Wire forms, or wire manipulated into certain shapes, come in many different configurations and sizes to fit the need of the consumer. They can be made in simple beams or a cantilever design. These are projecting beams or brackets suspended by the weight of the wall to which it extends forming complex configurations. They can be made in coils or springs using various thicknesses or small rings in differing diameters. Often wire that is used ranges from .104 diameters up to and including .375 diameters.
Wire forms that are flat are usually made from strip material or strip forms. Manufacturers of wire forms can often custom-make forms to suit the job as necessary using computer engineering. The forms are sometimes made by producing long strip forms and form tools to create the desired shape and size. Dies can also be produced and used for cutting, etching, notching, swedging (the making of a false edge), and extruding.
Companies that produce wire forms can make pieces that are formed from flat, round wire, rectangular shaped material, rolled, round wire and tempered wire. Additionally, wire forms can be made from a wide range of materials such as spring steel, high and low carbon steel, non-ferrous metals, nickel-plated carbon steel, stainless alloys and titanium.
Wire forms are commonly found in products that are used on a daily basis. The pieces can be found as very small intricate parts, such as light bulb filaments or very large parts such as those found on suspension bridges. Wire can also be found in all shapes in sizes in musical instruments, fences, cages, hooks, clocks, fishing equipment, pins, pegs, rivets, machinery, and medical applications. Wire forms are often finished after production by shining, deburring, covering them in plastic or rubber, and by welding. Finished wire forms can also get its final finish by using raw steel, powder coating, plating, galvanizing and electro-polishing.
