358 Anti Climb Security Fence Panel

358 Anti-Climb Fence Panel - Product Specifications

A 358 fence panel is the core unit of any anti-climb perimeter: a flat welded mesh sheet with 76.2 × 12.7mm apertures and 4.0mm steel wires. The horizontal slot is too narrow for fingers, and too tight for bolt-cutter jaws to enter - yet the mesh stays 80%+ open so cameras see straight through. This page covers the panel itself: wire gauge, mesh size, height and width options, stiffener profiles, and the three coating routes we run in the Anping factory. If you need posts, gates and toppers in one package, see our 358 fencing system page.

Parameter	Standard	Options
Mesh aperture	76.2 × 12.7mm	Same across all 358 panels
Wire diameter	4.0mm (8 gauge)	4.5mm / 5.0mm on request
Panel height	2.0m	1.2 / 1.5 / 1.8 / 2.0 / 2.2 / 2.4 / 3.0m
Panel width	2.5m	2.2m for select markets
V-stiffener	1 or 2 folds (≥2.0m)	Flat panel (no fold) for ≤1.5m
Post interface	50 × 50mm square post	60 × 60mm / SHS / RHS
Panel weight (2.0mH × 2.5mW)	~18 kg (galvanized)	+ coating weight varies

V-stiffener (folded beam): On panels 2.0m and taller, we press one or two horizontal V-folds into the mesh. The fold increases rigidity by roughly 40%, which matters on long fence runs exposed to wind. For short panels under 1.5m - say, internal zone dividers - a flat panel without a fold works fine and costs less. 

Panel Dimensions, Wire & Stiffener Options

Every 358 panel starts as low-carbon steel wire, drawn to gauge, then resistance-welded at every intersection. The standard mesh is 76.2 × 12.7mm (3" × 0.5") with 8-gauge (4.0mm) wire. For higher-security specs we go to 4.5mm or 5.0mm on request. Heights range from 1.2m up to 3.0m; the most common project heights are 1.8m, 2.0m and 2.4m. Panel width is 2.5m as standard (2.2m for some markets).

Coating Routes & Corrosion Life

We run three coating lines. All three start with the same welded panel - the difference is what happens after welding.

1. Hot-dip galvanized after welding. The finished panel goes into a zinc bath at ~450 °C. Zinc coats every weld joint and wire surface, inside and out. Typical zinc pick-up is 40–70 μm. This is the workhorse option - good enough for most dry-climate perimeters and the lowest cost per panel.

2. Galfan (Zn-5%Al alloy) after welding. Same process, different bath: a zinc-aluminum alloy that forms a more adherent, self-healing coating. In salt-spray testing, Galfan outlasts pure galvanizing by 2–3 ×. We recommend it for coastal sites, desert environments with high UV, or any client who needs a 20-year-plus coating warranty. A few of our export customers specify Galfan as a tender requirement.

3. Galvanized + powder coated (or PVC coated). The panel is first galvanized, then spray-coated with polyester powder in a RAL color and oven-cured at 180°C. The powder layer adds 60–100 μm on top of the zinc, giving a clean, uniform color finish and a second barrier against corrosion. Common colors: RAL 6005 green, RAL 9005 black, RAL 5010 blue. This route costs more but is the standard choice where the fence needs to look finished - around commercial buildings, schools, residential estates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "358" actually mean?

3" × 0.5" mesh aperture, 8-gauge wire. In metric: 76.2 × 12.7mm apertures with 4.0mm wire. It is not a brand name - it is a dimensional shorthand that the fencing trade uses worldwide.

Can I order panels without posts?

Yes. Many of our customers already have their own post supply or are re-paneling an existing line. We ship panels only, panel + post kits, or full turnkey packages. Just tell us what you need.

How are panels packed for shipping?

Panels are stacked flat on wooden pallets, separated by cardboard or plastic sheets to prevent wire-to-wire scratching, then strapped with steel banding. A standard 20-foot container holds roughly 500–600 panels (2.0mH × 2.5mW), depending on coating type and packing density.

Is a V-stiffener necessary?

For any panel 2.0m or taller, yes - we press at least one fold as standard. The fold stops the panel from flexing under wind load over a long unsupported span. Below 1.5m, a flat panel is usually enough.

Galfan vs. regular galvanizing - is the price difference worth it?

Galfan typically adds 10–15% to the panel price but extends coating life by 2–3 times in salt-spray conditions. If your site is within a few kilometers of the coast, or your tender requires a 20-year coating warranty, Galfan pays for itself. For inland sites with low corrosion risk, standard galvanizing is the more practical choice.