
PCD Wire Drawing Dies
Currently diamond wire dies are available with inserts D6 through D30 (ADDMA 8911 standards). D6, D12, D15, and D18 are offered in free standing; D15 through D30 are offered with a tungsten carbide support ring.
PCD inserts of various grain sizes are pressed at US Synthetic. Coarse grain inserts (25 micron average grain size) typically produce the longest life dies. Coarse grain PCD produces metal fines that are easier to filter out than fines produced using finer grain inserts; The fine grain insert (5 micron average grain size) typically produce a better finish on the wire than coarse grain. The medium grain insert (12 micron average grain size) is often a compromise between the other two that offers acceptable life and finish. The following table indicates the grain sizes available in each insert size as well as the approximate hole sizes for each insert size.
| Grain sizes available in the following PCD insert configurations (micron) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank size | Freestanding insert | Thermally stable freestanding insert | Carbide supported insert |
| D6 D12 D15 D18 D21 D24 D27 D30 |
5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 |
5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 |
5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 5, 12, 25 |
The key to the long life of US Synthetic wire dies is the unique polycrystalline diamond (PCD) core used in each die. This PCD material is manufactured by US Synthetic using proprietary diamond presses.
Recommended Bearing Diameter Range
* The largest hole size is based on the geometry of the hole. The numbers given here are determined using typical values for tire cord and copper wire.
PCD Insert Dimensions
Insert size |
Grain sizes available |
PCD thickness* |
PCD diameter |
Carbide diameter |
Standard casing size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
D6 fs D12 fs D15 fs D18 fs D15 D18 D21 D24 D27 D30 |
5, 12, 25 |
.040 inch |
.128 inch |
- |
1-1/8 x 3/8 |
* Dies with thicker PCD inserts are available upon request.


