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and
Wire & Cable ASIA – January/February 2009 40
“Two proven techniques, aluminium rod rolling from
Continuus-Properzi and steel rod drawing from OTT’s
wire machinery division, are united to bring synergy
to the process of dry drawing,” explains Mr R Contini,
sales director of the wire machinery division.
AS wire is produced by initially extruding aluminium rod
on a steel wire, and then reducing to the final size by
drawing. The drawing technique, known as dry drawing
by pressure dies, is designed to avoid stripping the
aluminium from the steel core during the operation.
The wire passing through special dies and bushings,
which guarantee the required lubrication, generates the
pressure needed to facilitate the drawing process.
The drawing of AS wire has undergone years of
research and development aimed to improve major
process variables in order to boost quality and
productivity while reducing operational costs.
The main requirements of the AS wire drawing
process are best met with a non-slip type drawing
line that provides efficient cooling of the blocks and
dies, possesses the most appropriate block profile,
accurately synchronises the blocks and facilitates easy
alignment of the die holders.
The high performance of the capstan and die cooling
technology, the lack of wire path deviation, improved
back tension control, a lack of wire torsion, and the use
of the most modern inverters and AC motors combine
to maximise product quality while optimising machine performance. The drawing line is composed of a drawing machine with
vertical axis blocks of 670mm, a motorised pay off for single bobbin up to 1,800mm, a cleaning unit, and a take up for single
bobbin up to 1,250mm.
The number of blocks of the drawing machine depends on the desired reduction as well as the required final tensile strength
of the wire. The most common machine is composed of eight blocks, although machines with ten blocks have been supplied
where there is a requirement for different wire diameters and tensile strengths, or to provide flexibility.
The drawing machine is also equipped with completely sealed safety guards, internal lamps and an exhaust system to
evacuate the dust generated during the drawing process.
Continuus-Properzi SpA – Italy
Fax: +39 0298 10358 Email: Website:
1) Material: AS WIRE ‘20SA’ Number of blocks: 8
Wire diameter Inlet: 7.35mm Outlet: 3.45mm
Tensile Outlet: 1400 N/mm2
Speed 3.8 m/s
2) Material: AS WIRE ‘20SA’ Number of blocks: 8
Wire diameter Inlet: 6.3mm Outlet: 2.89mm
Tensile Outlet: 1400 N/mm2
Speed 5.4 m/s
3) Material: AS WIRE ‘20SA’ Number of blocks: 8
Wire diameter Inlet: 4.4mm Outlet: 2.05mm
Tensile Outlet: 1400 N/mm2
Speed 7.2 m/s
4) Material: AS WIRE ‘20SA’ Number of blocks: 10
Wire diameter Inlet: 7mm Outlet: 2.2mm
Tensile Outlet: 1400 N/mm2
Speed 7.5 m/s
5) Material: AS WIRE ‘27SA’ Number of blocks: 8
Wire diameter Inlet: 6mm Outlet: 2.2mm
Tensile Outlet: 1060 N/mm2
Speed 4.5 m/s
6) Material: AS WIRE ‘40SA’ Number of blocks: 6
Wire diameter Inlet: 6.65mm Outlet: 3.5mm
Tensile Outlet: 680 N/mm2
Speed 3.5 m/s
Model TMD 8D670 drawing machine ❍
❍
Dry drawing AS wire
Performance of the drawing line ❍ ❍