Understanding the benefits
You can customize SLT® wire for your intended application by selecting one of the four distinct types. You can use the chart below to compare all four or read on to learn more about each type.
Type 1
Eliminate manufacturing process steps and the need for additional equipment in already straight wire.
Typical end uses:
- Braiding mandrels
- Dental probes
- Staples
Straightness variance 25.4 mm per 304.8 mm [1.00 in per 12.00 in] measured per ASTM F2819
Packing specifications wire on a spool
Minimum hub size 220x wire diameter
Type 2
Eliminate the need for mechanical straightening and leverage rotary-mark-free surface with no need for further polishing.
Typical end uses:
- Micro-needles
- Needles
- Point coiling
- Staples
Straightness variance 2.997 mm per 304.8 mm [0.118 in per 12.00 in] measured per ASTM F2819
Packing specifications wire on a spool or cut to length
Minimum hub size 300x wire diameter
Type 3
Eliminate the need to straighten and allows removal of up to 90% of the cross-sectional area by taper grinding without requiring heat treatment.
Typical end uses:
- Embolic filters
- Endoscopes
- Guidewires
- Orthodontics
- Suture needles
Straightness variance 0.508 mm per 304.8 mm [0.02 in per 12.00 in] measured per ASTM F2819
Packing specifications wire on a spool or cut to length
Minimum hub size 400x wire diameter
Type 4
Leverage 1:1 torque transmission and remove up to 95% of the cross-sectional area by deep taper grinding without requiring additional heat treatment or resulting in pigtailing.
Typical end uses:
- Endoscopes
- Guidewires
- Other precision applications
- Steerable PTCA
Meets ASTM F2819 standards.
Straightness variance 0.254 mm per 304.8 mm [0.01 in per 12.00 in] measured per ASTM F2819
Packing specifications cut to length only
Design specifications
Use the chart below to discover the material condition, surface finish, and diameter possibilities for each type of SLT® wire.
SLT® wire | Condition | Surface finish | Available size(s) | |
mm | in | |||
Type 1 |
Half Hard |
Bright | 0.0381 - 1.3716 | 0.0015 - 0.054 |
Hyten |
0.0508 - 0.8890 | 0.0020 - 0.0350 | ||
Type 2 |
Hard |
Bright | 0.0508 - 1.0033 | 0.002 - 0.0395 |
Hyten |
0.0508 - 0.8890 | 0.002 - 0.0350 | ||
Type 3 |
Hard |
Bright | 0.0508 - 1.0033 | 0.0020 - 0.0395 |
Ultra Spring |
0.0508 - 0.9398 |
0.002 - 0.0370 | ||
Hyten |
0.0508 - 0.8890 |
0.0015 - 0.0350 | ||
Type 4 |
Spring |
Bright |
0.1981 - 0.8712 |
0.0078 - 0.0343 |
Hyten |
0.1981 - 0.7620 | 0.0078 - 0.0300 |
Additional processing capabilities
No matter how you need your SLT® wire, we're here to make sure you get exactly what you need. We can supply SLT® wire in cut lengths or on a spool and provide additional processing, such as:
- Coating to provide electrical insulation or chemical separation
- Laser ablation for adjustable coating coverage
- Mechanical assembly of crimps, fittings, and specialized parts
How SLT® wire stacks up
Fort Wayne Metals conducted an extensive comparison test of its SLT® wire against two competitors that both produce rotary straight and cut wire material. The study measured the material performance of the wire samples. To see the full results, click SLT® wire comparison study.