Bending of the mesh cable tray

Mesh cable trays can be bent on-site using proper cutting and bending techniques, allowing for 90° bends, vertical bends, tees, crosses, and offsets without additional fittings.

Overview

Wire mesh cable trays are highly flexible and can be modified directly at the installation site. Unlike perforated or solid trays, bends and junctions can be created without expensive pre-fabricated fittings, making them cost-effective and adaptable to changing layouts. The mesh design allows wires to be separated and bent easily, enabling smooth cable routing in multiple directions.

Tools Required

Bolt cutters (preferably angular or offset blade types) for cutting cross wires cleanly Rubber caps to protect cut wire ends and maintain safety Optional: Greenlee cable wire cutter for flush cuts without burrs Common BendsHorizontal 90° Bend (Flat Bend): Bend the tray along a horizontal plane to change direction on the same level. Vertical Bend (Up/Down Bend): Adjust the tray to rise or drop vertically, useful for floor-to-ceiling transitions. Tee (T-Junction) Bend: Create a branch from the main tray line for additional cable routing.

Cross Bend (4-Way Junction): Form a junction where four tray sections meet. Offset Bend (Side Shift): Shift the tray laterally to avoid obstacles or align with mounting points.

Step-by-

Step Bending Process

Turn the tray open-side down to access the bottom wires. Cut the cross wires at the bend location using a bolt cutter, positioning the blades perpendicular to the wire for a clean cut. Form the bend by carefully folding the tray along the desired angle.

Avoid cutting all wires completely to maintain structural integrity. Install protective caps on cut ends to prevent injury and maintain corrosion protection. Secure the tray in place using standard mounting hardware.

Safety and Best Practices

Avoid using center-cut blades; use offset or angular cutters for cleaner cuts. Ensure cuts are precise to minimize grinding and maintain tray strength. Work within the recommended temperature range for the tray material (typically -20°C to +120°C) to prevent material damage.

Always wear protective gloves and eye protection when cutting and bending. By following these methods, mesh cable trays can be efficiently bent and customized on-site, providing flexibility for complex cable routing while maintaining safety and structural integrity.