Wire drawing is a process in the metal industry that is used to lower the cross-section of a wire. Pulling the wire through a series of drawing dies allows for this process to be completed. Wire drawing is a process used for the creation of many products and their applications. This includes electrical wiring, cables, and springs. Sometimes people confuse wire drawing with extrusion, but the two are in fact very different. The process of wire drawing is done at room temperature, but can also work at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures are needed for large wires (the heat helps to reduce force).
The process of wire drawing is intricate and extensive, but it is a simple concept. This is why it is best to deal with companies who make and sell a wide array of wire. In order for the process to begin, the wire must be properly prepared. This means that the wire must be shrunk through the process of hammering, rolling, or swaging. This will ensure the wire can fit through the die. After the wire is prepared, it is time to pull it through the die. As the wire is being pulled, the diameter decreases and the length increase. Smaller and smaller dies must be used as the wire goes through more draws. This will allow for the correct ending size. This process can be done on both a small and large commercial scale. Commercial wire drawing uses specialized, automated machinery that allows for quick turn around times and extreme precision.
As a result of working with materials in room temperature, material properties are subject to change. There is a slight reduction in wires as they go through the process. A large wire is subject to upwards of 45% reduction, where as a small wire may only reduce by 25%.
Tiny wires can also be drawn, but they must be drawn in bundles. When working with fine wires, a metal with similar properties must be used to help lower chemical resistance. Fine wires can be reduced by up to 50%.
Wires can be drawn in different shapes, like square, round, and flat. Different metals can be used as well. This includes beryllium copper wire, phosphor bronze wire, nickel wire, brass wire, and copper wire.
Beryllium Copper
Trusting a professional wire drawing company will ensure that you get exactly what you and your company need.
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