Dear colleagues,

Recently we are looking for higher capability to fulfill our customer demands for copper rod supply to drawing process of ultra-fine copper wire.
Currently we already capable to supply copper rod for ultra-fine wire, but only for single wire output ultra-fine drawing. We look for capability for multi-wire drawing machine.
May be you can share your experience about what is significant product quality parameters of copper rod for this case. And also product quality and process parameter for break-down drawing machine (to produce large copper wire).

For information, reference for our copper rod is ASTM B49-08a and for copper wire is JIS C 3102 and 3101.

Please do not mind to share your experiences and ideas.

Best regards,

Siampudan

Hello Siampudan;

Before we answer your questions, we have some questions of our own.
(1) Are you using SPC in your plant?
(2) Since you are manufacturing Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper Rod as per BS EN ASTM-B49-08a, what process is used and what is your criteria for machining or replacing the rolls in the mill?
(3) How do you decide (Criteria please.) which (special) copper rod is designated for fine wire and ultra-fine wire now?
(4) Is this (special) copper rod handled carefully, kept clean and carefully stored on plywood off the concrete floor? (No nails or paints)
(5) What is your process for welding copper rod ends at rod breakdown. (Cold welding or hot welding and with how many upsets?)
(6) Please confirm that all drawn wires are joined by cold welding.
Please advise.

Regards
Peter J. Stewart-Hay
Principal
Stewart-Hay Associates
www.Stewart-Hay.com
519 641- 3212

Perhaps your could clarify what you call ultra fine wire. I consider ultra fine to be anything smaller than 47-48 AWG wire. I know people that are stranding or bunching those sizes but they are drawing it one strand at a time. It is so hard to draw true ultra fine wire that to try and do it on a multi-draw machine if there were one would probably not be worth the effort.