll then entirely zinc coated again (for plain galvanized rolls - class 1, 2 or 3) or PVC coated

• Most expensive - uses much more zinc to galvanize the fence roll

• Engineered for fence to soil contact - can be overlapped and staked to the ground or buried in the ground

• Engineered for salt spray contact for coastal or marine applications

• Up to 25 years of useful life

  depending on the specific fence and it's use

The advantage of this process is the the wire joints (knotted or welded) are galvanized and will not rust. This galvanization type is engineered for fence to soil contact. 

This is the only type of fencing we offer to our customers or suggest they use. It's unique and specific to this type of fence application where customers overlap fence on the ground or bury it in the ground. It also offers the best all around resistance to corrosion - examples include coastal fence installations, using this fencing as bottom wire for pens, cages, coops and more. It offers the best protection available on the market.

Are you interested in learning more about Galvanized Farm Fence? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!