1. Wire Drawing:

   • Raw Material: The process begins with medium carbon steel, chosen for its balance of strength and ductility.
   • Drawing: The steel is drawn through a series of progressively smaller dies to reduce its diameter to the desired gauge. This step also increases the wire’s tensile strength.

2. Annealing:

   • Heating: The drawn wire is then subjected to an annealing process, where it is heated in a controlled environment to a temperature typically between 680-700°C (1256-1292°F).
   • Cooling: After reaching the desired temperature, the wire is slowly cooled. This cooling process is crucial as it reduces the internal stresses and softens the steel, enhancing its flexibility and ductility.

3. Surface Treatment:

   • Black Oxide Coating: During the annealing process, the wire’s surface reacts with the environment in the annealing furnace, forming a black oxide layer. This gives the wire its characteristic black finish and provides some level of corrosion resistance.

4. Spooling and Packaging:

   • Spooling: After annealing, the wire is wound onto spools or cut into specified lengths, depending on customer requirements.
   • Packaging: The finished black annealed wire is then packaged, typically in coils, boxes, or other formats suitable for handling and transportation. The packaging is designed to protect the wire during shipping and storage.

This process results in black annealed stem wire that is soft, flexible, and easy to work with, making it ideal for a variety of applications in recycling, construction, agriculture, and other industries.

Annealing and galvanization are distinct processes that impart different properties to steel wire.

Annealed Wire:

• Process: The wire undergoes a heating and cooling cycle after the initial wire drawing. The wire is heated to a specific temperature and then slowly cooled.
• Purpose: This process modifies the interior steel’s hardness and ductility, creating a wire that is both strong and easily bendable without fracturing.
• Properties: The annealing process makes the wire flexible and pliable.
• Applications: Intended for indoor use in recycling facilities, warehouses, and other industrial operations where flexibility and ease of manipulation are essential.
• Finish: Black oxide coating from the annealing process gives the wire a dark, matte finish.

Galvanized Wire:

• Process: After the raw steel wire has been drawn and sized, it receives a zinc coating. This can be done through hot-dip galvanization or electro-galvanization.
• Purpose: The zinc layer protects the interior steel from rust and deterioration.
• Properties: The zinc coating makes the wire highly resistant to corrosion and rust.
• Applications: Well-suited for outdoor usage where exposure to weather, wet conditions, or salt is expected. Commonly used in agriculture, construction, and outdoor installations.
• Finish: The galvanization process results in a bright, shiny appearance.

In summary, annealed wire is preferred for applications requiring flexibility and ease of handling, typically indoors. Galvanized wire, with its corrosion-resistant properties, is better suited for outdoor environments and situations where the wire is exposed to harsh conditions.