What is Quill on Quill Cutting?

Quill on quill cutting involves using two opposing sleeves (quills) to securely grip the material from both ends during the cutting process. This double-sided support keeps wires, metal strips, or tubes steady throughout the blade’s contact. By firmly holding the material from each side, the system prevents small shifts that lead to burr formation, deflection, irregular cut lines, and out of tolerance cuts. This secure positioning is crucial for cutting small wires, flat pieces, thin-walled tubes, or flexible materials that may shift when under load.

Why Is Quill on Quill the Gold Standard for Precision Wire Cutting?

Precision and consistency are fundamental to manufacturing. In the production of components for medical devices, electronics, automotive systems, or industrial assemblies, the quality of each cut has a direct impact on subsequent performance. Consequently, quill on quill cutting is becoming widely recognized as the optimal method for processing wire, tube, and small-diameter materials.

What wire sizes can Novo Precision straighten and cut?

Novo can process wire diameters from 0.004" up to 0.375", depending on the material and application requirements. If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to us for answers.

What materials can you cut and straighten?

We work with a wide range of materials, including: 

•        Aluminum
•        Stainless steel
•        Steel
•        Precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum
•        Most linear materials, including strip and tubing.

Are there any weight or size restrictions on the materials Novo Precision will cut to length?

Yes. Up to .250" (6.26 mm) in diameter on round stock and .300" (7.5 mm) on flat stock width. Coils, spools, reels or bundles cannot exceed 250 lbs.

What shaped material will Novo Precision run in their Cut to Length Machines?

We run wire from spool or rods, cable, tubing and flat strip. We show a few examples of material we have cut on our Wire Cutting & Wire Straightening Services page.

Can Novo Precision source material for me?

Absolutely.  With over 40 years in the processing of wire, tube and cable we can source most any material for you and because of our vast network of suppliers and relationships we can usually get at a discount.

Do you have minimum order quantities?

No. Novo Precision does not require minimum quantities, making it easy to support prototypes, small batches, and full‑scale production runs.

How accurate are your cut lengths and straightness tolerances?

We routinely hold ±0.002" length tolerance and straighten wire to customer‑specified straightness levels. Our quill‑on‑quill shearing method produces square, burr‑free ends with minimal distortion. Contact us for our capabilities based on specific materials and sizes.

Can you cut tubing or strip material?

Yes. In addition to wire, we also cut and straighten tubing and thin strip. Tubing up to 0.250" diameter and lengths down to 0.375" can be processed with burr‑free sheared ends using supported arbors.

Do you offer secondary operations?

Yes. We provide a range of value‑added services, including: 

•        Wire forming 
•        Bending
•        Stamping
•        Batching and packaging

These options help create a “one‑stop shop” for your production needs.

Can you work with precious metal wire or tubing?

Absolutely. We specialize in cutting gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals from spool or rod. Our shearing process eliminates kerf waste, which is especially important for high‑value materials.

Do you support ongoing production programs?

Yes. We can support: 

•        One‑time orders
•        Blanket orders
•        Kanban pull systems

This flexibility helps reduce lead times and streamline your supply chain.

If I already have the wire or strip material will Novo Precision use it?

Generally, yes. A final material evaluation will be conducted before the job is started to be sure the material properties do not generate any unforeseen issues.

Can Novo Precision accommodate requests for special packaging of my cut pieces?

Yes. In just about all cases Novo Precision can package your cut pieces however you wish them. Review a case study featuring custom packaging at this link.

What happens when I want to insource my straightening and cutting process?

No problem! Novo Precision designs, engineers, and manufactures Cut-to-Length machines tailored to your needs. Contact us, and we'll help you make an easy transition to in-house processing.