General Industrial

Finding the right material for a specific project means longer lasting and generally better results. Using the best metal for the specific conditions faced within a facility or given environment helps address issues like rusting and corrosion, improving structural integrity and appearance. Taking the time to research your options and select the most effective metal for your specific needs can pay off for years and even decades to come.

Let's take a closer look at the galvanising process and how it's utilised to enhance key attributes of steel. With this information in mind, you can make an informed choice about selecting the best wire mesh and finding other suitable applications for galvanised steel.

Galvanised steel will stand the test of time for many years.

What is galvanisation?

Galvanisation addresses a major issue with iron and the alloys that contain it, like steel. Rust ultimately affects these metals. While the process may be very slow under certain conditions, it's inevitable. And in situations where untreated steel is exposed to particularly moist or wet environments, rust and corrosion can start to cause problems quickly.

Galvanisation helps steel last longer, improving its resistance to corrosive processes and therefore slowing the spread of rust. The protective coating created through galvanisation is durable and stable, offering decades of protection from the continual loss of structural integrity that rust promotes.

There are a few processes used to galvanise metals:

• Hot dip galvanisation involves submerging a piece of metal into a bath of hot zinc. This is common for larger pieces of metal and many applications in general.
• Electrogalvanising is a form of electroplating and is common in the automotive sector.
• Thermal diffusion galvanisation uses a drum and heat to combine smaller or more complex pieces of iron or steel with zinc.

The result of all of these processes is a zinc coating that creates a barrier between the steel and the moisture content of the surrounding atmosphere. Galvanisation offers a number of benefits in terms of protection. While it fully coats the underlying metal, it also can be scratched or otherwise compromised in small areas and still provide resistance to rust.

While the coating will eventually wear off, this is an especially slow process outside of situations where the galvanised steel is consistently exposed to salt water or high levels of acidity. In those cases, stainless steel may prove to be a better choice.

Why should you choose galvanised steel for your project?

Protection against rust is the foundational benefit of galvanisation. The layer of zinc on galvanised metals allows architects and builders to use this material in a much broader variety of applications, both interior and exterior. The many other benefits of steel – like its high level of strength relative to weight and resistance to many types of deformation – stand out even more when you give it protection against one of its few weaknesses.

Cost is another factor to consider in terms of rust protection. Galvanisation is an economical process that doesn't drastically increase the price of the treated steel. Other types of protective coatings can be more costly, or wear away in less time, increasing the long-term price tag. Aside from situations in which the treated steel faces continued exposure to salt water or extreme acidity, galvanisation offers a strong value for companies.

While galvanisation wouldn't hold much value if it didn't provide strong, long-lasting protection from rust, there are other benefits to be had from this process. Hot dip galvanisation has a striking aesthetic side effect, creating a pattern called spangle on the finished metal. This unique pattern often appears as irregular shapes on the surface of the metal, each of which will catch and reflect light slightly differently. This variation in shades of the underlying silver colour is unique to the hot dip galvanising process.

The exact appearance of spangle can be adjusted by the company coating the steel, offering pronounced results or a more uniform and understated appearance. This can be beneficial when specific design considerations come into play. Depending on the specific vision of architects and other project stakeholders, various finishes are possible without compromising the rust protection offered by galvanisation.

Partnering with a dependable provider of galvanised steel

Finding a trustworthy company to provide your project with high-quality galvanised steel is critical. With the right partner, you know all of your galvanised steel – from wire mesh to walkways – will be of a high quality and last for many years to come.

To learn how Locker can connect your construction project with the galvanised steel it needs for a variety of applications, get in touch with us today.

Steel is a critical component in modern buildings. Of course, steel is a broad category, and there are many types of this metal that are best suited for specific applications.

Two types of steel common in industrial applications (for grates, flooring and similar uses) are stainless and galvanised steel. Galvanised steel has a number of unique attributes that can be beneficial in many settings, including manufacturing, power generation and warehouses, just to name a few.

The appearance of galvanised steel grating is a major consideration for practical needs, like safety, as well as the visual qualities it can provide. Let's review exactly what galvanised steel is, then consider whether you need to – or should, depending on your specific plans – paint it.

What is galvanised steel?

Steel is an alloy, or combination, of two elements: carbon and iron.

It is more durable and strong than either of those elements separately. It's also especially reliable.

When manufactured following well-defined standards, steel offers a consistent final product you can count on to support staff, equipment and other assets when used as grating in your facility. It can also be recycled easily, an important consideration in an increasingly environmentally conscious economy.

One of the key issues with basic steel is its vulnerability to rusting on its surface. This slow yet steady process eventually threatens the stability and strength of regular steel. This requires both time and money on the part of a business to manage, address and eventually replace standard steel as it begins to rust. Otherwise, companies using the basic steel alloy expose themselves to a variety of negative outcomes.

Galvanised steel is an improved version of the basic form of this metal. A zinc powder coating applied to the surface steel helps prevent air and moisture from creating rust. This outer layer, applied either through a hot-dip galvanising process (common for large pieces) or through thermal diffusion (regularly seen for small steel components), limits corrosion thanks to zinc's unique properties.

Galvanised steel does not need to be replaced on a frequent basis and can last for decades.

Do you need to paint galvanised steel grating?

There's no absolute requirement or imperative to paint galvanised steel. The rust resistance offered by the zinc coating will eventually wear away, but this issue won't raise its head for many, many years. Galvanised steel does not need to be replaced on a frequent basis – it can last for decades. When it comes to steel grating, galvanised steel is an especially long lasting and dependable choice for industrial applications.

The appearance of galvanised steel is a unique attribute. The hot-dip galvanisation process produces a unique effect called spangle. This can result in a pattern of differently coloured patches or shapes on the steel's surface, with varying shades of metallic grey. Changes in the specifics of the hot-dip process allow for a wide degree of variation in this finish, from a uniform appearance to many types of spangle. Your company can select the option that best aligns with the aesthetic vision of your facility. It can also let the manufacturer make the final decision if this isn't an important attribute.

While some companies will paint galvanised steel grating for aesthetic or practical purposes, there isn't a need to do so. When your business works with a dependable producer of galvanised steel, it won't need to paint its gratings.

Finding a dependable partner to provide steel grating

You need a trusted provider to fabricate and deliver your galvanised steel. Learn more about what Webforge can offer your business, from galvanised steel to a number of other effective options. Get in touch with us today.

Stainless steel grates are an indispensable component of constructing safe and functional industrial facilities. When appropriately designed and installed, these reliable support surfaces help workers consistently complete their duties and mitigate the possibility of accidents on the job. Long life spans, the ability to support a range of activities based on the specific configuration of the grate and other benefits come together to make stainless steel grates a strong choice for industrial and commercial facilities across the modern economy.

Learning more about the specific benefits of stainless steel can help you make the most informed decision possible for your project and organisation. Let's look at four key reasons why stainless steel grates are so beneficial to the businesses that utilise them.

Stainless steel grating offers a number of advantages for businesses.

1. Strength

Steel's strength is a core property recognised in a variety of design and construction contexts, from a skyscraper or industrial facility's columns and girders to its widespread use as grating. It has a high tensile strength compared to many other metals, meaning it can withstand heavy weight and pressure before starting to stretch out and deform. This is especially important for elevated walkways, staircases, mezzanines and similar structures, where the steel and the structure it's attached to are the only things keeping employees safely working at heights.

Steel and its many variations have different strength ratings depending on the specific composition of the final product. Stainless steel is strong enough to support a variety of industrial applications and comes with other benefits that make it a leading choice among the many options offered. Along with strength, businesses should also keep corrosion resistance in mind.

2. Corrosion resistance

Basic steel is an alloy comprised of iron and carbon to create a stronger, more durable metal than iron is by itself. Stainless steel is an alloy made by taking the basic formula for steel and incorporating other elements like chromium and, sometimes, molybdenum to improve corrosion resistance. Basic steel can suffer significant corrosion over time when it's regularly exposed to air and moisture. This results in cosmetic issues, namely rusting, and safety issues over time. As rust flakes away, the underlying steel will begin to rust. Ultimately, the steel will lose its structural integrity and pose a major safety issue for those who walk on it, carry out tasks near machinery made of it or work in buildings where steel components are exposed to air and moisture.

Stainless steel, in contrast, will develop a thin film in response to the onset of corrosion that prevents the spread of rust. The resistance to corrosion offered by stainless steel is what sets it apart from the many other varieties currently manufactured. The ability to resist rust and maintain its integrity helps stainless steel last longer and continue functioning safely in its intended role. A variety of stainless steel alloys are available to address different conditions present in a variety of facilities.

Corrosion resistance is especially important for stainless steel grating because of the many types of environments the material may be exposed to in an industrial workplace. Even in climate controlled facilities, ambient moisture content and the presence of oxygen can eventually lead to rusting and the issues that come along with it. With stainless steel's corrosion resistance and its underlying strength, you can be far more confident in the reliability of your grating.

3. Resistance to fire and heat

Stainless steel's overall reputation for dependability is tied to its strong performance in the face of adverse conditions. Along with its ability to remain functional in conditions that would corrode other types of steel, it also stands up well to other adverse events such as impacts, excess heat and fire. While every well-managed organisation takes careful steps to avoid accidents, an unpredictable series of events can lead to an emergency. Stainless steel grating that resists the damage caused by heat and fire can avoid further damage in these situations.

In less-catastrophic circumstances, resistance to heat can help stainless steel, especially protective barriers. Walkways, too, remain more durable in industrial conditions where high heat is an unavoidable element of operations. This helps improve safety considerations and reduces the costs associated with repair and replacement.

4. Customisability

A dependable and safe material only becomes useful when it can be consistently fabricated and installed in a way that meets the unique needs of a variety of different facilities. Stainless steel is broadly customisable, both in terms of the specific content of the alloy and the ways in which it can be manufactured. While there are recommendations and rules set by the International Organisation for Standardisation, Standards Australia and similar national rules authorities in terms of how to construct steel grating with safety in mind, many other elements of steel grating are easily changed to align with specific design requirements and the layout of a facility.

Whether it's a need to retrofit an existing building or address a unique layout and the needs of a specific industry, stainless steel gratings can be made to order for a perfect fit in nearly every situation. No matter the specifics, stainless steel can support your operations with both premade panels and bespoke pieces.

Finding the right provider to supply your project is crucial when it comes to stainless steel grating. A dependable partner can help you work through the entire process, from selecting the right existing panel option – or crafting custom elements from scratch – to producing and transporting it to the existing facility or construction site. Webforge can help your organisation select all of the necessary elements and associated hardware, from choosing the right slip resistance features to ensuring the most effective fixing clips are provided to help secure the grating.

To learn more about how we can help your business, get in touch with the experts at Webforge today.

Aluminium is a popular material for grating products. It is lightweight, durable and aesthetically appealing.

In this post we will look at the features of anodised aluminium, the anodising process and the role anodised aluminium plays in grating products.

What is anodised aluminium?

Anodised aluminium is aluminium that has been reinforced with a layer of aluminium oxide. This process increases the durability of the material, giving it greater resistance to scratches and other signs of wear or damage. Products made with anodised aluminium will as a result often last longer before needing to be repaired or replaced.

How is anodised aluminium made?

Anodised aluminium is made using an electrochemical process. The aluminium is treated in a chemical bath and then an electrical current is applied to it. This creates a coating of aluminium oxide that is fully integrated with the underlying aluminium substrate. This is what gives anodised aluminium its enhanced durability.

Why use anodised aluminium in grating products?

Aluminium is a widely used material for grating products such as walkways, bridges, drain covers, washbays and commercial catwalks. While there are stronger materials available, such as stainless steel, aluminium is often chosen when weight is a primary consideration. Aluminium also looks a lot better than alternatives, such as plastic grating, so it is popular with architects.

The process of anodising aluminium makes it harder wearing and aluminium doesn't rust. This makes it a viable option in harsh environments where it might be exposed to wind, rain and sea water. Anodised aluminum has a porous structure, which means it is also highly resistant to fading or chipping after being coloured and sealed.

How do you colour anodised aluminium?

The colouring of anodised aluminium is a secondary process. Anodising turns the top layer of the aluminium to aluminium oxide. The porous nature of this top layer means it is ideal for receiving a coloured dye followed by a sealant. Thicker anodised layers can absorb more dye making the colour more durable.

What is chromic acid anodised aluminium?

The chemicals used in the process of creating anodised aluminium can vary. Chromic acid is one option. It is used to apply a thin anodised layer to the aluminium that is resistant to corrosion but very responsive to adhesives.

What is sulphuric acid anodised aluminium?

Sulphuric acid is an alternative to chromic acid in the anodising process. Sulphuric acid anodising is also called clear anodising. This is because it doesn't discolour the aluminium when the aluminium oxide layer is created. As a result this process is used when the aluminium is to be dyed and sealed afterwards.

What is powder finished aluminium?

Powder finished aluminium is an alternative to wet paint for colouring aluminium products. Aluminium grating products with a powder finish offer a particular visual appeal. The process is also more environmentally-friendly.

How long does anodised aluminium last?

Anodised aluminium can last 20 to 50 years depending on the treatment and the thickness of the coating. This makes it an ideal material for grating products that are used in commercial and industrial environments.

How do you clean anodised aluminium?

One of the benefits of using anodised aluminium in commercial and industrial grating products is that it lasts longer. But it will still need to be cleaned and maintained. Anodised aluminium doesn't scratch easily, but it can be damaged by particularly harsh cleaning chemicals. If aluminium grating does get badly damaged the anodised layer can be completely removed and reapplied.

Can you engrave anodised aluminium?

Laser processing can be used to mark and engrave anodised aluminium. Laser engraving is effective and long-lasting on anodised aluminium surfaces making it a viable option if aluminium grating products need to be marked or adorned with important information.

Learn more about aluminium grating products

Webforge provides a range of trusted aluminium grating products, for environments where weight, durability and appearance are top considerations.

A range of finishes are available. As well as anodised aluminium grating, Webforge can supply a powder coated, painted or mill finish. Visit our Aluminium Grating page for load tables, patterns and product specifications.

Floor grating is often seen as a superior alternative to flat surfaces for flooring, walkways, raised platforms and various other industrial applications.

Grating is lightweight, affordable and low maintenance. It is aesthetically appealing, offering good ventilation and slip resistance. It can be stored and installed relatively easily. And often the material can be reused or recycled, which makes grating more environmentally friendly.

In addition to walkways and raised platforms, floor grating is used on bridges; commercial-grade catwalks; drain and gully covers; jetties; steps, stair treads and ramps; track crossings; and wash bays.

But there are a number of different options when it comes to choosing your industrial floor grating. In this article we'll take a look at three popular choices: steel floor grating, aluminium floor grating and fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) floor grating.

In each case we've highlighted the main characteristics and benefits of each material and provided links to further information, technical specs and downloads.

Aluminium has a multitude of uses, including in floor grating.

Steel Floor Grating

Steel is the most popular material for floor grating. It is manufactured using a combination of vertical load bars and horizontal cross rods.

Steel as a material offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. It also has great yield and tensile strength.

Webforge offers five steel grating patterns. The most popular two feature a 30mm load bar pitch with either a 100mm or 50mm cross rod pitch.

Common uses of these two patterns include:

• Power stations
• Refineries
• Sewerage treatment plants
• Grain silos
• Chemical plants
• Trafficable drain grates
• Stair treads

Webforge offers the option of a serrated steel grating finish, which enhances the non-slip characteristics of all of our steel grating products.

If you want more information about these products, including load bearing tables and downloadable content, please visit our steel grating product page.

In situations where corrosion and rust are of particular concern, stainless steel floor grating products can sometimes be the best option.

The chromium content of stainless steel means it combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of chromium. As the name suggests it is also resistant to staining, making it particularly low maintenance.

It can easily worked and welded despite its strength. And a lot of people like the aesthetics and the durability of stainless steel and stainless steel products.

More information about stainless steel floor grating is available here.

Aluminium Floor Grating

Aluminium floor grating is often chosen as a lightweight option. As a material, aluminium is not as strong as steel but it is lighter.

As a result, aluminium floor grating is popular in industrial environments where weight is a primary consideration.

Aluminium is also sometimes regarded as having greater aesthetic appeal than other materials. It is one of the reasons Steve Jobs chose it to make all those iPhones and why it has so many architectural applications.

Similar to our steel floor grating products, Webforge offers a number of load bar and cross rod combinations in aluminium, as well as a serrated finish for superior slip resistance.

You can find more information about aluminium floor grating here.

FRP Floor Grating

Fibreglass reinforced plastic or FRP floor grating is replacing traditional floor grating materials in a number of different industrial applications.

As the name suggests it is not made from metal. Instead FRP grating is manufactured using either a mould or a method called pultrusion.

Moulded FRP is a mesh of vertical and horizontal layers of fibre rovings and liquid resin combined in a mould. Pultruded FRP takes resin and glass fibre strands and pulls them through a series of steps to create a new composite material

Both methods for manufacturing FRP grating rely on the combined characteristics of glass fibres and polymer resin. The glass fibres provide the final product with its strength and durability, while the polymer resins are resistant to corrosive substances.

What makes FRP particularly appealing in certain situations are its unique properties. Here are some examples:

• FRP floor grating won't spark if metal objects are accidentally dropped on it. This is an important consideration when working around highly flammable liquids and gases.
• Because it is made from reinforced plastic rather than metal it doesn't conduct electricity, making it a safer option for electrically-hazardous installations.
• It is easier to cut than metal grating. This makes FRP grating more flexible, allowing for cut-outs for pipework or reshaping for new or complex floor layouts.
• Finally, FRP floor grating is non-magnetic, which makes it safer in situations that are sensitive to magnetic fields.

Webforge manufactures moulded fibreglass grating in both standard and custom sizes.

Our moulded grating has a high resin-to-glass ratio giving it a particularly strong resistance to corrosion. This makes it a popular choice for environments with a lot of hazardous chemicals and a high risk for leaks and spills.

To aid low maintenance, 70 per cent of the surface area is open and the vertical surfaces are resin-rich, allowing debris to fall through.

If you'd like to know more about Webforge's FRP floor grating products, please visit our FRP grating page, which includes various downloads, load bearing tables and technical specifications.

Fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) grating is a type of industrial flooring used across a broad range of industries. Typically it is found in walkways and overhead platforms.

FRP grating is extremely durable, non-corrosive and doesn't conduct electricity, which often makes it a safer alternative to other flooring materials traditionally used in harsh and high-risk environments.

In this article we look at how FRP grating is made, some of the benefits of using it and the common places where you might find it.

How is FRP grating made?

FRP grating is made by combining fibreglass and resin. The fibreglass gives the finished product its strength, while the resin makes it resistant to corrosive substances.

What is the difference between moulded and pultruded FRP grating?

Moulded FRP grating is a mesh of horizontal and vertical layers of liquid resin and continuous fibreglass rovings. As the name suggests, it is made in a large metal mould.

The multi-directional strength of moulded FRP grating means cut-outs to make room for pipework or to navigate complex flooring layouts don't need extra reinforcement. Another advantage of moulded FRP is that it comes in standard sizes, which can be ordered in bulk and stored until needed.

Pultruded FRP grating uses a different manufacturing process. It takes the resin and glass fibres and pulls them through a series of steps to combine them into a new composite material.

It doesn't use a mould so there is more flexibility when creating different shapes and sizes. And often less waste. Pultruded FRP grating has a higher glass to resin ratio, increasing its strength and span capability.

Where is FRP grating used?

FRP grating is usually found in hazardous or harsh environments where it may be subject to the elements or come into contact with dangerous and corrosive chemicals. Here are some examples of situations where FRP grating is used:

1. On ships and offshore installations: the tough, durable nature of FRP grating makes it ideal for ships and oil rigs or other offshore installations. It can be exposed to wind, rain and extremes of temperature and it can be submerged in water. It is also lightweight and relatively easy to transport.
2. Working with flammable materials: FRP grating doesn't give off any sparks, so it is often seen as a safer alternative to steel or other metals around flammable materials. For example, dropping metal objects on it would not create sparks, potentially causing atmospheric gases around it to ignite.
3. In electrically hazardous environments: FRP grating is often used in electrically hazardous environments because it is non-conductive. It therefore reduces the risk of electric shock or other injuries in the event of an accident involving electricity.
4. In chemical plants: FRP grating is non-corrosive. This can make it the ideal material for walkways, platforms and other surfaces in chemical plants where there is a risk of corrosive materials leaking or being spilled.
5. On complex construction sites: the ease of transporting, storing and cutting FRP grating makes it a flexible and cost-effective solution for site work. Construction firms are able to use standard cutting tools to make FRP grating fit complicated and fluid site layouts.

Construction sites need durable, flexible flooring solutions.

Other uses of FRP grating include:

• Bridges
• Commercial-grade catwalks
• Drain covers
• General commercial flooring
• Gully covers
• Jetties
• Ladders
• Machinery housing
• Platforms and raised walkways
• Pool decks
• Ramps
• Screens and protective shielding
• Steps and stairs
• Track crossings
• Wash bays

What are the benefits of FRP grating?

FRP grating has a number of benefits, some of which we covered in the previous section. Here are the main reasons it is chosen over metal and other grating alternatives:

1. Durable: FRP grating is able to withstand harsh environments for extended periods of time without being damaged or degraded. It is low maintenance and easy to clean. And the moulded-through colour means it won't need to be repainted.
2. Fire resistant: while specific fire ratings will depend on the individual product, generally speaking FRP grating offers a high level of resistance to heat and fire.
3. Flexible: it is easily cut to fit particular flooring layouts and can be adjusted as layouts change, which reduces waste and saves on extra costs.
4. Lightweight: FRP grating is easier to transport and store than other grating alternatives, which reduces costs and avoids stoppages and delays to projects.
5. Non-conductive: it doesn't conduct electricity, so it is safer in electrically hazardous environments.

FRP grating is a safer solution in electrically hazardous environments.

1. Non-corrosive: FRP grating doesn't corrode, so it can be used around dangerous chemicals where spills and leaks are a potential risk.
2. Non-magnetic: unlike steel and some other grating alternatives, FRP grating is non-magnetic, which makes it is safer in situations that are sensitive to magnetic fields.
3. Non-slip: a grit-top surface can be added to FRP grating that helps reduce the chances of slipping.
4. Non-sparking: it doesn't spark, so it reduces the risk of fire when working with or around highly flammable liquids or gases.
5. Strong: FRP grating has a good strength to weight ratio meaning it can handle substantial loads. Again, precise load ratings vary from product to product.

Learn more about FRP grating

Locker offers a wide range of industrial flooring products and solutions, including fibreglass reinforced plastic grating. This product brochure provides in=depth information about Locker's FRP grating, including a load table and a chemical resistance table.

Dear Santa, we appreciate that no one experiences deadlines like you do.

With just one night to deliver presents to children all over the world, you've streamlined your output to a degree that many of us will only dream of.

However, efficiency can't come at the expense of safety. Injuries sustained from a fall from height require an average recovery period of 7.4 weeks, according to the Working At Height Association (WAHA). This is time that you simply don't have.

Because all we want for Christmas is your safety, we've put together this quick guide to protect you when working on Australian roofs.

The pressure of delivering presents to children across the world doesn't mean safety can be sacrificed.

1. Know the Australian Standard

At Locker Group we have the privilege of partnering with some of Australia's leading industrialists and architects. This means we know how much planning goes into safety provision and risk mitigation before a project gets underway. 

Saint Nick, we know that time is a pressure, but we ask that in the interests of safety you add one final stage to your pre-departure routine. After feeding the reindeer, glancing down the naughty and nice lists and a brief check of your world map, we urge you to familiarise yourself with the AS 1657:2018.

This is the most up-to-date version of the Australian Standard that deals with working at height. It will provide you with the theoretical fundamentals of what you need to know about safe roof access in Australia. Now, how about some equipment?

It's easy to get injured when working at height.

2. Minimising the risk of falling

With all due respect, Santa, we're worried that you might get complacent when it comes to the Australian leg of your journey. Sure, our Christmases are never white so you don't have to deal with slippery snow on our rooftops. However, there's still an average of 7,000 injury claims resulting from falls from height every year in Australia, says the WAHA. So don't get lax.

AS 1657:2018 sets out the correct specifications for the design, construction and installation of fixed platforms, stairways and ladders and walkways. We know that your trusty sleigh will deliver you directly to the rooftop, so what we'd recommend for you is the last of these. 

There are three things in particular that you need to bear in mind when it comes to your walkway:

1. It should lead away from the roof edge: This shouldn't be a problem, as you'll be headed for the chimney, but aim to put as much distance as you can between yourself and the hazard.
2. Consider the gradient: Pulling that sack of presents is hard work, and unfortunately your preferred point of entry is usually at the roof's apex. If this incline is over 10° you need to use cleats to stop you from slipping. Locker Group's walkways have a variety of slotted and serrated tread profiles, so we're bound to have one that will fit your snow boots.
3. Get good guardrails: Even when your walkway is over two metres away from the roof edge, you should have guardrails as an extra precaution. No one is doubting your stamina, but an extra point of contact can be especially important towards the end of your big night.

Now, we know what you're thinking. Would your sleigh even get off the ground in Lapland carrying a walkway as well as all those presents? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

Locker Group's Gripspan flooring is fully compliant with AS 1657:2018, and is light enough to be easily handled by two people….or maybe four elves. Its strength and durability puts safety first, meaning that the only falling you will do on Christmas Eve is down the chimney to a welcome of mince pies and milk.

Santa, from all of us at Locker Group we wish you a safe and easy run this Christmas, and don't hesitate to contact us if you want to learn more about safety when working on roofs.

With its combination of strength and flexibility, woven wire mesh is a great material to use in fence projects whether they're commercial or domestic. However, you need to make sure the result is lasting.

Here are some tips on materials, designs and installation that will make your woven wire mesh fence more durable.

Our fencing materials can be used for a variety of applications.

Why woven over welded?

Woven and welded wire mesh may look similar, but there is a key difference that comes in the manufacturing stage.

• Woven wire mesh – Here the strands of wire are woven over and under each other, creating an interlocking sheet.
• Welded wire mesh – In this instance, the criss-crossing wires are spot welded together where they intersect.

In a direct comparison, the joints on welded wire mesh fences make them stronger, so why are we advocating woven in this article?

The weaving process creates high tensile strength in the mesh, but crucially allows for a greater degree of bending than welding would. This means that woven wire is often favoured in applications such as animal or aviary enclosures, where it's handy for the fencing to have a bit of flexibility when withstanding pressure.

Finding the perfect metal

To get the longest life out of your woven wire fence, there are some important decisions to make regarding base materials.

At Locker Group, the most common metals we work with to create woven wire products are stainless steel, galvanised steel and brass. Let's have a look at how each would stand up to an outdoor application such as fencing:

• Galvanised steel:

Here, steel is coated with a layer of zinc. This actually creates two extra layers of protection for the steel – the zinc itself, and a zinc oxide layer that forms naturally when this metal is exposed to air.

• Stainless steel:

Stainless steel also has a reputation for being slow to rust. This is mainly thanks to a thin oxide layer that forms on the metal's surface, which acts as a barrier to the elements.

• Brass:

As an alloy of copper and zinc, the corrosion resistance of brass depends on the ratio of these two elements. Generally, as the amount of zinc increases, the corrosion resistance decreases. Overall, brass is rust resistant, but will turn green when it reacts with air.

Of these options, brass is more likely to be used in decorative fencing, whereas galvanised and stainless steel tend to have more functional uses.

For external uses, such as animal fencing, you need to ensure your fence will stand up to the elements.

Are there different types of weave?

Yes there are, and choosing the right one is a key part of making your woven wire fence durable.

The most common type for fences and gates is known as a crimped screen. Crimping is a straightforward process in which the individual wires are specifically shaped to fit tightly together when weaving takes place.

This results in a particularly strong wire screen.

Installation tips

Even after thorough research, a rushed or poorly thought-out installation can make a woven wire fence far less effective than it should be.

Here are a few recommendations when it comes to erecting your fence:

1.Prepare and plan

Don't just head out with your posts and wire and start knocking things together at random.

The spacing of your posts will depend both upon the area in which you're working, and the purpose your fence will serve. Consulting with an expert is advisable, but a useful rule of thumb is that higher tensile strengths often call for greater spacing of posts.

2. Put some effort into the corner posts

Corner posts are integral to the overall strength of your fence, so make sure yours are pushed deep enough into the ground. This is especially true if you're working in soft soils.

Again, the exact depth will depend on the size of the post you're using, but some experts go as far as to say that the depth in the ground should be the same as, or greater than, the height of the top wire.

3. Build a strong brace

The brace is the diagonal post that helps prop up your fence, and takes a lot of the strain. Ensuring that yours is sturdy and properly placed will go a long way to helping your fence last.

Once your fence is up, that isn't the end of the story. Regular maintenance to the wires, posts and braces will greatly extend its overall life span.

Stainless steel is one of our favourite metals to work with. It goes into some of our most popular products, including expanded metal, and its combination of strength, pleasing aesthetics and durability make it a great option for a wide range of different projects and applications.

However, if you want to take your product to the next level, you should consider investing in electropolished stainless steel. Let's have a look at how the electropolishing process works, and what it does to metals.

Electropolishing can be used to create a smooth surface on stainless steel.

A guide to electropolishing

Electropolishing, also known as reverse plating, works by removing material from the surface of a metal using an electrical current. It's important not to confuse this process with a similar one known as passivation – this technique also removes materials from the surface of metal, but does so using citric or nitric acid, rather than electricity.

To explain how electropolishing works, we'll use a sheet of stainless steel as an example. Here's the process, step by step:

• Preparation – Before the electropolishing procedure begins, the sheet is prepared through degreasing/cleaning using an alkaline or other solvent, and heat oxides.
• Immersion – The sheet is then plunged into a bath of electrolytes. The electrolytes themselves are usually phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid, and it's worth noting that the temperature of this bath is carefully monitored to achieve the desired results. A typical temperature could be anywhere between 40 and 76 degrees Celsius.
• Electrification – An electrical current is then passed through the solution. The sheet metal itself acts as the anode (the positively charged electrical conductor), and the cathode (the negatively charged electrical conductor) is usually made from a material like titanium, which will not dissolve during the process.
• Dissolving – As the current passes through the sheet metal, part of the surface of the metal is dissolved into the electrolyte bath.

The usual treatment time runs between two and 20 minutes, however the current will naturally become focused on rough edges or other projections, which leads to a smooth and even surface.

Electropolishing stainless steel improves its corrosion resistance.

The advantages of electropolishing stainless steel

1. Corrosion resistance

We highly recommend that any stainless steel products you plan to use for outdoor applications are electropolished to make them more resistant to corrosion. Because electropolishing removes the outer most layer of metal, it also removes embedded contaminants that can break up the surface and become hotspots for corrosion.

2. Aesthetic value

If you're thinking of using stainless steel perforated metal, there's a good chance this is because of its reputation for having a strong visual impact. However, electropolishing can take this a step further. Not only do you remove visible imperfections from the metal, by electropolishing you increase the reflectivity and smoothness of the surface.

3. Deburring

A burr is a ridge or edge created by the action of a machine or tool, these can become hindrances when working with the metal at later stages, and so should be removed.

As we mentioned earlier, protrusions become high-density areas for the electrical current in the electropolishing process, and so will be worn away quicker than other areas. This levels the surface and creates a smoother product for you to work with. Due to the fact that electropolishing isn't a mechanical process, removing burrs in this way doesn't risk distorting the product as a whole.

In a similar vein, if creating a uniform size is the priority, then the close control that comes with electropolishing can help to craft your products to your specifications.

4. Ease of cleaning

As well as contributing to the aesthetics, the superior microfinish that results from electropolishing can reduce adhesion to your product. This means you're likely to have less of a build up of scum and dirt, resulting in a surface that is easier to keep clean and hygienic. This is one of the reasons why electropolished stainless steel is often used in medical and food preparation scenarios.

Whatever use you have in mind for your stainless steel product, electropolishing can enhance the qualities of this already versatile and popular material. For more information on the process, or general metal enquiries, reach out to our team today.

Overhead walkways are commonplace on industrial sites. They're a great way to maximise the space available to you by providing an accessible route for both workers and materials to get around. However, as with anything involving height, there is an element of risk. These considerations will help minimise that risk, and allow you to get the most out of your industrial overhead walkway design.

1. Compliance

At the most basic of starting points you need to make sure that all walkways are compliant with Australian standards. The AS 1657 is used in health and safety best practice across Australia, and makes clear what is expected when it comes to the design, construction and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders on industrial sites.

This standard is updated and added to, so you need to stay on top of changes to ensure all aspects of your site still comply with what's expected.

2. Grip

Being able to keep your feet is particularly important when working at height, so overhead walkways should feature tread that prevents slips and falls. Meshstore is proud to suggest its Gripspan plank walkway, which comes with three different tread options to suit your personal preference.

The standard Gripspan diamond tread, the slotted tread and the rounded Shurgrip pattern have all been produced to provide superior grip, and these walkways are applicable anywhere where the dangers of working at height mean that extra precaution is advisable.

These walkways all come ready to go, and don't require the application of extra coating or further working to help them prevent common on-site accidents.

3. Handrails and grab bars

Half of the workers involved in the most serious falls between 2003 and 2015 were working at a height of 3 metres or less, according to statistics from Safe Work Australia. Handrails and grab bars are an excellent way to provide another level of safety for staff working on overhead walkways.

The Monowills Link from Webforge is a modular handrail made from galvanised steel with stanchions, pipes and links that have a tensile strength exceeding 350 MPa. This means they can take the strain from heavy loads, so you don't have to worry that they'll fail you at the moments when safety matters most.

The Monowills modular handrail can also come with pre-made infill panels, which boost its safety credentials even further.

4. Drainage

On external sites, functioning and efficient drainage is paramount for overhead walkways. The build up of mud, rainwater and other detritus which occurs naturally on industrial sites can make access routes slippery and dangerous, and will also slow the rate at which people and materials are able to move.

This is why all Meshstore's walkway products are designed to allow liquids to pass through, making for effective drainage and reducing the risk of slips.

However, these walkways are still compliant with the 15mm ball test, part of the AS 1657. This stipulates that any flooring under which people are able to pass must be designed to stop small objects (up to the size of a 15mm ball) from passing through and causing injury to those walking below.

5. Strength and endurance

Of course, one of the most important considerations for industrial overhead walkways is whether they're capable of bearing the loads that will be placed upon them. You also want your walkway to last the entire span of your project, so low maintenance is another important factor.

We've already discussed the strength of Monowills galvanised steel handrails, and whilst steel is certainly a great option for dependable, endurable walkways, aluminium is another firm contender. The added advantage of both of these metals is that they are non-porous, meaning that they're less susceptible to the bacteria which can cause degradation problems further down the road with other materials.

6. Ease of installation

On industrial sites there is the ever-present pressure of deadlines. If you're installing overhead walkways, you're doing so to make things run more smoothly, so you don't it want to take forever to put it in place.

There are a number of things that will speed up the installation process:

• The materials used – lightweight metals are easier to transport, and therefore easier to install. Choose a walkway made from a metal that isn't going to take a great deal of time and manpower to put into place.
• Adjustable parts – industrial sites are ever-changing, so you want the components of your walkway to be adaptable for use in different areas.

With years of experience in supplying to the industrial sector, Meshstore knows how important it is that the products you choose are the right fit for your site. If you're ready to start designing your overhead walkway, jump into our online store to find all the products you'll need.