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Wire Journal News

WAI News

The Wire Association International’s Education Center is presenting a two-part webinar series this month on differentiating high-quality wire dies from substandard ones. Targeted at tool makers and wire producers, the sessions are led by experts from Hyperion Materials & Technologies.

On Sept. 17, 2025, at 11:00 am CST, “Differentiating High-Quality PCD Wire Dies” will explore carbide and PCD (polycrystalline diamond) fundamentals, highlighting issues like EDM cutting problems and cracks. Attendees will learn to identify defects, receive a checklist for product evaluation, and discover innovations in PCD materials.

On Sept. 24, 2025, at 11:00 am CST, “Key Differentiators in Carbide Wire Dies” will focus on carbide materials with an interactive segment covering issues such as casing problems, breakage, cavities, and scratches. This session will also present a checklist for quality assessment, testing methods, certifications, and the latest in carbide technology.

Registration is required for each session. Webinars are free for WAI members and $75 for non-members, making membership ($150/year) an attractive option for those interested in both sessions and seeking further discounts on training and events.

WAI has set October 2 as the date for the Points Meeting for Wire Expo 2026 at its headquarters in Madison, Connecticut, where space allocation will officially launch for the event set for May 6-7, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Points Meeting is critical for companies to select exhibit spaces based on a points system that rewards frequent and long-time supporters. Director of Sales Shannon Timme commented that Wisconsin is an excellent location, with Milwaukee positioned in a key hub of the Midwest’s industrial corridor, while also offering visitors the chance to experience downtown and regional hospitality. Bolstered by co-location with EWPTE, Wire Expo 2026 is expected to see even greater results, she added.

At the last Points Meeting on Oct. 11, 2023, for Wire Expo 2024, 91 companies participated, resulting in 102 floor spaces being claimed for the expo held June 11-12, 2024, at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut—representing more than 60% of available booth space. Two months after the meeting, nearly 70% of 2024 expo floor space had been reserved, with 10% of exhibitors being new. The event sold out.

Vanessa Lewis has joined the Wire Association International as project manager, serving as the primary contact for WAI member relations.

Lewis, a 2024 graduate of Purchase College at SUNY, holds a B.S. degree in communications. She previously worked as a production assistant at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Her responsibilities include managing chapters, overseeing new member onboarding and renewals, and providing project management support for WAI’s meeting planning, circulation and association management software (AMS).

Lewis will act as the staff liaison to the Member Relations Committee and all chapters. She has already met with Member Relations Committee Chairman Brian Steinbruegge of Insteel Industries to ensure a smooth transition. Her first WAI event was the Ohio Valley Chapter Outing on August 21. She will provide on-site support at the New England and Southeast Chapter outings in September and October.

“I am pleased to have Vanessa join our dedicated team,” said WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll, who noted that in her short time at WAI, Lewis has already impressed her colleagues. Fetteroll added that Lewis will also be involved in WAI’s transition to a new AMS, which is in its early phases, as well as the upcoming deployment of the new wirenet.org site.

Fort Wayne Wire Die Inc. President Eric Bieberich recently sent the Wire Association International a photo showing the WAI flag flying alongside the U.S. flag at the company’s headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Bieberich, who is serving as WAI’s 2025 president, continued the tradition by displaying the flag, which WAI provides to each current president to be flown during their term.

This custom, embraced in recent years, highlights the close relationship between WAI leadership and its member companies and serves as a visual symbol of industry pride and association identity throughout the president’s tenure.

Last modified on September 2, 2025

The WAI New England Chapter has rescheduled its previously planned Aug. 7 educational meeting at FENN’s plant in East Berlin, Connecticut, to October 9. The annual educational meeting will include a plant tour and a networking dinner, featuring food and drink trucks for the celebration.

The cost is $105, or $85 for WAI members. All proceeds support the WAI New England Chapter Scholarship Fund, helping invest in the next generation of industry professionals.

The Ohio Valley Chapter (OVC) will hold its golf tournament and target shooting event on Thursday, Aug. 21. As with its prior event, the OVC will offer a unique split activity format. Golfers will play at the Kensington Country Club (www.kensingtongolf.com), while the OVC shooting event will again be held at the Training Range (www.thetrainingrange.com) in nearby Austintown. Following both events, the Ohio Valley Chapter will hold an educational program.

Meanwhile, the New England Chapter returns to the Tunxis Country Club (www.tunxisgolf.com) on Monday, Sept. 8, for its highly anticipated 31st annual Golf Tournament, with 140 golfers expected to participate. The event will feature a DJ, raffle prizes, awards, and ample time to reconnect with colleagues and make new industry connections in a relaxed setting. If you’re not interested in golf, you can register for just the afternoon portion.

Closing out the schedule will be the WAI Southeast Chapter’s Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, Oct. 16, at the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa (www.rockbarn.com) in Conover, North Carolina. See more in the next issue.

Registration for all these events can be made through the individual chapter pages at www.wirenet.org. These events, a perfect blend of camaraderie and competition, are an excellent way to meet peers, support good causes (such as college scholarship programs), and enjoy a day on the links.

The WAI Midwest Chapter established this scholarship program, administered by The Wire Foundation, to improve educational opportunities for academically qualified high school seniors or college students who are children, grandchildren, or dependents of WAI Midwest Chapter members in good standing.

The Chapter made this commitment to reinforce the value of higher education in today’s society and to provide members with an opportunity to benefit from their membership in WAI and the Chapter. Below are the winners.

 

Mia Robillard is the daughter of Brad Robillard, owner, Elk Technologies. She is attending The Ohio State University, where she is seeking a degree in mechanical engineering.

Hailey Walker is the daughter of Robert Sears (Retired), BS Wire. She is attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is seeking a degree in English.

Amy Skolozynski is the daughter of Stephen Skolozynski, general manager, Master Spring & Wire Form Co. She is attending the University of Iowa, where she is seeking a degree in English and creative writing.

The WAI will partner with Hyperion Materials & Technologies to host a two-part technical webinar series via zoom in September focused on wire die quality designed for wire die tool makers and wire producers.

Part 1: Differentiating High-Quality PCD Wire Dies will be presented at 11 am EST on Sept. 17. Presenters Hector Ferrer Ribas and Andrew Gledhill will cover the fundamentals of carbide and PCD, explaining how to separate high-quality wire dies from substandard ones. An interactive segment will include “red flags” such as EDM cutting problems and cracks. Also covered will be the causes/impact of material defects on Total Cost of Ownership (TOC). It will provide a checklist to assess product quality based on manufacturing processes, material consistency, traceability and supplier expertise as well as cover innovations in PCD materials, testing methods, certifications and quality assurance.

Part 2: Key Differentiators in Carbide Wire Dies will be presented at 11 am EST on Sept. 24. It will focus on identifying quality indicators in carbide wire dies. The presenters will outline common defects such as casing issues, breakage, cavities, pores, and scratches. Attendees will learn about the causes of these problems and how they affect TCO. A practical checklist will help evaluate wire dies based on consistency, process control, and supplier standards. The session will also address testing methods, material traceability, and recent innovations in carbide materials.

Each webinar requires separate registration. You may register for one or both using the register now buttons above. The cost is free for WAI members and $75 per session for non-members. Non-members planning to attend should consider joining WAI for $150 per year during checkout to access the webinars for free.

For more information or for assistance with registering, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Last modified on August 6, 2025

The WAI Education Center has publicly released the introductory videos from its four completed courses. These videos, shared on LinkedIn, YouTube, and via email, showcase the high-quality content and end with a call to action to enroll.

Interest has grown since Interwire this past May. Notably, Prysmian enrolled 18 extrusion operators from its Colombia plant in all three available extrusion courses, with more expected to follow.

Multiple new courses are in development, such as Extrusion – Special Process Considerations and Introduction to Wire Dies. WAI is working with instructional designers to add interactive activities and expanded quizzes to selected courses.

For more details, go to wirenet.org or contact WAI at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Wire Association International will co-locate Wire Expo next year with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) on May 6-7, 2026, at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Bringing the Expos together under one roof creates meaningful opportunities for industry professionals to explore the entire value chain. The co-location enables manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and end-users to see and experience novel technologies, forge strategic partnerships and advance the industry.

The two events previously colocated in 2010 at the venue now known as the Baird Center. The reunion comes at a time of industry growth and technological advancement, positioning the combined event as a catalyst for discovery and collaboration.

 WAI First Vice President David Fisher said that he looks forward to the co-location. “It’s a great chance for both groups to co-mingle and truly get a feel for each side of the wire and cable industry—from manufacturing to downstream end use, and all the products and equipment that go into it. The people who make this happen are key to the success of both groups.”

“The co-location of the Wire Expo and the EWPTE will create a unique opportunity for attendees to collaborate, establish valuable new contacts, and learn from industry leaders and experts,” said David Bergman, VP, international relations, Global Electronics Association, and executive director, WHMA.

The EWPTE trade show attracts nearly 200 exhibitors and over 3,000 attendees from more than 40 states and 25 countries for the electrical wire harness, wire, and cable processing industries. The WHMA, established in 1993, is the only trade association exclusively representing the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry.

Attendees of Wire & Cable Kraków are in for a treat when the international conference is held Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre in Kraków, Poland.

Wire & Cable Kraków will be packed with innovation, insight and international collaboration. The conference program calls for 29 expert speakers to share their knowledge in this single-day technical blitz. The program will explore topics such as production efficiency, product development and sustainability. Ferrous and nonferrous sessions will run concurrently, offering something for everyone in the wire and cable world.

Scheduled speakers come from companies that include Tata Steel, the MFL Group, InnoVites, SAMP Group, Eder Engineering, Hyperion, TKT Group, Windak Group, Aeroel Marposs, Niehoff, WiTechs,

the Pittini Group, AGH University, CRU, Paramount Die, Metalube, Bekaert, Taymer Europe, Tokai University, Czestochowa University of Technology, University of Milano-Bicocca and Celanese.

A tabletop exhibition will be held by the conference. Space is limited to 25 companies. Contact WAI via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details on getting a tabletop. Go to wirecable25.com for the latest info.

The WAI is a lead organizer, joining ACIMAF, the AGH University of Kraków and the International Wire & Machinery Association (IWMA). The conference is also backed by media partner Expometals.net, supported by WJI, and sponsored by the International Wire and Cable Machine Exhibitors Association (IWCEA). Media support also comes from Expometals.net. The International Wire and Cable Machine Exhibitors Association (IWCEA) is also an event sponsor. More sponsorship opportunities are available.

The event is designed to be more than “just a conference.” The experience begins early with a welcome dinner on Monday, Oct. 13 at the historic Stara Zajezdnia Kraków by DeSilva in the heart of Kazimierz. An optional private tour of the famed Wieliczka Salt Mine—with hotel transport—is also on the agenda.

Hotel rooms can be booked now for the Holiday Inn Kraków City Centre via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling tel. +48-12-619-00-51. Mention the password (THE WIRE KRAKÓW) when reserving.

This September, WAI’s Education Center, in collaboration with Hyperion Materials & Technologies, will host a two-part technical webinar series on consecutive Wednesday for wire die tool makers and wire producers. The sessions will offer in-depth guidance on evaluating PCD and carbide wire die quality, focusing on practical takeaways, red flag detection and cost-saving insights.

Part One: Differentiating High-Quality PCD Wire Dies. The first webinar, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at 11 am EST, will take place virtually via Zoom. Led by Hector Ferrer Ribas and Andrew Gledhill, the presentation will cover the fundamentals of carbide and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) dies, noting what separates premium wire dies from substandard alternatives. Attendees will learn to spot red flags such as EDM cutting problems and cracks, explore how defects affect Total Cost of Ownership and receive a die quality checklist. An interactive segment will reinforce key learning points and highlight the latest advancements in PCD materials and quality assurance practices.

Part Two: Key Differentiators in Carbide Wire Dies. The second webinar, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 11 am EST Time, is also via Zoom. It will focus on identifying what makes a high-quality carbide wire die. Topics include common quality issues like casing problems, breakage, pores and scratches, along with their causes and consequences. Attendees will gain tools to evaluate manufacturing processes, material consistency, and traceability. The program will also cover innovations in carbide die materials and the importance of certifications and testing methods.

Each session is free for WAI members and $75 for non-members. Separate registration is required for each part. Not a member? Consider joining, as annual WAI membership is $150, and has year-round savings/benefits. Registration is now open. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your technical expertise and make better-informed tooling decisions.

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