Wire Products
Wire products comprise a wide variety of shapes and objects created through the manipulation of wire. Often referred to as wire forms, such products are extremely versatile and available in a number of commercial and industrial applications. Many industries rely heavily on wire fabrications such as wire displays, fixtures, racks and signs utilized in the retail sector or wire decking and containers utilized in shipping and storage industries among others.
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Advantages of Wire Products
The popularity of such components can be attributed to their lightweight and excellent airflow. Lightweight and easily produced, these products also improve accessibility and air circulation. Wire parts manufacturers and distributors commonly offer these beneficial items in stock or standardized fabrications. Though capabilities may vary, many offer customized wire machining as well. The capacity for wire product manufacturing continues to expand as technology allows the creation of increasingly smaller and more complex wire apparatus.
Applications for Wire Products
Examples of wire products include wire racks, baskets and shelves, which are popular in a number of industries as are wire screens and guards, which are frequently employed as a means of improving workplace safety. Music, electronics and electricity, lighting, plumbing, parts manufacturing, material handling, food processing, medical, agricultural, automotive, aerospace, material handling and machining industries utilize wire forms in daily operations.
Materials Used in Wire Products
In addition to increases in technology, the number of materials that may be used in the production and assembly of wire products has also improved. Ferrous, non-ferrous and even precious metals are commonly used in the creation of wire workings. Brass, stainless steel, steel, iron, titanium, tungsten copper, aluminum, nickel, platinum and virtually any type of metal may be used in the production of wire. Plastic wire is also available, though less common and oftentimes less applicable. It is important to consider the qualities of a given material with regards to the application and environment it will be used. Ductility, malleability, electrical and thermal conductivity, tensile and impact strength, magnetism, dimensions and corrosion resistance should all be applicable.
Design of Wire Products
The processing techniques employed on a wire form should also be of concern as they will impact the aforementioned qualities as well as the final product. To create wire, stock materials are drawn or forced through a series of progressively smaller dies which trim the material to a predetermined diameter. These thin, long strands of metal have a round, oval or shaped cross-section as desired. Coil making or roll forming is the next step in the process which creates stock metal shapes that may then be straightened, bent, cut or otherwise treated. Secondary treatments such as painting, annealing, coating and more heighten the versatility of wire products and it is important to be certain that wire parts are fabricated and finished in a manner that will suit the environment in which they will be used.