Wire Drawing
Wire drawing is a metalworking process used to reduce the diameter of a wire to a certain size and shape by passing it over a number of progressively smaller dies. It is a metal forming process that can be used on a variety of wires, including iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. Wire drawing can be used to alter the shape and size of the wire, as well as its material properties, such as elasticity and resistance to compression.
Wire drawing begins with a spool of wire, usually of a predetermined length, which is then passed through a die. The purpose of the die is to create a taper in the wire, which reduces the diameter and increases its tensile strength. In order to pass the wire through the die, a drawing operation must first take place. This is typically done with a specialized tool, such as a drawing press, which applies pressure and force to the wire as it is moved through the die. The drawing operation can either be performed hot, meaning that the wire is heated prior to drawing, or cold, meaning that the wire is drawn at room temperature.
The wire is then cut into a desired length for the next part of the process. Wire drawing can also be done with multiple passes, in which the wire is passed through a series of dies, each progressively reducing its diameter. This creates a uniform shape and size and increases the wires strength and flexibility.
After the wire is cut to the desired length and passes through the dies, it is ready for a die-less wire drawing process. This is an additional wire drawing step that involves passing the wire through specially made fixtures which are tightly fitted to the shape of the wire. This process, also known as cold forming, increases the strength of the wire by pressing it into a desired shape.
Finally, when all the wire drawing processes are complete, the wire is ready for use in a variety of applications, from small fabricated products, such as nuts and bolts, to larger, complex components, such as turbine blades. Wire drawing is a highly efficient process that delivers a consistent product at a reasonable cost.
