SELVAGE EDGE OR RAW EDGE
The term, “selvage edge” refers to the edge or border of wire cloth that has a finished edge. When wire cloth is woven, the shute wires are woven in, continuously, forming a smooth edge that runs the length of roll while helping to prevent unraveling on certain specifications. Generally speaking, a selvage edge will increase the stability of a mesh and provide a safety edge for handling. Looped selvage, as seen in the photo below, is the most common type of selvage edge. In recent years, selvage edge has decreased in popularity due to difficulty in producing and increased costs to produce. When a selvage edge is required, it is important to specify, as raw edge is widely the norm in the industry.
“Raw edge” refers to edging that is not continuously woven and is usually the result of manufacturing wire mesh on a rapier loom. In this case, the shute wires are uncovered, or raw. Raw edge is the predominant edge type in the industry, particularly on finer mesh (usually, 20 x 20 Mesh or finer). Further, raw edge is often preferred when customers are looking to keep their costs down. Both “selvage (looped) edge” and “raw edges” are shown below.
