Barbed Wire Vs. Binding Wire: Which One Is Better?

Steel wires are versatile materials that have become a lifeline of various industries. Made from steel (iron and carbon alloy) these wires are known for their durability, resilience, and strength. Typically, their manufacturing process encompasses drawing, under which steel is passed through dies and its diameter is reduced and length is increased. A flexible and thin wire is the end result of this laborious process.

In this article, let’s have a look at the global steel wire market scenario, the difference between barbed wire and binding wire, and explore which one is better and settle the debate for once and all.

Market Scenario

The global steel wire sector is estimated to exhibit a growth avenue of around USD 100 billion (4.7% CAGR) during 2022-2030 and touch the mark of USD 180 billion by 2030 according to WireCable.

On the home front, India has cemented its position as one of the leading steel wire producers, all thanks to a robust domestic market. The Indian steel wire industry’s growth is pushed by various factors such as infrastructure development, rapid urbanisation, construction activities, industrialisation, transportation, and the ever-growing demand from the energy sector.

Barbed Wire

It is a key industrial product, which is primarily used for fencing purposes. The fencing made using this wire prohibits the unwanted entry/intrusion of animals as well as people into the fenced area.

• Key Uses: Generally, these wires are used for safeguarding houses, forests, nurseries, gardens, specified prohibited areas belonging to defence establishments, warehouses, railways, aerodromes, and other government as well as private properties. Additionally, these are employed for making as well as safeguarding international boundaries.

  In case you are wondering why it is used so widely, it’s because this is one of the top cheapest materials, which makes barbed wires a preferred choice for these various uses. Today, barbed wire prices are ranging between ₹ 65/ kg-₹ 155/ kg.

• Manufacturing Process: The barbed wires are made with the help of an automatic machine. 12/14 SWG MS Galvanised Wires is the raw material for making barbed wires. Step-by-step, the manufacturing process is mentioned below:
  1. Step 1: Through their axes, two main line wires are inserted into the machines.
  2. Step 2: While another wire is inserted into the machines through its axes, another wire is inserted into the pair of line wires. This, in turn, forms barbs at specific intervals.
  3. Step 3: Automatically, the line wire twines itself to the point wire upon forming the desired barb strands while the line wires automatically at the specific distance and makes the complete barbed wire.

Since it’s made using an automatic machine, the feeding, as well as the wire-cutting mechanism, is controlled using gear movements. The machine’s power source is the main electric motor which is attached to the machine. Once the machine is all setup, it works automatically.

Binding Wire

Typically, these wires are used to secure or fasten objects together. These wires are one of the key components used in the construction sector. They possess strength, and at the same time, they are super bendable. In the construction sector, TMT bars and rebars are used extensively all because of binding wires as these wires do a fantastic job of keeping them together.

• Key Uses: Apart from the construction industry, these bars are used in the packaging industry to secure goods whilst in transit. In gardening, they are used to support vines and secure welded mesh etc.

  Binding wire prices today range between ₹ 56 / kg-₹ 74 / kg.

• Manufacturing Process: Mostly, stainless steel and galvanised steel are used as raw materials for making binding wires. The manufacturing steps are mentioned below:

  1.   Step 1: This step is known as wire drawing. A billet is inserted and pulled through various dies so that its diameter is reduced. This process is repeated many times till the specific wire thickness is achieved.

  2.   Step 2: The drawn wires undergo the process known as annealing. The steel binding wires are exposed to heat at a specific temperature and slowly cool down later. This step gives the much-appreciated flexibility to the wires.

  3.   Step 3: It is an optional process where the binding wires are either painted or plastic-coated on the basis of the requirement.

  4.   Step 4: The wires are cut as per the desired length and are spooled later.

Final Verdict

Now that you know everything about binding and barbed wire prices, uses, manufacturing processes etc., you will have a rough idea of the key differences between both the wires. When it comes to deciding which wire to use or which wire is a better option, there is no specific answer to these questions because both wires are formulated for different purposes and cater to different kinds of applications.

In any scenario, one can’t be preferred over the other by default. Simply put, the wire that fulfils your requirements is the best wire for you.