voestalpine Wire Technology offers customized solutions in the field of free-cutting steel wire, with a focus on lead-free alternatives, CO₂-reduced production, excellent machinability, and high formability. Our free-cutting steel wire products meet the highest requirements for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and process reliability. Thanks to innovative alloy concepts and close cooperation with our customers, we develop materials that meet both ecological and technical requirements.
Free-cutting steel wire is used in numerous industries - from fasteners in mechanical engineering to turned parts in consumer goods to spindles and cylinder pins in the automotive industry.
✔ From ore to wire
✔ 400+ steel alloys
✔ Own R&D facilities
✔ CO2 reduced processes
Applications of free-cutting steel wire
Customized wire solutions:
- individual wire development for special industry requirements
- prototypes & small series for research and industry
- material consulting for demanding projects
Technical details on free-cutting steel wire
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- Diameter range: 2.00 mm to 16.00 mm
- Tolerances: up to -0.020 mm or tolerance class h9
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We are specialists in customer-oriented wire production. Thanks to our in-house steel production facilities, we can manufacture special steel grades to meet specific customer requirements.
Your advantages with voestalpine Wire Technology
- Lead-free alloy concepts: Environmentally friendly alternatives such as bismuth or sulfur-manganese for optimal chip formation.
- Excellent machinability & formability: For maximum efficiency and minimal tool wear.
- High dimensional accuracy & surface quality: Ideal for precision turned parts and demanding applications.
- Customized material development: Alloys according to customer specifications - tailored to your processes.
- Reliable delivery performance: Flexible, punctual, and packaged with corrosion protection.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about machine wires
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Free-cutting steel wire is a special steel wire that is optimized for machining on automated turning and milling machines. It is characterized by good machinability, which is achieved through specific alloy additives such as sulfur or lead. This allows components to be manufactured efficiently and with high dimensional accuracy. Typical applications include the series production of precision parts for the automotive, electrical, and mechanical engineering industries.
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We offer lead-free solutions with bismuth or sulfur-manganese alloys – environmentally friendly and high-performance.
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It enables high strength combined with good toughness and improves formability – without any lead.
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They have a positive effect on chip length and breakage behavior and enable controlled chip formation during machining.
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In addition to classic additives such as sulfur and manganese, we also offer bismuth and other elements for the targeted optimization of machining properties.
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Yes - the trend is clearly moving toward lead-free materials, driven by environmental regulations, health considerations, and better recyclability.
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Through targeted material development and alloy additives tailored to the respective machining strategy.
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Corrosion-resistant packaging and flexible delivery options – even for sensitive materials.
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Standardized tests, complete traceability, and continuous process monitoring - mix-up tests are also possible.
Do you have a new project that requires free-cutting steel wire?
Our experts will be happy to advise you and find the right solution for your requirements!
