Since 1928, Murphy & Read has specialized in crafting custom wire forms for a wide range of industries. Our expertise in engineering and production, combined with our advanced CNC machinery, enables us to produce complex wire forms that meet your exact specifications. From simple clips to intricate medical components, we can help you turn your concept into a reality.
What is a Wire Form?
A wire form is a custom-shaped wire, often made from spring or carbon steel, that is bent into a specific configuration. Unlike a spring, a wire form typically doesn’t have a coiled body and is not intended to absorb or store mechanical energy. Its purpose is to function as a structural or functional component, such as a hook, clip, or frame.
Because they are so diverse in shape and function, wire forms don’t fall into specific categories. We’ve produced everything from IV bag hangers for the medical industry to crab trap bait clips for fishing. Other common wire form applications include:
- Robotics
- Recreational equipment
- Lighting
- Orthodontic equipment
- Clips for motor and engine mount
Secondary Operations
We offer a comprehensive suite of in-house secondary operations to provide a complete solution, from raw wire to finished part. These services include:- Grinding
- Chamfering
- Threading
- Deburring
- Heat treating
- Plating
- Powder coating
- Assembly
Our Wire Forming Capabilities
We utilize state-of-the-art CNC wire forming machines to produce high-precision wire forms. Our machines are equipped with up to 13 independently controlled axes, allowing for incredibly complex bends and shapes.- Wire Diameter: We handle wire diameters from 0.020” to 0.085” for high-volume production, and up to 0.250” for low-volume projects.
- Forming Operations: We can perform a variety of operations, including bending, stamping, coiling, and chamfering.
Material Selection
Choosing the right material is crucial for the performance and longevity of your wire form. We specialize in high tensile spring materials known for their strength and durability. However, we also work with lower tensile materials like low carbon steels, which are easier to form for certain applications. For applications requiring high conductivity, we utilize a variety of “red metals”, including:- Copper
- Beryllium copper
- Phosphorus bronze
