A new wire coating for all heading alloys has been designed to perform with high efficiency, improve heading tool life and eliminate the cost and environmental problems associated with the emission and disposal of nitric acid used in copper cleaning operations. KnightCote™ coating is described by Carpenter Technology Corporation as a relatively thin and adherent coating that can be applied uniformly on any heading-grade wire produced at its mill. It is considered suitable for cold as well as warm heading in many alloy systems, conditions and applications. Developed to prevent metal-to-metal contact, the new coating can minimise die wear while preventing seizure, scoring, galling and welding of parts. It can withstand the high impact forces, heavy loads and elevated temperatures that are characteristic of severe upsetting and extrusion. KnightCote coating is available as a stand-alone coating over bare wire, or as an addition to copper coated wire. When used without copper, the new coating obviates the need for cleaning acids which carry metal ions, and can form NOx, a mixture of nitrogen oxides capable of causing smog and acid rain. The new product can be removed with more environmentally friendly alkaline detergent solutions and agitation.
