Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming slotted wire screens is provided. According to one embodiment, the method involves the steps of (1) providing support ring material; (2) positioning a wire on the support ring material; (3) joining the wire and the support ring material; and (4) bending the support ring material to form a ring of a radius. The steps of joining and bending are performed at substantially the same time. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a device for pushing support ring material; a device for providing the support ring material with an adhesive, such as a brazing compound; a device for positioning a wire on the support ring material; a heating zone for heating the support ring material and the wire; and a device for bending the support ring material.