Metal Wires

Metal Wires



Metal wires have been used in numerous applications since centuries. It is a thread or slender rod of different metals and their alloys. A metal wire is generally circular in cross section and is flexible.

Metal Wire

Most metal wires are made of several small twisted or woven strands available in varying lengths and diameters. These wires are often insulated carrying current and conducting electricity.

Metal Consideration for Wires
Various metals and their alloys are used for making wires, these metals are used because of certain properties. These include:

* Ductility
* High tensile strength
* Electrical conductivity
* Melting point
* Weight

Different types of metals are used depending on the end application. All metal wires are numbered in order of decreasing size, this number is known as the wire gauge. The higher the gauge of a wire, the smaller the diameter.

There are different wire gages and sizes that are used by different countries. These different as per an individual country's standards of measurement. Various wires are used in numerous applications and products. The wire making industry has evolved and expanded into one of the biggest industries in the 20th century.

Popular Metals Used
There only a few metals that are used for wire making because of the necessary physical properties required for making wires. Some of the commonly used metals for manufacturing wires are:

* Brass
* Bronze
* Silver
* Nickel
* Tungsten


Wire Production Method
Metals wires for various applications are processed and reduced to the desired diameter and properties by repeatedly drawing it through smaller dies, or traditionally through holes in draw plates. The wires are heated in an inert atmosphere for softening and then they are cooled, this process is commonly known as annealing. An inert atmosphere prevents oxidation, although some amount of scaling always occurs and is removed by 'pickling' before the wire is redrawn.

Electrical wires are covered with different insulating materials, including plastic or rubber-like polymers. Two or more insulated wires are again wrapped in a concentric manner and wrapped with paraffin for further protection. Wire insulation and jacketing is done by making them pass through extruders. There are different methods and materials used for manufacturing different types of wires.

Stranded and Solid Metal Wires
Standed WireStranded Wires
A Stranded wire is made of a bundle of small-gauge wires for making a larger conductor, which can also be optionally insulated. These wires are a combination of groups of wires, usually twisted together and are also popularly known as stranded conductors. These wires are more flexible than solid wires of the same total gauge.

Stranded wires are commonly used for various electrical applications carrying small signals, including computer mouse cables, table lamps, powered hand tools, welding electrode cables, mining machines etc.

Solid Wires
Solid wires or solid-core wires consist of single piece of metal wire. Most fixed wiring in residential and commercial buildings is done with solid, single-strand, wire as it is cheaper to manufacture than stranded wire. These also provide strength and protection against the environment.

Soild Wire


Types of Metal Wires

* Brass wires: These wires are excellent conductor of electrical energy and are less prone to corrosion. These wires are available in different dimensions according to the end application.

* Copper wire: High quality cooper and its alloys are used for manufacturing wires that find application in diverse fields. These wires are made as solid or stranded wires depending on the customer's requirements. The wires are supplied in spools and reels.

* Bronze wires: These wires are good conductor of electrical energy and relatively corrosion resistant. These wires are stronger and stiffer than brass wires.

* Silver wires: Insulated silver wires are used for various products like electronic equipment, amplifiers, speakers etc. These wires are available in different thickness, diameter and lengths.

* Nickel wires: These wires are used in numerous industrial applications and are available in various diameters and lengths. They metal is used because of its strength and superior elevated temperature properties.

* Tungsten wires: These wires are expensive and are used in high performance applications areas such as electronics, and electric-furnace industries and lighting. These wires are manufactured in varying diameter and length depending on the end application.