Is there any difference to the capability of wire straightening between the Unibody series #04 & #05 to that of the QR series #04 & #05?

No. The primary difference between the two wire straightener types is that the QR series has the "Quick Release" feature and extra guide bearings while the Unibody series has fewer bearings and slightly different sizes. Both will do the same precision straightening on wire or strip. Space restrictions and operational needs will usually dictate the choice.

If I have a wire diameter that appears to fall within the range of two of the Novo Precision wire straighteners which one should I use?

This is a very application-specific question and should be discussed with Novo Precision engineering. Usually if the wire has a high tensile value then the smaller series wire straightener with its smaller diameter bearing rolls and closer spacing should do a better job. If the wire is more pliable then the larger size should do the job.

I have a very tough wire straightness specification. Are there any other elements or factors that might help in achieving better straightener performance?

Yes. With all tough wire straightening problems, be sure that you give yourself as many mechanical advantages as possible. Here are a few:

1. Be sure that the wire going into the straightener has a bit of back tension to it.
2. The wire going into the straightener should be on a line congruent to the wire line of the straightener.
3. Employ a lubricant. Many applications may dictate the need of an evaporating lubricant. Some of these evaporating lubricants are even FDA approved.
4. Consider the use of radius ground roll bearings as they encapsulate the shape of the wire and provide better control. 5.) Finally, the application may best be resolved by employing a rotary wire straightener. These are far more expensive and set up and operation are also more demanding.

When do I need a four-plane straightener and when is a two-plane enough?

In general, your requirements for straightness and the condition of your wire before straightening will determine how many planes you will need. A two-plane wire straightener will generally straighten most wire adequately but a four-plane wire straightener will give you the most consistency. If you are only trying to remove the cast from the coil a two-plane straightener will probably be ok, but if the wire has a helix or if you need very straight long lengths, then a four-plane wire straightener is necessary.

Do the smaller straighteners have a quick release feature?

The only straighteners that have the quick release feature are the larger sizes - series 04 and larger. It is not generally needed on the smaller size straighteners since it is possible to push the wire through the bearings without disturbing their settings.

Will the bearings mark the surface of my wire?

The 120° 'V' grooves in our standard bearings will not mark your material as much as the industry standard 90° angle, but they can still mark very soft wire. The solution in that case is to replace them with matching shaped grooved bearings so that the bearings will cradle the exact wire configuration.

How long can I expect the bearings to last?

The bearing longevity will be determined by the cleanliness of the machine environment, on lubrication, and on the offset of the bearing. Wire has minute particles on it. The particles will tend to accumulate in the straightener and will find their way into the races of the bearings causing premature wear. For wire with these minute particles we offer sealed bearings rather than the standard shielded bearings.

Are there any other wear parts on the wire straightener?

No, the bearings are the only part that can wear out.

If I buy a two-plane straightener and discover that I need a four-plane straightener, do I have to buy a new four-plane straightener or can I add the other two planes later?

The additional two planes can be added later with the purchase of a bracket designed to position the added planes at 45° to the first two planes.

How fast can I pull wire through a straightener and still achieve straight wire?

Refer to the bearing specifications. The bearing speed limitations usually exceed most wire straightening and drawing processes.

Is there anything special that I need to do to straighten hard wire?

If you follow the suggestions in our instructions you can generally straighten your hard wire. Occasionally, our resident experts work with customers on unique settings for difficult wire. Normally we recommend that when the wire size is on the upper limit in the range of a particular series to move up to the next size straightener in the series. This will result in better control and less tension for pulling through.

Can the Novo Precision wire straighteners be supplied with any specially configured bearings for unique applications?

Novo Precision's Precision Wire Straighteners have been configured with precise radius grooved bearings, 440 SS bearings, sealed bearings, polished bearings, etc. Call us with your application needs.

Can the Novo Precision Wire Cleaner / Lubricator work with all wire straighteners even if they are another brand?

Possibly. The WCL is limited to a wire size of .050" (1.25 mm) or smaller. It is specifically designed to mount onto only three (3) of Novo Precision's wire straighteners, however it has pre-drilled mounting holes that can be used on other wire straighteners found within the marketplace.