Wire Mesh Options & Panel Types for Security Cages

Woven wire, welded wire, polycarbonate, and sheet metal panels — choose the right mesh gauge, opening size, and material for your security, visibility, and airflow requirements.

Call (800) 326-4403 | sales@mh-usa.com

Get a Free Quote
📞 Call Now

12+Mesh Options

6–12 GAWire Gauges

1’–10′Panel Widths

8Color Options

Understanding Wire Mesh for Security Cages

The mesh you choose determines your cage’s security level, visibility, airflow, and cost. Smaller openings and heavier gauges provide more security but reduce air circulation. Material Handling USA helps you select the right combination from WireCrafters’ and SpaceGuard Products’ full mesh catalog.

Standard Mesh

2″ x 1″ — 10 Gauge Woven (WireCrafters Standard)

The industry standard. 10 gauge wire woven into a rectangular 2″x1″ pattern. 82.53% open air allows full HVAC, light, and fire suppression flow. Frame: 1-1/4″ x 1-1/4″ x 1/8″ angle. Mesh is securely welded to the frame with flat steel stiffeners for panels over 3′-6″.

2″ x 2″ — 10 Gauge Welded

The most popular alternate mesh. Square 2″x2″ openings with welded joints at every intersection. Slightly more open than woven, with a clean modern look. Common for machine guarding and general security.

Woven Wire Mesh Options

Opening Size	Wire Gauge	Security Level	Common Applications
2″ Square	6 GA (heavy)	High	Holding cells, high-security
1-1/2″ Square	8 GA	High	Aerosol storage, DEA cages
1″ Square	10 GA	Very High	Small parts, evidence
3/4″ Square	10 GA	Maximum	Small parts, pharmaceutical
1/2″ Square	12 GA	Maximum	Ultra-fine containment

Welded Wire Mesh Options

Opening Size	Wire Gauge	Security Level	Common Applications
2″ Square	6 GA	High	Machine guarding, high impact
1-1/2″ Square	8 GA	High	Robotic cells, guarding
1-1/4″ Square	10 GA	High	RapidGuard® machine guarding
1″ Square	10 GA	Very High	Parts security, evidence
3/4″ Square	10 GA	Maximum	Pharmaceutical, small parts

Alternative Panel Materials

Lock Crimp Wire

1″ and 1/2″ square patterns in 10 gauge. Extra rigid with locked wire intersections. Maximum strength for high-security areas.

16 GA Sheet Metal

Solid panels for complete visual privacy. Used for clean rooms, sensitive areas, and where visual barriers are needed.

1/4″ Polycarbonate

Clear panels for full visibility without wire. Impact resistant. Available with optional etching. Popular for machine guarding.

Standard Color Options

Standard finish is gray polyester-epoxy hybrid powder coat. Optional in-house colors:

Gray (Std)

Black

Red

Blue

Yellow

Orange

White

Tan

Frequently Asked Questions — Wire Mesh & Panels

What is the standard wire mesh for security cages?

The industry standard is WireCrafters Style 840: 10 gauge wire woven into a 2″ x 1″ rectangular mesh (2-1/8″ x 1-1/8″ center to center). It has 82.53% open air, allowing light, HVAC, and fire suppression to pass through while providing strong security.

What is the difference between woven and welded wire mesh?

Woven mesh interlocks wires in an over-under pattern for flexibility and strength. Welded mesh fuses wires at each intersection for rigidity. Both are available in various gauges and opening sizes. Woven is the WireCrafters standard; 2″x2″ welded is the most popular alternate.

What mesh is required for DEA drug storage?

DEA Schedule III-V storage cages typically use 10 gauge 2″x1″ woven wire mesh — the WireCrafters standard. For higher security, 8 gauge or 6 gauge mesh with smaller openings can be specified.

Can panels be made with polycarbonate or sheet metal instead of wire?

Yes. Panels are available with 1/4″ clear polycarbonate for visibility without wire, or 16 gauge sheet metal for complete visual privacy. These alternatives are especially popular for machine guarding and clean room applications.

What panel sizes are available?

Standard panels come in 10 widths from 1′ to 10′ in one-foot increments, in two heights: 4′ and 5′. Full-height walls are built by stacking two or more panels between posts. Custom sizes are available up to 12’W x 5’H.

How are panels attached to posts?

Panels bolt directly to 2″x2″ 14 gauge square tubular posts using 3/8″ standard thread hardware — the heaviest assembly hardware in the industry. Bolts are only accessible from inside the secured area.