What Are Wire Cutters?
Wire cutters, tools designed for cutting relatively soft materials like resin, have specialized applications. Specialized for cutting plastic, wire cutters cannot effectively cut hard metal wires, such as piano wire, without risking damage due to their thinner blades compared to ordinary nippers. Nevertheless, certain models can handle thin metal wires made from softer metals like copper, aluminum, and brass.
Uses of Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are commonly used for cutting and deburring plastic products and for tasks such as cleanly cutting bundling bands without much force. Their design enables flat-edge cutting, reducing the likelihood of burrs and ensuring clean cuts that minimize injury risk. Some models feature a catching function to hold onto cut edges, preventing residual chips from causing damage to machinery or precision instruments.
Due to their ability to fit into narrow spaces, wire cutters are often employed for intricate tasks like cutting plastic model parts or support materials for 3D printers. Models designed for plastic models often feature particularly fine and thin cutting edges. The inclusion of a return spring in some models aids work efficiency by reducing hand fatigue.
Principle of Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are characterized by their sharpness and reduced likelihood of causing burrs and whitening. Their sharpness is due to thin blades that apply greater pressure, enhancing cutting ability. However, caution is advised when cutting hard materials, as thin blades are more susceptible to damage. Larger wire cutters exert more force and are better suited for cutting thicker or harder plastics.
To prevent burrs and whitening, wire cutters are designed with sharper blades than general nippers. The flat front blade of wire cutters contrasts with the angled front blades of general nippers, which tend to leave burrs. Whitening, caused by stretched resin, is minimized in wire cutters due to their thin, sharp blades reducing material load.
Types of Wire Cutters
Wire cutters come in various types:
- Round Blade Type: Features a gentle R shape to prevent burrs.
- Straight Blade Type: Has a flat front blade for flat cutting surfaces and ease of use in tight spaces.
- Single-Blade Type: Includes a single sharp edge, reducing burrs and providing a smoother finish.
- Slanted Blade Type: The angled tip allows cutting without interference from surrounding objects.
- End-Blade Type (Bite Cut Type): Ideal for cutting in deep U-shaped areas where normal blades can’t reach.