Deformed metal composite wire

Abstract

A deformed metal composite wire ( 14 ) comprises a matrix ( 12 ) of a first metal having a first melting point. The composite wire also comprises two or more filaments ( 10 ) of a second or further metal embedded ion the matrix ( 12 ) and surrounded by the matrix ( 129. The second or further metal has a melting point which is higher or equal to the first melting point. Either the second or further metal is carbon steel or stainless steel in order to provide the necessary reinforcing or strengthening effect. The wire ( 14 ) is in a deformed state so that the two or more filaments ( 10 ) have a non-circular filament cross-section.

1 . A deformed metal composite wire comprising 
 a matrix of a first metal having a first melting point,    two or more filaments of a second or further metal embedded in said matrix and surrounded by said matrix,    said second or further metal having a melting point which is higher or equal to the first melting point,    either said second or further metal or both are carbon steel or stainless steel,    said wire being in a deformed state so that said two or more filaments have a non-circular filament cross-section.    
     
     
         2 . A composite wire according to  claim 1  wherein said wire has a round wire cross-section.  
     
     
         3 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said first metal is selected from a group consisting of zinc, zinc alloy, aluminium, brass, tin, tin alloy.    
     
     
         4 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein an alloy layer is formed between said first metal, on the one hand, and said second or further metal, on the other hand.    
     
     
         5 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said wire has been subjected to a final deformation reduction of at least 50%.    
     
     
         6 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said wire comprises up to twenty-seven filaments.    
     
     
         7 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said filaments show a twisting step around each other, said twisting step being greater than 50 mm.    
     
     
         8 . A composite wire according to any one of  claims 1  to  6  wherein said filaments are parallel to each other.  
     
     
         9 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said second metal differs from said further metal.    
     
     
         10 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said wire has a cross-section showing a core of one of more filaments and one or more layers of filaments around the core.    
     
     
         11 . A composite wire according to any one of  claims 1  to  9  wherein said wire has a cross-section without central core filaments.  
     
     
         12 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein said composite wire has a tensile strength greater than 2000 MPa.    
     
     
         13 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein first metal is present surrounding every filament.    
     
     
         14 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 wherein one or all of the filaments are individually provided with a coating of a metal.    
     
     
         15 . A composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims 
 where said filaments are waved or undulated.    
     
     
         16 . Use of a composite wire according to any one of the preceding claims as an electro-discharge machining wire.  
     
     
         17 . A method of manufacturing a composite wire, said method comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing two or more filaments of a second or further metal;    (b) providing a matrix of a first metal around said two or more filaments so as to obtain a composite structure where the filaments are embedded in the matrix and surrounded by the matrix, said first metal having a first melting point, said second or further metal having a melting point which is higher or equal to the first melting point;    (c) deforming said composite structure to a composite wire so that the filaments have a non-circular cross-section.    
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the step of providing a matrix around said filaments is done by means of a hot dip operation.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 17  or  18  wherein the step of deforming is done by cold drawing.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein said cold drawing is done without intermediate heating steps.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to any one of  claims 17  to  20  wherein said two or more filaments are twisted prior to providing said matrix around said two or more filaments.  
     
     
         22 . A metal rope comprising one or more composite wires according to any one of  claims 1  to  15 .