What you need to know about: Cutting Wire
This guide on cutting wire is part of our series to outline everything that you need to know about our products. We hope that you find it helpful and that it answers any questions that you may have.
Here it goes…
What is a cutting wire?
Cutting wire is a type of wire that is specifically designed to be used in cutting machines and tools. It is typically made of high-carbon steel, stainless steel, or other durable materials. The wire is usually thin and flexible, and is used to cut through a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, and rubber. It can be found in different shapes, sizes and forms, such as straight, circular or diamond shape.
There are different types based on the cutting method, for example:
- Wire cutting EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) where the wire serves as the electrode to cut through a workpiece by sparking an electrical discharge between the wire and the workpiece.
- Cold wire cutting, which uses a high-pressure jet of water to cool the wire and flush away the debris as it cuts through the material.
- Hot wire cutting, which uses heat to melt the material as the wire cuts through it.
These metals are used in various industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing.
What can a hot cutting wire cut?
A hot wire cutter, also known as a foam cutter, is a tool that uses a heated wire to cut through foam materials, such as Styrofoam, polystyrene, and other thermal plastics. It can be used to cut shapes, designs, or to make smooth straight cuts.
How about a cold wire cutter?
A cold wire cutter is a cutting tool that uses a wire that is not heated to cut through materials. The wire is usually made of a strong and durable material, such as tungsten or stainless steel. Cold wire cutters can be used to cut a wide range of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. They are commonly used in manufacturing, industrial, and repair applications to make precise cuts with minimal heat distortion, burrs or stress on the material.
Which thickness should I use?
It depends on the specific application and the material being cut. Generally, thicker wire is better for cutting thicker or harder materials, while thinner wire is better for cutting thinner or softer materials. However, the wire thickness also affects the flexibility and durability of the wire, so it’s important to choose a wire that is appropriate for the intended use. It’s best to consult a professional or consult the manufacturer’s specifications for specific recommendations.
Our wires are stocked from 0.03mm all the way to 1.5mm, so we will surely have you covered.
Is Nichrome a good cutting wire?
Nichrome is a type of wire that is made from an alloy of nickel and chromium, known as nichrome. Nichrome is known for its high resistance to corrosion and heat, as well as its ability to maintain a consistent temperature. This makes it ideal for use in cutting machines and tools that require precision and heat resistance.
One of the most common use of nichrome wire is in hot wire cutting method, where the wire is heated to high temperatures using an electrical current. This melts the material as the wire cuts through it, allowing for clean and precise cuts. Nichrome wire is typically used to cut through materials such as foam, plastic, and rubber.
Nichrome wire is also used in some other applications such as heating elements, heating wire, and furnace components due to its good resistance to oxidation and high-temperature stability.
Can KA1 wire be used a hot cutting wire?
Yes, Ka1 wire can be used as a hot cutting wire in a hot wire cutter. KA1 wire is a type of iron-chromium-aluminium alloy (FeCrAl alloy) that is commonly used for heating elements in various applications, including hot wire cutters. It has a high resistance to oxidation and can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, which makes it well-suited for use as a hot cutting wire. It can be used to cut through a variety of foam materials like Styrofoam, polystyrene, and other thermal plastics.
How about stainless steel wire?
Stainless steel wire can be used as a hot cutting wire, but it is not the ideal choice. Stainless steel has a high melting point and is difficult to heat up to the required temperature. Also, stainless steel wire generates a lot of sparks during the cutting process, which can be dangerous.
A better choice is a material like tungsten, which has a lower melting point and is easier to heat up. Tungsten also generates less sparks than stainless steel and is considered to be more safe.
When cutting metal with a hot cutting wire, it’s very important to use the appropriate safety equipment and take the necessary precautions.
Therefore, it is recommended to use a specialised wire or material for hot cutting, that has been designed and tested for this specific application, rather than using stainless steel wire.
How do I cut it?
A wire cutter is the best tool for the task. It typically has two jaws, one of which is a cutting edge and the other is used to hold the wire in place while it is being cut. Wire cutters are commonly used in electrical work, jewellery making, and other crafts that involve cutting wire. Thinner wires can be cut with standard scissors.
What do you offer?
We have a huge range of stainless steel, nichrome, KA1 and other metals available in many thicknesses and spool lengths. Our products are produced in house and are available at brilliant prices with rapid production speeds.
We hope that this answers all questions that you may have for us about this product. Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information about anything wire related.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope that the information above helped you in the search for the right product for your project.
If you’re interesting in learning more about wire, check out our other blog on Everything You Need to Know About Wires.
We are also proud to supply this product on our highly popular eBay store, check us out there too.
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