Abstract: Making wire screens using high carbon steel wire. A first array of wires are placed in a longitudinal configuration and a second array of wires are placed transversely of said first array. The junctions where the wires meet are heated to a temperature of from about 700.degree. F. to about 1000.degree. F. for a time sufficient to disperse heat to adjacent wire areas but insufficient to cause wire fusion. A current is then applied to these junctions sufficient to cause fusion or welding of the junctions. Subsequently, a post weld heat of at least 1575.degree. F. is applied to the wires sufficient to form pearlite in substantial amounts.

Abstract: A welding process for the manufacture of high carbon steel wire mesh for use in wire screens. In this process at least two high carbon steel wires are crossed and its junction pre-weld heated. The amount of heat applied at this pre-weld step is insufficient to cause wire fusion but sufficient to allow heat to disperse to adjacent areas of each wire. The wires are subsequently welded together and further heated by raising the temperature at the wire junction to a second temperature of at least about 1575.degree. F.