The “what” of a wire is simple: a wire is a flexible strand of metal. The “why,” however, is far more complex. Read on for a basic overview of the wonderful world of metal wires…
Uses: In the most general sense, wire is used to bear mechanical loads, electricity, telecommunications signals.
Formation: Wire is formed by drawing metal through a hole in a draw plate or die of cast iron or steel. (Very fine wires may be drawn through ruby or diamond plates.)
Measurement: Wire gauge measures the size (diameter or cross-section) and indicates the amount or weight, electric current, and/or electrical resistance per unit of length it can safely carry.
Variations: The term “wire” can refer to a single metal strand as well as a bundle of strands (aka wire rope or cable).
Forms: Wire comes in solid-core, stranded, and braided forms. Most are circular in cross-section, but it can also be made in flattened rectangular, square, or hexagonal cross-sections.
- Solid-core or single-strand wire consists of one piece of metal wire. It provides more mechanical ruggedness than it does flexibility, and it’s cheaper to manufacture than are other forms.
- Stranded wire is composed of multiple strands of small-gauge wire bundled together to form a larger conductor. It is more flexible than solid wire and is a better conductor due to the collective surface area of the individual wires.
- Braided wire consists of a number of small wire strands braided together. Braided wires are strong. The more individual strands in the wire bundle, the more flexible, break-resistant, and kink-resistant the wire is. (And the more expensive it is to produce.)
Uses: There is not enough room here to list all of the uses for wire.
- Wire is a primary raw material of important manufacturing industries, including wire netting, engineered springs, wire rope and wire cloth (i.e. wire mesh).
- Wire is used in vast quantities for telephone and data cables, for heating, and for conducting electrical power. It is in tremendous demand for use in fences, cages, suspension bridges, and engineered springs.
- Wire can be found in stringed musical instruments, as well as scientific instruments. It is used to make hairpins, fish hooks, rivets, nails, and jewelry. There are, in fact, few industries that do not use wire in some capacity.
Composition: The best metals for wire making are ductile and strong in tension and include platinum, silver, iron, aluminum, copper, gold, brass, and bronze. Special-purpose wire (e.g. for light bulbs), may be made from other metals, such as tungsten.
Metal wire and wire mesh are common imports from China. These imports can be customized to suit the specific needs of a U.S. business and can be found in ordinary items everywhere: shopping carts, property fences, and home décor, to name just a few.
Working with an experienced importer enables American companies to ensure that they acquire quality wire products. Walker has been working with a first-rate metal wire and wire mesh manufacturer/exporter in China for nearly 20 years. Walker’s partner is ISO certified and produces more than 20,000 metric tons of steel rod annually.
Beyond Walker’s partnership with a quality manufacturer is our expertise in the logistics of getting metal wire and wire mesh from China to the U.S. Walker manages the cross-cultural communications, the overseas transit, and the journey through customs to make sure quality products arrives in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Contact Walker for your metal wire and wire mesh needs.
