Yes, approximately 30% of Paramount’s inserts are utilized in non-pressure applications. Many non-pressure holder types are available fitting all die box dimensions. The most basic holder types come in the same basic dimensions of standard cased drawing dies and utilize the inserts taper to hold it in place in the casing. Other non-pressure holders are available with locking caps to keep the insert from backing out of the holder if excessive back tension is a problem on the drawing machine.
The ParaLoc pressure system differs from most pressure die systems in that it can withstand extremely high lubricant pressures without leaking. High lubricant pressures help to increase lubricant residuals and therefore improve performance. Pressure systems which are not completely sealed cannot achieve extreme pressures and often reduce thermal transfer as the leaking lubricant surrounds the die creating an insulating barrier. The ParaLoc system also differs from most systems in that it utilizes carbide inserts instead of cased wire dies.
By producing several million wire dies per year, Paramount has the volume to justify utilization of highly efficient and highly consistent automated production equipment. Paramount can produce high quality wire dies for a lower cost than wire companies with slower, more manual equipment. By combining the total usage of all of its customers, Paramount can mass produce individual sizes achieving highly efficient production runs.
By maintaining more than 1,000,000 drawing inserts in inventory, Paramount can ship most standard sizes and reduction angles within 24 hours when required. If less than 24 hour turnaround is sometimes required, maintaining a small inventory of all foreseeable sizes is very practical with inexpensive and easy to organize drawing inserts. Normally an investment of less than $2,000 is all that is required to have complete security.
A pressure die utilizes lubricant pressure to increase lubricant residuals on drawn wire. As wire enters the pressure die, lubricants are carried into a small pressure chamber where they are trapped. Extremely high pressures are created by both the continuous entry of lubricant as well as by thermal expansion. By improving lubrication, pressure dies improve wire drawing productivity by extending die life and enabling faster drawing speeds. Pressure dies also improve wire quality by reducing friction and decreasing drawing temperature.
This question depends on a number of factors including wire type, lubricant type and drawing speed. Normally it is recommended that a 10% minimum clearance is utilized on the ripper pass if the wire is not pre-drawn and an 8% minimum clearance on subsequent passes. While these guidelines are a good starting point, optimal pressure clearances are often determined by trial and error.
Pressure dies should be used in most wire drawing applications using dry lubricants and should generally be used in every pass in the draft. The only exception may be when low lubricant residuals are required for the finished product. In these cases, pressure dies are generally utilized in the beginning of the draft and non-pressure dies are used downstream.
In almost all applications, no modification is required. ParaLoc holders are offered in a wide range of sizes, work with all types of die box cooling and are available in both straight and tapered OD styles. For direct water cooled die boxes, holders are available with O-ring seals as well as with cooling fins for better thermal transfer.
