What is theWire Drawing Process

Wire drawing is the process used to manufacture wire for all types of applications. Wire is found in appliances, home wiring, phone lines, calbes, tires, motors, light bulbs, and many other unseen places. It allows us to enjoy many of today's modern conveniences. There are a variety of metals that are made into wire, the most common being steel, copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and tungstun. During the wire drawing process, the metal starts as a thick rod that is cleaned just before being pulled through a die that is slightly smaller than the rod's original size. The rod becomes smaller in diameter and slightly longer. A series of drawing dies is used to draw the wire down to the desired diameter.

During the wire drawing process, no material is shaved off, the wire simply gets longer. The material is cold-worked and hardens (and also increases in tensile strength) through each step. Frequently wire mills will run the wire through a number of dies, then anneal it (a process of heating and then slow cooling) to help it return to its more ductile state.