WIRE & CABLE INDUSTRY

10-Year Block Life for Wire Drawing Capstans & Drums

Discover how WC-Co 88/12 HVOF coatings help wire and cable manufacturers extend the life of drawing blocks, improve wear resistance, and reduce long-term operating costs.

The Challenge

Straight-line and OTO wire drawing blocks (250mm–1000mm) are subjected to continuous frictional wear as wire passes over capstan and drum surfaces.

Uncoated or poorly coated blocks wear unevenly over time, increasing drawing force, energy consumption, and the frequency of costly block replacement.

The Solution

A WC-Co 88/12 HVOF coating is applied to provide exceptional surface hardness and wear resistance, creating a durable working surface engineered for extended service life.

  • WC-Co 88/12 standard coating formulation.
  • Achieves 1100–1400 HV (approximately 70–73 HRC) surface hardness.
  • Suitable for straight-line and OTO wire drawing blocks ranging from 250mm to 1000mm.

The Result

  • Block life extended up to 10 years, subject to proper machine maintenance.
  • More consistent wire quality from a stable and wear-resistant drawing surface.
  • Lower total cost of ownership compared to repeated block replacement.
Source: HVOF Coating Capabilities & Industrial Use Cases, Slide 4