Focus on the Galvanized Wire Industry: Core Processes, Diverse Applications and Development Challenges

Galvanized wire, as a common and widely used metal product, plays a crucial role in numerous fields. It is processed from high-quality low-carbon steel wire through a series of meticulous processes such as drawing, acid washing for rust removal, high-temperature annealing, hot galvanizing, cooling, etc. Depending on the galvanizing method, it is mainly divided into hot galvanized wire and cold galvanized wire (electro-galvanized wire).
From the perspective of manufacturing process, hot galvanizing involves immersing the drawn wire into molten zinc liquid, utilizing the physical heat diffusion effect to form a coating. First, iron-zinc compounds are formed, and then a pure zinc layer is covered on the surface. This method has a fast production speed, but the coating is relatively thick but has poor uniformity. The minimum allowed coating thickness in the market is 45 micrometers, and the maximum can reach over 300 micrometers. The color is relatively dull, and a large amount of zinc metal is consumed. However, the infiltration layer formed with the base metal makes it have excellent corrosion resistance. In outdoor environments, hot galvanized wire can remain undamaged for several decades. Cold galvanizing (electro-galvanizing) involves gradually coating the metal surface with zinc through a single-directional current in an electroplating tank. The production process is relatively slow, the coating is uniform and thin, generally only 3 - 15 micrometers, and the appearance is bright. However, its corrosion resistance is poor, and it usually rusts within a few months.
In terms of application fields, galvanized wire can be found everywhere. In the construction industry, it is used to make guardrails and safety nets to ensure construction safety; it is used to bind steel bars and steel pipes to facilitate the smooth progress of construction; it can also be processed into iron art products to enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings. In the agricultural field, it can be used to build greenhouse frame structures, make livestock breeding cages and fences, and in garden and horticulture for flower racks, etc. In industry, it is used to manufacture various metal parts and accessories, such as the supports of mechanical equipment; in power communication, it is used to make power towers and antenna support brackets; in automotive manufacturing, some parts will also use galvanized wire. In the daily civilian field, it can be made into furniture hangers, curtain rods, etc., for handicraft production, and for bundling items during product packaging.
From the market perspective, the price of galvanized wire is influenced by various factors. The fluctuation of the price of low-carbon steel wire as the raw material directly affects the cost, and when the price of steel rises, the price of galvanized wire often rises as well. In terms of galvanizing process, the hot galvanizing process is complex, energy-consuming, and uses more zinc, and the price is higher than that of cold galvanized wire. In terms of specifications and sizes, galvanized wire with smaller diameters and longer lengths is more difficult to produce and has a higher price. Market supply and demand relationship is also crucial. When the demand in industries such as construction and agriculture is at its peak, if supply is insufficient, the price will rise. Currently, the price of cold galvanized wire per ton is approximately 3,800 to 4,500 yuan, and the price of hot galvanized wire per ton is about 4,800 to 7,200 yuan. Special specifications or high-quality products have higher prices.
The policies have a significant impact on the galvanized wire industry. Tighter environmental policies require enterprises to invest in environmental protection equipment, improve processes, and increase costs. Some non-compliant small enterprises will shut down, affecting market supply and prices. Adjustments in import and export tariffs and trade restrictions measures will change the market supply and demand pattern, thereby affecting prices. Industrial policies encourage enterprises to upgrade, although there is an increase in investment in the short term, it can improve competitiveness in the long term, affecting product prices. Changes in tax policies, such as VAT and resource tax, will also be transmitted to the cost and price of galvanized wire.
Overall, the galvanized wire industry continues to develop under the promotion of industry demand, while also facing opportunities and challenges brought by various factors such as policies and market fluctuations. In the future, it will continue to explore and advance in the direction of technological innovation and green environmental protection.