This is a common question among customers, as the machines used to produce these two types of wire differ, and their applications span across distinct industries.
The key difference between flat wire with rounded edges and flat wire with sharp edges lies in their edge profiles and applications.
Flat wire with rounded edges has smooth, curved edges, making it ideal for medical devices like stents, catheters, and orthodontic clips. The rounded edges reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and prevent wear in high-precision applications.
Flat wire with sharp edges, on the other hand, has angular, defined edges, which are suitable for industrial applications where precision cutting or other functions requiring sharpness are needed.
In essence, rounded-edge flat wire is preferred for safety and smoothness in sensitive applications, while sharp-edge flat wire is used in industries that demand more defined and precise edge geometry

Yes, annealing is often a crucial step in manufacturing stainless steel flat wire with rounded edges, especially when the wire needs to be softened to enhance flexibility and ease of processing. Annealing is a heat treatment that relieves the stresses introduced during cold working, ensuring that the wire possesses the desired properties like strength and ductility.
Typically, after processes like drawing or rolling, annealing is required to achieve the proper mechanical characteristics for applications in industries such as construction or manufacturing. However, if the raw materials are already annealed, the wire will be softer and more malleable, eliminating the need for additional annealing. Our factory offers a variety of annealing furnaces to suit your specific industry needs and production requirements. With our comprehensive solutions, you can rest assured that we provide everything you need, delivering a seamless one-stop supply experience.

To determine the number of rolling stages required based on the width-to-thickness ratio of the finished flat wire, consider the following process:
1. Calculate the Desired Width-to-Thickness Ratio:
First, Calculate or determine the desired width-to-thickness ratio of the finished flat wire. This ratio is a key specification for the end product, influencing factors such as flatness, appearance, tensile strength, yield strength, and overall mechanical properties.
2. Establish the Initial Wire Dimensions:
Determine the initial diameter (or thickness) of the round wire or bar before cold rolling. The starting thickness will influence how much reduction is needed at each stage.
3. Define Reduction per Stage:
The reduction per rolling stage depends on the rolling mill and material. For most spring flat wire processes, the reduction per stage is generally between 10% and 40% of the wire's thickness. However, this varies depending on the material properties and equipment.
4. Determine the Total Reduction Needed:
To reach the desired width-to-thickness ratio, calculate the total reduction in the wire's thickness by comparing the starting thickness and the desired final thickness. But there are many cases where this is not realistic.
5. Estimate the Number of Rolling Stages:
Divide the total required reduction by the average reduction per stage. For example, if you need to reduce the stainless and steel wire's thickness by 80% and the average reduction per stage is 20%, you will need approximately 4 rolling stages (80% ÷ 20%).
6. Consider Material and Process Limits:
Keep in mind that rolling limits, stainless steel raw material type, and quality requirements (such as surface finish and mechanical properties) might influence the number of stages. For example, materials that are harder or have more complex properties may require additional stages or specific heat treatments between stages.
7. Judge by experience
For example, we have years of experience in the production and manufacturing of rolling mills and wire drawing machines. We often rely on this expertise to determine the number of rolling mills required. Take producing stainless steel flat wire with dimensions of 1.23x6.52, for instance. According to calculations, three rolling mills would be needed. However, in our daily production, we have found that two rolling mills are more than sufficient to meet the requirements. Therefore, we make judgments based on our practical experience.