Where to Buy A641/A641M Galvanized/Zinc Wire in the U.S.?
Finding a reliable domestic manufacturer of the correct zinc-coated wire can be frustrating when suppliers lack proper documentation or technical knowledge. Engineers and buyers often struggle to match their requirements with available products in the marketplace.
It can be challenging to navigate the complexities of ASTM standards without expert guidance. At WCJ Pilgrim Wire, we combine decades of industry experience with American manufacturing excellence to deliver precisely specified zinc-coated wire products.
Read on to learn where to find A641/A641M galvanized/zinc wire or send us a quote request.
What is A641/A641M Galvanized/Zinc Wire?
A641/A641M is an American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM International) standard specification covering zinc-coated carbon steel wire in general use. The standard describes steel wire galvanized through a coating process where zinc is applied to the surface for corrosion protection.
These products are available in inch-pound units (A641) and metric/SI units (A641M). Initially approved in 1992 and last updated in 2019, the A641/A641M galvanized/zinc Wire standard covers a wide range of material aspects and technical requirements, including:
- Manufacturing methods – Steel products by any commercially accepted steel-making process with zinc coating applied
- Classification systems – Wire categorized by both temper (mechanical properties) and coating weight classes
- Testing protocols – Methods for verifying coating adhesion, tensile strength, and dimensional accuracy
- Quality assurance – Inspection, sampling, and certification procedures to ensure conformity
- Ordering information – Required specifications for properly ordering products that meet the standard
Zinc Wire Classification
A641/A641M galvanized zinc wire is classified according to two primary characteristics: temper and coating weight. Temper designations relate directly to the wire’s tensile strength and stiffness properties. This helps determine its performance in various applications.
Zinc coating classifications include classes 1, 3/A, 4, B, 5, C, and ‘regular coating.’ The regular coating provides full zinc coverage without a specified minimum weight. The Class 2 coating has been eliminated from general specifications except for specific applications involving nails, staples, and related wire products.
Where to Find Zinc-Plated Galvanized Wire?
At WCJ Pilgrim Wire, we offer a comprehensive selection of zinc-coated products as part of our expansive catalog of coated and electro-plated wire options. Our York, Pennsylvania, facilities maintain a diverse inventory for various industrial applications and requirements.
We manufacture two proprietary, branded A641/A641M zinc wire products we call ZnShield and ZnShield+. These innovative solutions help ensure precise thickness control and an ultra-smooth surface. Leveraging cutting-edge technology allows us to ensure our galvanized/zinc wire not only meets but exceeds industry standards.
Our custom capabilities include developing and manufacturing specialized galvanized wire products with modifications to base materials, plating types, tensile strength, sizes, and packaging configurations. These customization options ensure we can meet your specifications for any project requiring durable wire solutions.
As a proud American wire manufacturer, we maintain stringent quality control standards throughout our production process to ensure every coil meets ASTM specifications and our rigorous quality benchmarks.
Applications for A641 Zinc Wire
ZnShield and ZnShield+ wire products are critical components where reliability and corrosion resistance are paramount. The galvanized wire we manufacture meets strict industry standards while providing exceptional performance in various environmental conditions.
Industries we serve include:
- Industrial
- Graphic arts
- Waste disposal
- Medical
- Brush & broom
- Ducting
- Food
- Transportation
Technical Specifications
The technical aspects of galvanized wire encompass several important characteristics that determine its performance in various applications. These specifications ensure consistent quality and appropriate selection based on intended use.
Coating Weight Requirements
The zinc coating weight varies according to wire diameter and coating class. This provides different corrosion protection levels based on application needs. Basic/Flash less than 0.15 oz/ft², Class 1 coating offers the lightest protection (0.15-0.53 oz/ft²), while Classes 3/A through C provide progressively heavier coatings up to 3.00 oz/ft² for maximum protection—products with ‘regular coating’ feature complete zinc coverage without a specified minimum weight requirement.
Tensile Strength Properties
Tensile strength classifications align with the three temper designations that vary based on wire diameter:
- Soft temper – Offers maximum flexibility with lower tensile strength values (50 -75 ksi/344-515 MPa). It’s ideal for applications that require forming or bending.
- Medium temper – Balances flexibility with structural integrity (75- 165 ksi/517- 1137 MPa).
- Hard temper – Delivers maximum rigidity for critical structure strength applications.
- Custom tensile strength – Can be created for specialized applications through direct negotiation with the manufacturer.
Dimensional Tolerances
Precise diameter tolerances ensure consistent performance and reliable fit across manufacturing processes. Smaller diameter wires (0.018-0.076 inches) maintain tight tolerances of ±0.002 inches. Larger wires have incrementally increased allowances, with the heaviest coated wires over .250 inches, allowing up to ±0.005 inches of variation.
Purchasing Zinc-Plated Wire Products
Orders for ZnShield and ZnShield+ can be placed in pound units (A641) or SI units (A641M). Each system can be used independently without combining values. When ordering A641/A641M galvanized wire, include the following information to ensure you receive exactly what your application requires:
- Annual Quantity (weight or mass)
- Coated wire diameter
- Package (spool type, coil, stand)
- Intended use (especially for nail or staple applications)
- Coating class
- Tensile R designation (soft, medium, or hard)
- ASTM designation (A641 for inch-pound units or A641M for SI units) and the specific year version of the standard you want the product to comply with (e.g., A641-09a or A641M-09a for the 2009 version with the first revision, or A641-19 or A641M-19 for the 2019 version)
For example, a typical inch-pound ordering description might read:
“50,000 lb, 0.120 in., zinc-coated wire, Class 1 coating, soft temper in 1500-lb coils on tubular carriers to ASTM A641.”
For SI units, a similar order would be expressed as:
“22,680 kg, 3.00 mm, zinc-coated wire, Class 1 coating, soft temper in 680-kg coils on tubular carriers to ASTM A641M.”
Partner With WCJ Pilgrim Wire for Premium A641/A641M Galvanized Zinc Wire
A641/A641M galvanized/zinc wire provides reliable corrosion protection and versatile mechanical properties suitable for numerous applications. The standardization specifications ensure consistent performance and quality across manufacturing lots and suppliers.
WCJ Pilgrim Wire offers a complete inventory of this high-quality product. Our detailed industry knowledge and premium wire manufacturing practices create a significant advantage for our customers. Click below to get a quote and learn more!
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