Abstract: An apparatus for processing chain link fabric including a welding assembly and/or a compressing assembly. The welding assembly is configured to weld together wire-end portions of the chain link fabric. The welding assembly includes a guiding assembly having a finger and a cam, which are configured to restrict the movement of the wire-end portions while the welding assembly welds them together. The finger and the cam are configured to move relative to the wire-end portions both before and after the wire-end portions are welded together. The compressing assembly is configured to compress the wire-end portions after they are welded together. The compressing assembly includes a stabilizing assembly having a stabilizing die, which is configured to interface with the chain link fabric and to restrict the movement of the welded wire-end portions while the compressing assembly compresses the welded wire-end portions.

Abstract: An improved chain link fabric having flattened end portions that are stronger and safer and a method and apparatus for forming the flattened end portions of the fabric. In a preferred embodiment, the flattened end portions are formed by cutting woven chain link fabric and bending, welding and compressing two adjacent wires end portions that extend from elbows of the cut chain link fabric to form a joint that is lap welded. By compressing the two adjacent wire end portions, the sharp edges of the wire end portions are minimized or eliminated and the joint is made safer and stronger. Advantageously, the present invention provides a chain link fabric having strong flattened end portions that do not pose the risk of serious harm to installers and individuals who come into contact with the flattened end portions of the chain link fabric.