How submicron thermally stable PCD improves steel cord wire drawing

Producing high-quality steel cord wires for tire reinforcement requires extreme precision and highly wear-resistant wire drawing dies. As vehicles become heavier – particularly SUVs and electric vehicles – tire manufacturers increasingly rely on high-tensile steel cords capable of withstanding higher loads while maintaining safety and durability.

However, drawing ultra-high-strength steel wires places severe demands on tooling materials. Dimensional stability, wear resistance, and thermal performance become critical factors for maintaining productivity and consistent wire quality.

Compax® submicron thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (PCD), developed by Hyperion Materials & Technologies, offers a material solution specifically designed for these demanding wire drawing applications.

Six performance factors for advanced wire drawing dies

1. High diamond density

The high diamond content – up to around 91% – improves wear resistance and helps achieve smoother wire surface finishes.

2. Dimensional stability

Compax® PCD blanks maintain their shape even under the extreme pressures and temperatures typical of steel wire drawing, helping reduce scrap rates and ensure consistent wire dimensions.

3. Superior wear resistance

The material's hardness and stability reduce cracking, chipping, and premature die wear, increasing die life and lowering tooling costs.

4. Reduced friction and heat generation

Higher diamond density contributes to lower friction in the drawing process, keeping lubricants cleaner, improving lubrication performance, and reducing wire break risks.

5. Outstanding thermal stability

Through a leaching process that removes residual metal catalysts, the material maintains structural stability even at temperatures up to around 1050°C in controlled atmospheres. Hyperion performs X-ray inspection on 100% of Compax® products after leaching to verify the absence of residual metal traces.

6. Chemical stability

Resistance to corrosion and chemical reactions with lubricants, coatings, and cleaning agents protects both wire integrity and the adhesion between steel cord and rubber — a critical factor for tire safety and long-term durability.

Improving efficiency in steel cord production

Together, these properties help wire die manufacturers using Compax® PCD improve drawing stability, reduce die consumption, and increase machine uptime. Practical benefits include reduced wire scrap, fewer die breakages, longer production batches, and greater flexibility for customized orders — ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership in steel wire production.

Manufacturers interested in learning more about Compax® submicron thermally stable PCD and its performance in steel cord wire drawing can contact Hyperion Materials & Technologies or meet the team at wire Düsseldorf, April 13–17, Hall 10 – Stand A01.