Used to cover prison yards all over the world, contraband netting is a necessity to preventing the passing of drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items to inmates, however criminals are always looking for weak points in security measures, and most contraband nettings come with a flaw.
The Problem with Plastic Contraband Netting
Plastic contraband netting (usually made with polyester or nylon) is the most popular choice of product due to its low cost and its presence within the market. It’s common knowledge that prisons operate with an extremely tight budget, but these come with a serious flaw and it’s worth spending more money for a superior product.
Although both polyester and nylon are ignition resistant, they will melt when they come into contact with fire. Criminals have started to set fire to items such as tennis balls, throw them onto the netting and wait for it to melt through the plastic. This creates an easy entry point to throw over items of contraband.
With the melting point of polyester being 295°C and nylon being 220°C, it is easy to see how this could cause a problem.
Stainless Steel Contraband Netting
Many shy away from stainless steel products believing that they must come with a high price tag, however knitted wire mesh has a much more cost-effective production method compared to welded and woven meshes often making it a cheaper alternative.
Knitted wire stainless steel contraband netting has an aperture of 4mm x 5mm making it highly effective at catching even the smallest items of contraband. Made from stainless steel grade 304, the netting has a melting point of at least 1,400°C, preventing the fire entry method mentioned above.
Stainless steel contraband netting would require much less repairs and maintenance, saving you money in the long for a slightly larger upfront cost.
