Universal Metal Hose - Tubular Metal Braid, Braided Wire, Metal Hose Braid, Braided Electrical Ground Straps

Applications & Specialized Products

Braided Wire


96 carrier vertical braider that is 17' 0" diameter that is capable of weaving plain weave braid up to 30" diameter, or 48 carrier diamond weave braid up to 12" diameter.		48 carrier vertical tubular braider capable of weaving diamond weave braid up to 7.0" diameter. Two of these machines were designed and fabricated by Hyspan Precision Products, Inc. the parent company of Universal.

Universal has unequaled capability to manufacture braided wire as a result of the acquisitions the National Standard Braiding Division and Anaconda/Anamet Metal Hose. Both flat and tubular braiders are available that span the full range of braid requirements.

You may need some help with some of the terms used in braid speak. Please refer to the Glossary for help.


	Bronze braid for bronze hose reinforcement. Other braid materials include all grades of austenitic stainless steel, high nickel alloys, aluminum and galvanized steel.

Tubular Braid
Universal has tubular braid weaving capability ranging from 0.030" diameter through 30.0" diameter. Wire diameters range from 0.005" through 0.028", carrier selection from 16 through 96, with both plain and diamond weaves. The braid can be furnished as loose mill lengths and braided over customer furnished hose. Technical support is available to custom design weaves to customer specifications.

Universal has designed and maintains an inventory of standard braid weaves for corrugated metal hose. Refer to Bulletin 305

(99KB), Tubular Braid for Metal Hose, for complete specifications.

Some of the many applications include; metal hose reinforcement, non-metallic hose reinforcement, automotive hose trim kits, rock and ice shielding of automotive exhaust connectors, rodent protection, electronic shielding and architectural trim.


	4 ½" wide bare copper flattened tubular braid. 48 carrier, 17 wires per carrier, 0.0126" diameter wire, beamed wire diamond weave. Available in 1, 2 or 3 layer.

Flattened Tubular Braid
The primary application of flattened tubular braid is for electrical conductors, ground straps and shunts. Universal has the capability to permanently flatten virtually all tubular braid weaves and multiple layers of tubular braid can be flattened to add conductors. Most weaves are made from bare copper, tinned copper or aluminum wire for the best conductivity but other alloys can also be produced.


	Open weave flat braid used to reinforce non-metallic straps and hose. Made from stainless steel or copper plated steel wire.


	Aluminum wire flat braid used for ground straps and shunts. Also available made from bare copper or tinned copper wire.

Flat Braid
Universal has the capability to weave flat braid with 13, 17, 21 and 29 carriers. The braid can have a single wire per carrier or multiple wires as shown in the photographs.

Single wire per carrier flat braid is commonly used as reinforcement for non-metallic belting such as heater strip or non-metallic hose. The braid can be drawn down to a tight weave with 100% coverage, or Universal has the capability to open the braid up to a specified width with an open weave. Common materials are stainless steel alloys, copper plated steel, bare copper and tin plated copper.

Multiple wire per carrier flat braid is used primarily as an electrical conductor, ground straps and shunts. The wires are normally bundled as shown in the photograph and made from bare copper, tin plated copper or aluminum. Universal manufactures and stocks the following standard aluminum fat braids.

Current Rating (amp.)	Part Number	Weave	Width (inches)	Weight (lb./1000 ft.)
25	09354	13 x 5 x .0135	0.375	11
50	09588	13 x 12 x .0135	0.625	28
75	09589	21 x 9 x .0135	0.875	33
100	09590	21 x 20 x .0135	1.250	74
Weave is specified as Number of Carriers x Wires per Carrier x Wire Diameter