Wire comes in many different shapes, sizes, and types. Annealed wire is one of the most popular varieties available on the market today. With this post, we’d like to quickly explain what annealed wire is, what it would typically be used for, and how it can benefit your project or business. Learn more about this product and its uses below, or request a quote from Vulcan Wire today.

What is Annealed Wire?

To create annealed wire, the manufacturer starts with a low carbon steel wire. From there, the annealing process is used to achieve a finished product. Annealing involves heating the wire to a specific temperature before cooling it at a prescribed rate in order to achieve the desired result.

What is that result? Annealing is used with the goal of increasing the ductility of the wire and reducing the hardness. This allows the wire to be flexible while still remaining durable. With these properties, annealed wire is self-tying and can stay in place when wrapped around itself.

Types Of Annealed Wire

Within this category of wire, there are actually a few variations to consider. Popular options include merchant wire, box wire, and tie wire. The merchant wire is black annealed wire wound into 100 pounds per coil, and a full stand holds 20 coils. The box wire is 100 pounds of wire wound into a tighter and smaller coil to fit in a box for cleaner transport.

The tie wire is a general reference to either one of these two variations.

Note that black annealed single loop bale-ties are no longer commonly found, since over 95% of the market switched to the cleaner and more durable galvanized single loop bale-ties in the 90’s.

Why Is It Used?

With any kind of project, you are always trying to use the right materials for the job. Using the wrong products can make the work harder than it needs to be—and it might even mean that you aren’t able to complete the task. In terms of wire specifically, picking out the right type is crucial, as you will need the perfect characteristics to avoid problems down the line.

How Is It Used?

One common application for annealed wire is as baling wire or tie wire. In such uses, it is the ductility of the product that really comes in handy, as it is able to adapt to the form it needs to take in order to bring together a bale or be tied up without breaking.

This wire can offer impressive tensile strength while bringing the flexibility necessary to perform as a baling wire.

Making the Right Selection

When the time comes to shop for annealed wire, you’ll need to be sure to pick the specific product with the right specs for your requirements. For starters, you will want to pick the right type of wire, whether that is black annealed, soft annealed, etc. From there, you will also need to select the proper gauge and tensile strength.

The specific features you need to look for will depend both on the work you need to perform and the machinery that you will be using. Fortunately, you don’t have to make this decision alone, as Vulcan Wire has the expertise to help you deal with this potentially tough choice. If you have any doubt as to which wire is best for you, please feel free to contact us for assistance.