How to improve bar drawing with high-performance tools

Scleros SpA, headquartered in Northern Italy, is part of the OMCD Group, one of the leading European manufacturers of Hard Metal tools and components for the drawing of bars, tubes, and metal profiles, for locking systems, and for special machining operations. In this in-depth overview, we examine in detail the Scleros product range dedicated to bar drawing, a field in which the company stands out for its technical expertise, manufacturing precision, and ability to provide customized solutions.

Complete range of dies and accessories for bars

The Scleros product range covers all the needs of the bar drawing process for copper, steel, aluminum, non-ferrous alloys, and precious metals, ensuring maximum efficiency even in the most demanding applications:

• round and shaped dies for bars (hexagonal, flat, square, trolley, and special shapes);
• adjustable dies with blocks, shoulders, and saddles for different bar sections;
• inserts, shims, wedges, and set screws for adjustable dies.

Each tool is designed with thousandth tolerances and made of high-quality hard metal to ensure dimensional stability, wear resistance, and optimal surface finish of the drawn bars.

PVD and CVD coatings for superior bar performance

Scleros applies PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings to enhance tool performance and durability in bar drawing operations.

- CVD – chemical vapor deposition

Ideal for difficult-to-machine steels and heavy-duty applications. It ensures excellent adhesion to the substrate, with coating thickness between 0.6 and 1.2 μm and coating temperatures ranging from 800 to 1050°C. Its high hardness and wear resistance can extend tool life up to five times compared to conventional treatments.

- PVD – physical vapor deposition

Recommended for non-ferrous materials such as aluminum and copper alloys (Al-Cu), where a smooth surface and low roughness are required. The thin coating layer, with a thickness between 0.2 and 0.5 μm and deposition temperatures between 200 and 450°C, reduces the coefficient of friction and improves the surface quality of drawn bars. Here too, tool life can increase by three to five times.

These treatments minimize scoring and adhesion, maintaining consistent quality even during extended production cycles.

Technology, control, and custom design

Every bar drawing tool is produced through a tightly controlled manufacturing process. CNC lathes, 4-axis machining centers, high-rigidity grinding machines, and EDM systems enable the creation of complex geometries with absolute precision. The quality control department, equipped with next-generation optical–tactile measuring systems, certifies full compliance with design specifications. The technical office, combining 3D design expertise and in-depth material knowledge, develops customized solutions for every bar drawing application.

To optimize your bar drawing processes or develop tailor-made tools, contact Scleros SpA — experience, technology, and precision dedicated to your production needs.