What Is Cut Wire?
Cut wire, metal wire cut into lengths equal to its diameter is used as an abrasive in shot blasting and peening for polishing and paint removal. Made from fine wire (0.3 to 3 mm diameter) of materials like steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, copper, and zinc, it comes in various hardness levels (40 to 600 Hv) to suit different applications. Edgeless cut wire with rounded edges is also available.
Uses of Cut Wire
Different materials offer distinct benefits:
- Steel Cut Wire: Durable, used for deburring cast products.
- Stainless Steel Cut Wire: Hard (300-600 Hv), resistant to corrosion and acids, suitable for polishing die-cast aluminum and stainless steel.
- Aluminum Cut Wire: Soft (40-60 Hv), ideal for deburring and achieving smooth finishes.
- Alloy Aluminum Cut Wire: Moderately hard (~100 Hv), good for stain removal and polishing.
- Copper and Zinc Cut Wire: Used for deburring and paint stripping.
In welding, a cut wire can enhance weldment in submerged arc welding, particularly for thick plates and high-carbon steel to prevent cracking.
Features of Cut Wire
Cut wire’s primary attributes include:
- High abrasive power and durability, boosting efficiency and reducing costs.
- Consistent grain size and hardness enhance quality.
- Low crushing requirement, minimizing dust, improving the work environment, and reducing waste.
Various types of cut wire cater to specific needs. Stainless steel cut wire (SUS304, SUS430) offers rust resistance and durability, while copper cut wire excels in paint stripping.