Wire
All throughout human history, wires have been used in a variety of applications. They’ve been used to construct buildings and bridges, but they’re also used in a myriad of everyday applications. In this article, we’ll learn all about wire, from its basic properties to its everyday/industrial uses.
To start, let’s look at the basics of wire. Wire is a long and narrow strand of metal that is relatively thin. It’s created by a process of drawing a metal, like copper, through a die that is smaller than the cross-section of the metal. Drawing it through a die thins it and lengthens it, until it has the desired dimensions. Wire can be annealed (heated and then cooled) to make it more malleable so that it can be bent and molded more easily.
Now that we know the basics of wire, let’s look at some of its everyday/industrial uses. Wire is used in many everyday items like electrical cables, television and radio antennas, and lock-and-key combinations. Furthermore, wire is used a lot in industrial contexts, like in the automotive industry and construction industry. Automotive manufacturers use a variety of different wires to construct their vehicles, including steel wires and aluminum wires. Similarly, in the construction industry, wires are used to strengthen reinforced concrete structures.
The last thing we’ll discuss regarding wire is its main properties. Wires are highly malleable, meaning they can be bent and twisted with ease. Furthermore, wires are highly conductive, making them great for electrical applications. Lastly, wires are also corrosion-resistant, making them great for outdoor applications like chain-link fences.
To conclude, wires are a versatile and often indispensable material. With its malleability, conductivity, and corrosion-resistance, it’s used in a variety of everyday/industrial applications like electrical cables and reinforced concrete. Wire is a necessary part of the modern world and is likely to remain that way for many years to come.