Wire / Shaped Wire Ferrous Metals and Iron Alloys
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Wire and shaped wire made from ferrous metals and iron alloys are products that are formed into specific shapes and sizes through processes such as wire drawing. These products are characterized by their smooth surfaces and precise cross-sectional dimensions, which are achieved by pulling a larger wire through a drawing ring of a smaller size. The resulting wire retains the shape and dimensions of the drawing ring, making it suitable for various industrial applications.
Working Principle
The working principle of wire drawing involves forming the wire by tensile and compressive forces. During this process, a wire of a larger diameter is pulled through a die or drawing ring, which reduces its diameter and elongates it. This deformation occurs due to the combined effects of tension and pressure, resulting in a wire with the desired shape and size. The process is efficient in preserving the material, as it minimizes waste and scrap, making it a cost-effective method for producing wire products.
Applications
Wire and shaped wire from ferrous metals and iron alloys are used in a wide range of applications. For example, low-carbon steel wires are commonly used to manufacture wire meshes, barbed wire, pins, nails, screws, bolts, and rivets. High-carbon steel wires are often used as rod material for automatic processing and in the production of wire cables. Additionally, alloy steel wires are utilized in industrial springs and welding wires, highlighting the versatility of these materials in various industrial sectors.
Advantages over other Ferrous Metals and Iron Alloys
One of the primary advantages of using wire and shaped wire is the ability to achieve near-net-shape results, which reduces the need for extensive machining and minimizes material waste. This process also allows for the production of longer continuous lengths and burr-free edges, which are beneficial for applications requiring precise dimensions and high-quality finishes. Furthermore, the ability to pre-shape wire can significantly reduce tooling costs, as it eliminates the need for custom dies and extensive machining processes.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, wire and shaped wire products have limitations. The initial cost of setting up wire drawing equipment and acquiring the necessary dies can be high. Additionally, the process may not be suitable for all types of ferrous metals and alloys, particularly those that require specific mechanical properties or surface finishes that cannot be achieved through wire drawing alone.
Considerations
When selecting wire and shaped wire products, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can be significant due to the need for specialized equipment and tooling. Operating expenses may also be high, depending on the complexity of the wire drawing process and the materials used. Durability and accuracy are critical factors, as the wire must meet specific design specifications and application constraints. Replacement and maintenance costs should also be taken into account, as the equipment used in wire drawing may require regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance.
from Eagle Stainless Tube & Fabrication, Inc.
Eagle has a vast array of stainless steel wire available which is suitable for a variety of uses such as medical, aerospace and industrial. Wire is available in spools or straight lengths. Size Range: 0.002 - 0.150 (larger sizes available as round bar stock, please see our section of bar stock... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0020 to 0.1500
- Type: Stainless; T302, T304, T304V, T316, T316V, T17-7 PH, T17-4 PH, MP35N, Alloy 600, X-750, Hastelloy, C276, T410, T420
- Processing, Temper & Finish: Annealed (optional feature); Spring or Custom
from High Performance Alloys, Inc.
N40 is a nitrogen-strengthened, high-manganese stainless steel with high strength and excellent resistance to corrosion at high temperatures. N40, also called Nitronic 40 ®, can be fabricated and is readily weldable. N40 has been used for chemical processing, pollution control equipment and... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Wire; Profile or Structural Shape; Round Bar or Rod Stock
- Specifications & Grades: AMS; ASTM / ASME; UNS
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Wrought; Corrosion Resistant; Forged; Heat Resistant; Superalloy
from High Performance Alloys, Inc.
NITRONIC 50 Stainless Steel provides a combination of corrosion resistance and strength not found in any other commercial material available in its price range. This austenitic stainless has corrosion resistance greater than that provided by Types 316 and 316L, plus approximately twice the yield... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Wire; Profile or Structural Shape; Round Bar or Rod Stock
- Specifications & Grades: AMS; ASTM / ASME; UNS
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Austenitic; Wrought; Corrosion Resistant; Forged; Superalloy
from High Performance Alloys, Inc.
Nitronic 60 is truly an all purpose metal. This fully austenitic alloy was originally designed as a temperature alloy, and subsequently has good high temperature properties for temperatures around 1800 ºF. The oxidation resistance of Nitronic 60 is similar to Type 309 S.S., and far superior to... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Wire; Profile or Structural Shape; Round Bar or Rod Stock
- Specifications & Grades: AMS; UNS
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Austenitic; Wrought; Corrosion Resistant; Forged; Heat Resistant; Superalloy; Wear Resistant
from Loos & Co., Inc.
1X19 Wire Rope. Non flexible. Widely used as standing rigging on sail boats. It is also well suited for push-pull, and guying applications. GALVANIZED: Zinc coated carbon steel offers some corrosion resistance. G1070 is the most common grade used in aircraft cable and wire rope. It remains ductile... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Processing, Temper & Finish: Galvanized
- Specifications & Grades: SD 118, QS 9000
- Applications: Commercial Rigging
from United Performance Metals
17-4 stainless steel develops its strength and hardness through heat treating. This makes it well suited to applications that require ease of fabrication and then the addition of strength/hardness for improved reliability. 17-4 stainless steels provide an outstanding combination of high strength and... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Bar Stock; Wire; Plate; Strip; Sheet
- Specifications & Grades: AMS; UNS
- Type: Stainless
- Thickness: 0.0290 to 0.3000
from Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc.
Strip, Coil, Foil & Wire, ASTM F-15. APPLICATIONS. Alloy 29-17 (Kovar ®) has been used for making hermetic seals with the harder Pyrex glasses and ceramic materials. This alloy has found wide use in application where high reliability is a necessity. In power tubes, microwave tubes,... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Coil Stock; Foil; Wire; Sheet, Strip, Plate; Wire – Profile, Round, Flat, Square; Plate; Strip; Sheet
- Specifications & Grades: ASTM / ASME; UNS
- Type: Miscellaneous Ferrous Alloy; Controlled / Low Expansion Alloy
- Features: Wrought; Corrosion Resistant; Cold Finished, Rolled or Cold Drawn; Die / Cold Work; Hot Rolled (optional feature)
from Roda Specialty Steel
Grade: 302HQ Cold Heading [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0730
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Wrought; Cold Finished, Rolled or Cold Drawn
from Luma-Metall AB
Gold plated stainless steel wire is available with a gold coat thickness as per your request. A nickel strike in between steel and gold ensure that the adhesion of gold is the best possible. At Luma Metall we do not redraw stainless steel wire. You are welcome to send your own material to us for... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0020 to 0.0118
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Coated / Painted
from MicroGroup
Stainless steel wire is stocked primarily in 304 stainless steel, with spring temper per ASTM A313 and a bright surface finish. Sizes range from .003" to .156" in .001" increments. Diameter tolerance for wire is typically ±.0002". Other alloys and tempers available. [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Wire
- Specifications & Grades: ASTM / ASME; ASTM A313
- Type: Stainless
- Width / OD: 0.0030 to 0.1560
from Universal Wire Works Inc.
Universal 347 is extensively used with the gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc and submerged arc processes. This alloy is suitable for welding stabilized steel grades 321, 347 and 348. Alloy 347 should be used when high service temperatures are encountered (above 700 degrees F). Alloy 347 is similar to... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AMS
- Type: AlloySteel
- UTS: 90000
from Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Dot pins are used in printers that form letters and numerals as a collection of dots. The pins, a mission-critical component in these dot-matrix printers, must be reliable enough to withstand more than 400 million impacts. Our high-quality dot pins are the product of advanced technology in drawing... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Fabricated Parts or Shapes (Castings, Forgings, Machined Parts, etc.); Wire
- Length: 0.7874 to 1.97
- Width / OD: 0.0059 to 0.0197
- Applications: Electronics or semiconductors; Office Equipment
from Ed Fagan, Inc.
ASTM F-15 Alloy, commonly known as Kovar, is a controlled expansion alloy consisting of 29% Nickel, 17% Cobalt, and balance Iron. Kovar is produced to ensure good properties for machining and deep drawing as well as porosity free product. Its expansion characteristics match both borosilicate (Pyrex)... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Semi-finished, Mill Stock or Near Net Shapes; Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AMS; ASTM / ASME; MIL-SPEC / QQS; UNS; F-15, F-1466, Mil-I-23011C Class 1, 7726B, 7727, 7728C
- Type: Miscellaneous Ferrous Alloy; Controlled / Low Expansion Alloy
- Width / OD: 0.0200 to 0.1200
from Reid Supply
Service and replace your springs on the go with our accessories that include music wire, snap buttons and spring winders. . PBW-026 [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0260
- Type: Steel
from Loos & Co., Inc.
Round wire is available from .004 ” to .312 ” in versatile wire packaging options; coils, carriers, spools, reels - the way you want it! Shaped and Flattened wire available upon request. [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AISI; MIL-SPEC / QQS; QS 9000
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Austenitic; Corrosion Resistant
from Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Space saving: Keep same strength on same space. Narrow pitch arrangement on spring probet, Fine springs, Wave springs, and so on. Catheter tubes : Can keep wide ID for medical devices. Cost reducing: Can reduce various costs by using shaped wire instead of Slit process. Pins with complex shapes,... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Fabricated Parts or Shapes (Castings, Forgings, Machined Parts, etc.); Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0020
- Type: Stainless (optional feature)
from Reid Supply
Service and replace your springs on the go with our accessories that include music wire, snap buttons and spring winders. . PBW-9010 [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Width / OD: 0.0100
- Type: Stainless; 300 Stainless Steel
from Loos & Co., Inc.
1X7 Wire Rope. Non flexible. For straight load applications, in smaller diameters used as fishing leaders and line. In larger diameters it is used for guy wire and messenger strand applications. 302/304: Also known as 18-8 (18% chrome and 8% nickel nominal). This alloy is the most common of... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AISI; SD 119, QS 9000
- Type: Stainless
- Features: Austenitic; Corrosion Resistant
from Tokusen Kogyo Co., Ltd.
World smallest level fine wires: Min. Φ0.008 mm. World strongest level Tensile strength: Max. 3,200 MPa. ・ Available various plating/coating. ・ Available various stainless steels [See More]
- Shape / Form: Fabricated Parts or Shapes (Castings, Forgings, Machined Parts, etc.); Wire
- Width / OD: 3.15E-4
- Type: CarbonSteel (optional feature); Stainless (optional feature)
- UTS: 329959 to 464118
from Loos & Co., Inc.
Packaging. Standard packaging is intended for use with commercial lashers such as Class C and D. Loos & Co. Inc. stocks straight hub coils as listed below.We do offer tapered hub coils as well. All Loos & Co. Inc. lashing wire is packaged with plastic ties. We believe this offers the most... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AISI; RUS Accepted
- Type: Stainless
- Thickness: 0.0380
from Loos & Co., Inc.
UNS N06625 – INCONEL 625 is a nickel/chromium alloy steel is suitable for well conditions with CO2 , H2S and Chlorides. The high molybdenum content provides resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion and enhances resistance to sulfuric acid. UNS N08926 – Grade 25-6Mo is an super... [See More]
- Shape / Form: Wire
- Specifications & Grades: AISI
- Type: Stainless
- Thickness: 0.0660 to 0.1250