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 is Galvanizing?

Galvanization, or galvanizing, is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc to steel or iron to prevent rusting and corrosion. The most common method is hot-dip galvanizing, in which the base steel is coated by submerging it in a molten zinc bath.

Here at Baling Wire Direct, we use hot-dip galvanization on our galvanized wire products.

The history of galvanization

The history of galvanization dates back over 300 years. Here are some key galvanization facts:

The history of galvanized steel can be traced back over 300 years when an alchemist dreamt of immersing clean iron into molten zinc, leading to the realization of this process in the 18th century.
The process is named after the Italian physician, physicist, biologist, and philosopher Luigi Galvani (1737–1798).
In 1824, the British chemist Sir Humphrey Davy discovered that when two different metals were submerged in water, the corrosion of one would protect the other metal from corrosion, leading to the industrial prominence of the galvanizing process.
The name "galvanizing" was first applied to the process invented by Stanislas Sorel, a French civil engineer, inventor, and chemist, in 1836.
By 1850, British steelmakers were using 10,000 tons of zinc annually to protect iron from rust, indicating the widespread adoption of galvanized steel for corrosion protection.
The term "galvanizing" has largely come to be associated with zinc coatings in modern usage.

The history of galvanization continues today as advancements in metallurgy continue to drive developments in the process.

Galvanized steel properties

The properties of hot-dip galvanized steel include:

Corrosion resistance. Galvanized steel resists corrosion up to 100 times better than uncoated steel, making it highly durable and long-lasting.
Surface appearance. All galvanized steel has a matte-gray appearance. The zinc coating applied by electro-galvanizing is smoother than galvanized steel made with hot-dip galvanization.
Formability. The zinc coating on galvanized steel is resistant to cracking and loss of adhesion, making it highly formable.
Durability. The galvanized coating is extremely durable and resistant to scratches from abrasion.
Recyclability. Galvanized steel is as recyclable as other types of steel, making it an environmentally friendly material.
Long life. Hot-dip galvanized steel has a long life, requiring less maintenance and offering a low long-term cost.
Versatility. It is applicable to a variety of projects and industries, including agriculture, solar, automotive, and construction, due to its strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.

Different types of galvanization

Metal can be galvanized through several different processes, including:

Hot-dip galvanizing. This involves immersing the base metal into a bath of molten zinc, providing a complete zinc coating. It is the most popular and trusted method of galvanization due to its thorough coverage and durability.
Electro galvanizing. This method does not use a molten zinc bath. Instead, it involves applying zinc in a thin coating to the base metal, typically through an electroplating process.
Galvannealing. A process that combines hot-dip galvanizing and the annealing process, resulting in a zinc-iron alloy product with a dull matte surface. It is conducive to welding and provides an excellent surface for paint adhesion.
Pre-galvanizing. Similar to hot-dip galvanizing, but performed at a steel mill, where the steel is coated with a layer of zinc before it is formed into the final product.

At Baling Wire Direct, we prefer the hot-dip galvanizing method. This method allows us to avoid the use of caustic solutions, protecting our workers and the environment.

Our hot-dip galvanizing process

Our hot-dip galvanization process involves the following steps:

Surface preparation. First, the wire undergoes a cleaning process to eliminate any impurities from the exterior of the metal. This purification ensures the adhesion of the zinc coating.
Pickling. We then submerge the wire in an acidic solution to strip off any remaining oxides and residue. This process primes the surface for galvanizing by generating a pristine foundation.
Fluxing. We soak the wire in a flux solution (zinc ammonium chloride) that hinders oxidation and enables a uniform coating of zinc.
Molten bath. We then plunge the wire into a bath of zinc heated to around 450°C (850°F).
Alloy formation. While immersed in the pool of zinc, a strong bond occurs between the iron in the wire and the zinc, forming a sheet of distinct iron-zinc alloys.
Extraction. We then gradually extract the wire from the zinc bath. We control the extraction pace to enable excess zinc to drain off and ensure an even coating on the final product.
Quenching. We then quickly cool the coated wire in water or a cooling solution to solidify the protective zinc coating and complete the galvanizing process.

Our multifaceted technique generates galvanic protection that safeguards against the elements.

We sell galvanized bale ties and galvanized wire by the stem.

Class 3 galvanization

We offer two classes of galvanization. Class 3 galvanization offers significantly higher corrosion resistance than the standard Class 1 galvanization. Here are some of the differences between the two classes:

Class 1 galvanization. Our Class 1 galvanized metal 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 after 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. With 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, this premium galvanization is nearly 3 times thicker than Class 1. The robust coating offers a higher degree of protection, providing a lifespan of 13–30 years. While it involves a higher initial cost, Class 3 galvanization is the ideal choice for harsh environments.