Inline drawing and annealing lines for aluminium, aluminium alloys and copper alloys

The inline systems for drawing and annealing of wires made from aluminum, aluminum alloys and copper alloys at Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH, Schwabach, Germany, are analyzed. Annealing in a protective atmosphere is reported to be necessary for copper alloys and heating for such wires has to take place at high speed because of the relatively short time spent by the wire on its way through the annealer, which calls for high electric voltage. Inline drawing and annealing offers a number of advantages, which have a positive impact on wire quality and productivity. The induction annealers for flat and round wires made of copper alloys and special metallic materials, designed by Niehoff Bühler (NBM) GmbH, are also discussed.