Abstract: A system for manufacturing wire having a mill and a finishing station configured to receive the wire output from the mill in a continuous fashion. The mill has first and second dies and first and second capstans. The first die is configured to receive a wire having a first cross-sectional area and to reduce the cross-sectional area of the wire as it passes through the first die. The first capstan is configured to receive the wire from the first die and apply a first force on the wire. The second die is configured to receive the wire from the first capstan and to further reduce the cross-sectional area of the wire as it passes through the second die. The second capstan is configured to receive the wire from the second die and apply a second force on the wire. The wire exits the mill having a second cross-sectional area that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area, and is finished by the finishing station.

Abstract: Accumulators are interposed between an initial mill section having an elevated first production rate and each of a plurality of different outlet mill sections having lower second production rates. Each accumulator is constructed and arranged to receive intermediate products from the initial mill section at its elevated first production rate, and to deliver the intermediate products to the associated outlet mill section at its respective lower second production rate. The excess intermediate product resulting from the differential between the first and second production rates is stored temporarily in the accumulator. Switches direct successive intermediate product lengths from the initial mill section to selected outlet mill sections via their respective accumulators for simultaneous processing into packaged finished products.

Abstract: A double-draft continuous wire drawing and collection machine having first and second reduction dies for drawing wire in succession. A rotary advancing block driven by a variable-speed first motor draws wire rod through the first reduction die, and a rotary flyer mechanism driven by a second motor draws wire through the second reduction die as it coils wire on a stationary block. A tension control arm and rheostat regulate the speed of the first motor based on wire tension differentials detected between the rotary advancing block and the second reduction die, in order to maintain constant wire tension in that wire segment.

Abstract: A multipass wiredrawing machine particularly for drawing metal wires which comprises a plurality of reels for pulling a wire that exits from a corresponding die, the reels being arranged in sequence to wind the wire that exits from the die and guide it to a next die, each pulling reel being fixed, while the corresponding die can move with respect to the corresponding pulling reel, in order to maintain a substantially constant length for the portion of wire with respect to the corresponding pulling reel and allow the length of the portion of wire to vary with respect to the preceding pulling reel, so as to provide constant adjustment of the tension of the wire between the die and the reel and between the reel and the next die.

Abstract: In a multiple slip type wet-drawing process using plural drawing pass stages each comprised of a die and a capstan drawing a wire rod passed through the die, an average slip rate in each drawing pass stage other than a final stage is set to a range of 5.about.80 m/min, whereby the wire drawing is carried out without causing problems such as damage of wire rod surface, wire breakage, premature wearing of die and the like.

Abstract: A multipass wiredrawing machine, particularly for drawing metal wires, comprising a plurality of traction drums for the wire that exits from a corresponding die, the drums being arranged mutually in succession in order to wind the wire that exits from the die and guide it on to the next die. Each traction drum is fixed with respect to the corresponding die and can move towards or away from the next die; the movement of the traction drum and of the corresponding die allows constant adjustment of the tension of the wire between the die and the drum and between the drum and the next die.

Abstract: A method and device for drawing steel wire (12) through draft of multiple dies (32, 14") at several or all die positions (16'-24', 16"-24") of a wire drawing machine (30,40) to provide an increased reduction in cross area per die position (16'-24', 16"-24") without the excessive heat build up and die wear previously associated therewith. Also, a novel die (32) is disclosed with lubrication grooves (34) across the face (36) of the die casing (31) to permit liquid lubricant to reach the die/wire interface.

Abstract: In cumulative wire-drawing machines comprising a plurality of dies for successively reducing a diameter of a wire and blocks downstream of each one of the dies for pulling the wire through the dies, the speed of the motor driving the blocks can be automatically controlled by a wire accumulation detection device that detects changes in the amount of wire accumulated on the double-block. Specifically in the context of a double-block type machine, the blocks each comprise a lower segment being driven by the motor to pull the wire through the die, an upper segment for providing the wire to a downstream double-block through a downstream die, and a sheave carried on a ring for transferring the wire from the lower segment to the upper segment. The wire accumulation detection device in this case comprises a cam on the ring and a proximity detection device mounted to the housing of the wire-drawing machine that detects the rotation of the ring by detecting a distance to a surface of the cam.

Abstract: An expert system having a computer which can receive input data and from stored data to produce an optimized die draft schedule for a given wire drawing machine. The system is adaptable to store data for a plurality of die drawing machines, producing an optimized die draft schedule for a range of input and output rod/wire sizes on each drawing machine for which the system has stored operating parameters. Alternatively, operating parameters for additional drawing machines can be entered, enabling generation of optimum die draft schedules for most wire drawing machines. An enhanced mode may be made available to enable comparison of computed values and operator estimated values.

Abstract: A wiredrawing machine is composed of a plurality of stages in cascade, each stage comprising a die (13) through which passes the wire (14) which is partially wound around a motor-driven tension pulley (12). The tension pulley (12) is kinematically connected to a gear wheel (21) which meshes with a pinion (20) supported by a lever (23) to enable it to rotate around the outer edge of the gear wheel (21) . Keyed onto the pinion (20) is a first pulley (19) around which winds a section of a belt (18) driven by a second expanding pulley (17) driven by a motor (16). The lever (23) is connected to spring members (24) which rotate the pinion (20) around the gear wheel (21) in a direction in which it tightens the belt (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drawing steel wire to produce high tensile strength, steel wire with increased torsional ductility. The wire is drawn through a plurality of standard dies (14) in a wire drawing machine (10). The cross section of the wire is reduced by a constant reduction of about 15% to about 18% at each of the standard dies (14) with the exception of the final two dies (18, 19). The wire is then reduced by about 10% to about 90% of the typical reduction at the next to last die (18) and the remainder of the reduction at the final die (19).

Abstract: In a non-slip rectilinear wiredrawing machine with tangentially uncoiling pstans, each capstan is composed of two concentric and coaxial parts, the first of which driven by a motor and comprising the typical capstan pulling face, the second part a freely-revolving ring affording a run-out from which the wire is drawn through a die by and onto a successive capstan; the speed of the individual capstans is synchronized by a device capable of monitoring both the angular movement of the shaft driving the first part of the capstan and the angular movement of the ring, detecting any difference between the two, and correcting the angular velocity of the shaft accordingly.

Abstract: An in-line wire drawing machine includes a power-driven capstan rotatable about a horizontal axis and operable to unwind wire from a coil and to pull the wire through a drawing die for reducing the diameter of the wire. In order to conserve floor space, the coil is supported on an overhead turntable located above the capstan and rotatable about a vertical axis to enable unwinding of the coil. Wire unwound from the coil is directed rearwardly therefrom to a pair of guide rollers, proceeds downwardly alongside the rear of the machine and then travels forwardly to the die. A tangle detector is located upstream of the die and automatically shuts down the machine if the wire in the coil becomes tangled or snagged and fails to pay off of the coil in a free manner.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an extra fine wire, a blank wire cooled to a low temperature is caused to pass through a high humidity atmosphere and, immediately thereafter, is drawn to a diameter such that wire breakage due to the drawing does not occur. Alternatively, a blank wire is caused to pass through a die assembly so arranged as to be immersed in refrigerant, and is drawn within the refrigerant of low temperature, to a diameter with which wire breakage due to the drawing does not occur. The drawn wire material is heated rapidly and is annealed and, thereafter, is cooled rapidly to form an intermediate blank wire. Subsequently, the intermediate wire is drawn at the ordinary temperature.

Abstract: Single and multi-wire drawing apparatus and method are described. A first wire drawing section includes two pairs of cone drawing blocks and two tandem drawing blocks. A second wire drawing section includes a number of tandem drawing blocks, four in the described embodiment, and a final capstan drawing block. the final tandem drawing block of the first wire drawing section is arranged on the second wire drawing section. All of the drawing blocks of the first wire drawing section are driven by a single drive, while the tandem and the final capstan drawing blocks on the second wire drawing section are actuated by a second drive. The dies associated with each tandem drawing block of the second section are movable so that a number of different wire sizes can be produced by appropriately moving the dies and adjusting the speed of the first drive to provide a desired wire speed entering into the second wire drawing section.

Abstract: A multi-stage steel wire drawing machine has, in each stage, two dies and a single drive motor for drawing the wire through the two dies. In a preferred arrangement the dies are mounted side-by-side and an idler wheel used to define part of the wire path between the dies in the stage and a coaxial driven wheel is used to draw the wire through both dies in the stage and to define part of the wire path leading to the next stage. Dry wire lubrication before die entry and water cooling after passage through the dies are disclosed.

Abstract: A mass flow control system for a wire drawing machine wherein wire is drawn through a die by a rotating block driven by a variable speed motor. The thus drawn wire is accumulated as a plurality of windings on the block before being removed therefrom via a guide. The guide is arranged on a carrier ring which rotates independently of the block about the axis of block rotation when a difference exists between the rates at which wire is wound onto and removed from the block. The control system includes a motion detector for generating electrical signals representative of the direction and speed of rotation of the carrier ring. Controls associated with the drive motor and responsive to the aforesaid signals adjust the rotational speed of the block in order to reach a steady state condition where wire is being wound onto and removed from the block at the same rate, and the carrier ring remains motionless.

Abstract: A nonslip multi-pass wire mill with actuation of blocks by adjustable torque converters, having a coolant-lubricant supply system wherein a pressure line of a pumping station communicates with die holders and through the adjustable torque converters with a bath; the pressure line is connected to a low-pressure zone of a working chamber of each torque converter, a high-pressure zone of the working chamber communicates with the bath at approximately a mid-height thereof. The bath is connected at a lower level thereof to a coolant-lubricant tank using a pipe. The torque converter operates with the coolant-lubricant as a working fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous production of half hard copper tubing wherein the copper tubing is fed from a roll to a tube storage means in which a continuous length of tube is stored in one or more lengths in such a manner that the front end of the tube can be drawn rapidly from the storage means while the tail end of the tube remains stationary, a movement of the tail end of the tube is arrested, the front end of a further coil of tubing is joined to the stationary tail end of the tube in the storage means as the front end of that tube is fed forward, and the movement of the tail end of the tube restarted. The above operation is carried out while feeding tubing from the storage means continuously and sequentially through an induction annealing furnace, through quenching means and thereafter to a draw finishing or coiling line.

Abstract: A multiple stage wire drawing machine having a final stage draw block and a plurality of multiple step draw capstan assemblies each having a plurality of coaxial draw capstans of increasing diameter rotatably mounted on a drive spindle, driven at a fixed angular rate relative to the final stage draw block, and independently driven by the spindle through friction disc slip couplings at substantially the same slip drive torque.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method of and apparatus for the continuous drawing of metal tubing by the die and floating plug method using rotating drawing blocks to provide draughting tension. Tube lengths are processed joined end-to-end in sequential stages with accumulators provided between adjacent dies to permit the receipt of tubing from the upstream die and the supply of tubing to the downstream die to be at different rates. Each joint between lengths is broken upstream of a die but remade downstream thereof, the accumulator absorbing and supplying tube from/to adjacent blocks while the tube rejoining process is effected.

Abstract: A multiple stage wire drawing system with a plurality of pivotal dancer pulleys, each operable for maintaining wire stock tension between stages and for feeding wire stock downwardly along a generally helical path from an upper guide pulley receiving wire stock from a preceding draw block to a lower coaxial guide pulley aligned for guiding wire stock to a succeeding die block. Each pivotal dancer pulley is mounted via a support rotor on a relatively short pivot arm and for rotation about an axis inclined to its pivot axis, and a toggle type linkage is connected to the dancer pulley support rotor for controlling the angular relationship of the inclined dancer pulley to the coaxial guide pulleys.

Abstract: A storage device comprising two blocks of different diameter with parallel axes and bases arranged at right angles to the axes. The blocks are set up with an eccentricity with respect to each other, the relative displacement of their axes being equal to half the difference between the diameters of the block bases presented to each other, the smaller diameter block having a possibility of running about the axis of the larger diameter block in both directions, therefore, by such means the billet can be transferred from the larger to the smaller diameter block with a smaller extent and number of bends when compared to the known storage device, thus allowing continuous drawing of tubes by joining and welding the billets end to end.