Wire

A single flexible strand or rod of metal. Wire is used to bear mechanical loads or electricity and telecommunications signals.

Description of what it is like

A long, thin, flexible metal cylinder. It can be bent easily without breaking (ductile) and has high tensile strength.

Origin and where to find it

• Artificial: Manufactured from metals.
• History: Early wire was made by beating metal into sheets and cutting strips. Modern wire drawing dates back to the medieval period.

Minimum processing required

1. Casting: Metal is cast into an ingot or billet.
2. Rolling: Rolled into a rod.
3. Drawing: Pulled through a series of dies (holes) made of hard material (tungsten carbide or diamond). Each die is slightly smaller than the wire, reducing its diameter and increasing its length.
4. Annealing: Heating the wire to soften it if it becomes too brittle during drawing.

Tools needed to work on it

• Pliers: For bending and cutting.
• Draw Plate: A plate with holes for manual drawing (primitive).
• Hammer/Anvil: For flattening or shaping ends.

Common forms of use

• Solid: Single strand (stiff).
• Stranded: Multiple thin wires twisted together (more flexible, used in cables).
• Coiled: Springs.
• Mesh: Woven wire (fences, screens).

Possible substitutes

• Rope: For mechanical tying/binding (weaker, rot risk).
• Plant Fibers: Primitive binding.
• Leather Strips: For binding.

Limitations and common failures

• Fatigue: Repeated bending will cause it to snap (work hardening).
• Corrosion: Rusts if not galvanized or coated.
• Overheating: If used for electricity, can melt if current is too high.

Risks and safety

• Cuts: Ends are sharp.
• Whiplash: Under tension, a snapping wire can cause severe injury.
• Shock: Conducts electricity.

Related materials

• Steel: Common material for structural wire.
• Reinforced Concrete: Wire is used to tie Rebar.
• Copper: Common for electrical wire.
• Rope: Non-metallic alternative.