How to choose a wire drawing die diameter machine(tester)? Instructions for use about wire drawing die diameter gauge

Wire Drawing Die Caliper: Principle, Function, and Applications

 1. Principle

A wire drawing die caliper (also called a die gauge or diamond die micrometer) is a precision measuring tool designed to determine the internal diameter (ID) of wire drawing dies, which are typically made of tungsten carbide (TC) or synthetic diamond (PCD/ND).

The principle relies on:

Adopting optical non-contact measurement technology: using parallel light projection+CCD imaging principle, by capturing the contour shadow of the measured object, it is focused by the optical system and converted into an electrical signal by the sensor. No physical contact: avoids surface scratches or wear caused by friction or pressure in contact measurement (such as mechanical probes)

 2. Function

The primary functions include:

- Accurately Measuring Bore Diameter: Checks the wear or elongation of dies after prolonged wire drawing processes.

- Quality Control: Ensures dies meet wire dimensional specifications (e.g., ±1µm accuracy for fine wires).

- Die Maintenance: Helps assess die wear, ovality (out-of-roundness), and taper before replacement.

 3. Components and Operations

Workbench, light source, microscope, computer, software, etc

 4. Applications

Wire drawing die calipers are essential in industries where consistent wire diameter is critical:

- Wire & Cable Manufacturing: Measures dies producing copper, aluminum, steel, and specialty alloy wires.

- Medical & Electronics: Ensures precision in fine wires (e.g., stent wires, microelectronics).

- Jewelry Manufacturing: Checks dies for gold, silver, platinum wire drawing.

- Automotive/Aerospace: Maintains tolerances for high-tensile wire ropes & cables.

 5. Advantages Over Other Methods

✔ Higher accuracy (±0.5µm) compared to Contact measurement.

✔ Portable & easy to use for fast shop-floor QC checks.

✔ Non-destructive testing—doesn’t damage die surfaces.

6. Limitations

- Requires proper calibration to avoid errors.

- Only measures circular dies (not suitable for shaped dies).

 Conclusion

Wire drawing die calipers ensure precise, repeatable measurements of die bore diameters, maintaining wire quality and reducing scrap rates in industrial wire drawing. Correct usage prevents production defects caused by die wear or improper sizing.

Do you have any good suggestions for the use or calibration of the wire drawing die caliper?