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SLT® Wire
works harder.
SLT® wire
SLT® wire from Fort Wayne Metals has been engineered specifically to reduce production steps in your operation. Whether you just need basic wire that will eliminate the need for straightening and reduce machine downtime, a premium straightened wire that will not deform during deep taper grinding, or anything in between, using SLT® wire will help streamline your production process.
Understanding the benefits
You can use the information below to compare all four or read on to learn more about each type.
Type 1
Type 1 SLT® wire eliminates manufacturing process steps, reduces set-up time, and may eliminate the need for additional equipment. Typically used for staple wire, braiding mandrels, and dental probes, this ready-to-use product reduces setup time and eliminates the need to straighten before additional processes. Now you can streamline your process to get your product out the door faster without compromising quality.
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
Type 2 SLT® wire significantly reduces process time by eliminating the need for mechanical straightening. This wire comes to you free of rotary marks, providing customer-ready surface. With no need to adjust for cast or helix in secondary processing, Type 2 SLT® wire has been used for mandrel wire, needle and staple wire, stylet wire, point coiling, and micro needle applications.
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
Type 3 SLT® wire eliminates the need to straighten. In spring and hard conditions, this material allows for removal of up to 90% cross-sectional area by taper grinding without requiring heat treatment. Typical applications for Type 3 SLT® wire range from micro-needles, orthodontics and suture needles, to guide wires, endoscopes, and embolic filters.
Straightness is measured using the test method described in ASTM F2819.
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
Our premier SLT® wire features excellent 1:1 torque response, which makes it a popular choice for neurovascular guide wire, steerable PTCA, endoscopes, and other precision applications. Type 4 SLT® wire is designed for removing in excess of 95% of cross-sectional area by taper grinding without rippling or pigtailing. No straightening or additional heat treatment is required, regardless of condition. This superior grindability and kink resistance means this SLT® wire is often chosen for the most demanding applications.
Straightness is measured using the test method described in ASTM F2819.
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
Minimum hub size N/A
Design specifications
Use the chart below to discover material condition, surface finish, and diameter possibilities for each type of SLT® wire. The sizes and conditions below reflect SLT® wire made with 304V.
| SLT® wire | Condition | Surface finish | Size range | |
| mm | in | |||
| Type 1 | Half Hard 3/4 Hard Hard Spring Ultra Spring |
Bright | 0.0381 - 1.3716 | 0.0015 - 0.0540 |
| Hyten | 0.0508 - 0.8890 | 0.0020 - 0.0350 | ||
| Type 2 | Hard Spring Ultra Spring |
Bright | 0.0508 - 1.0033 | 0.0020 - 0.0395 |
| Hyten | 0.0508 - 0.8890 | 0.0020 - 0.0350 | ||
| Type 3 | Hard Spring Double Spring |
Bright | 0.0508 - 1.0033 | 0.0020 - 0.0395 |
| Ultra Spring | 0.0508 - 0.9398 | 0.0020 - 0.0370 | ||
| Hyten | 0.0508 - 0.8890 | 0.0020 - 0.0350 | ||
| Type 4 | Spring Ultra Spring |
Bright | 0.1981 - 0.8712 | 0.0078 - 0.0343 |
| Hyten | 0.1981 - 0.7620 | 0.0078 - 0.0300 | ||
Alloys
SLT® wire is available in the following alloys:
- 304V
- 316LVM
- FWM™ 1058 alloy
- 35N LT™ alloy
- MP35N® alloy
- Ti-6Al-4V ELI
- Ti-3Al-2.5V
Additional processing capabilities
No matter how you need your SLT® wire, we're here to make sure you get exactly what you want. 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.
If your product need falls outside of the above parameters, please contact your Fort Wayne Metals Representative to see how we can meet your specific requirements.