Abstract: A method for producing wire with a small cross-sectional area and good mechanical properties is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing metallic coil stock of blackplate thickness with a specific microstructure and an essentially uniform cross-section, positioning in engaging relationship a pair of monolithic cutting rolls, feeding the stock into the nip formed by the rolls and then slitting the stock by shear fracture into wire with an aspect ratio of less than about 25. The method is characterized by an extended life of the cutting rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with a slitter. The apparatus comprises a body member having teeth and grooves, permitting it to mesh with grooved slitting cutters, means for mounting the body member onto a slitter housing and means for aligning the body member so that a slit product can be readily extracted from the slitting cutters. The apparatus also prevents damage to the slitter in the event the slit product inadvertently breaks during slitting.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for precision slitting of metallic coil stock into multiple continuous lengths of wire, wherein the resultant wire is characterized by a small cross-sectional area. The apparatus comprises means for guiding coil stock into a pair of revolving monolithic cutter rolls and means for collecting the slit wire. The rolls are positioned in engaging relationship and each roll contains a plurality of lands and grooves so that stock can be slit with an aspect ratio of less than five.