Stitching wire for the printing industry is probably one of the most demanding applications of a mild steel product. Quality is vitally important to ensure maximum efficiency on automatic finishing equipment, and it is essential that inbuilt quality and process controls are in place. However quality is quite often in the hands of the skilled wire drawer.
Although the “specification” represents the mechanical and physical properties expected. A “good” stitching wire has to have the following characteristics.
Each stitch has to perform exactly the same as the preceding one.
Each stitch has to:-
a. Bend without breaking.
b. Have the strength to penetrate the paper.
The best wire in the world is no good if it does not dewind satisfactorily.
A “clean” wire is essential to ensure that oily deposits are not left on the work piece. However, a certain amount of residue lubrication is needed to ensure satisfactory stitch formation.
It is essential that the coating is adherent, otherwise the heads will quickly become clogged with zinc.
page last updated: 31/07/2018
