Hope I might acquire insights from the experienced here.

I'm working on a couple of TT scale projects for which I wish to learn how some of the parts manufacturers form wire into railings, eye bolts, and so on.

Of course, I don't seek proprietary information; I'm hopeful that "micro" wire forming is available for hire out there (although, I have not yet found any sources; often, though, I've learned, I fail to look in the right places).

Might someone know if model-making companies, Detail Associates, for an example, welcome outside customers? I will contact it, of course, but advance intelligence is usually helpful.

Thanks much,

Brian Chapman
Evansdale, Iowa

Nothing propriatary here. I've been using a resistance soldering rig and an oxy-propane torch to silver solder wire. It is not a fun experience. Lately I've been considering

http://www.orionjewelrywelders.com/orion-welders-master-jeweler-plus.php

Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Not signing his name wrote:

Nothing propriatary here. I've been using a resistance soldering rig and an oxy-propane torch to silver solder wire. It is not a fun experience. Lately I've been considering



HELLO no name, the post was about forming wire, NOT soldering it!
Paul Lyons

--- In STMFC@..., "Brian" <cornbeltroute@...> wrote:

Hope I might acquire insights from the experienced here.

I'm working on a couple of TT scale projects for which I wish to learn how some of the parts manufacturers form wire into railings, eye bolts, and so on.

Of course, I don't seek proprietary information; I'm hopeful that "micro" wire forming is available for hire out there (although, I have not yet found any sources; often, though, I've learned, I fail to look in the right places).

Might someone know if model-making companies, Detail Associates, for an example, welcome outside customers? I will contact it, of course, but advance intelligence is usually helpful.

Brian,

I don't think anyone in model railroading is doing this themselves; they all job it out to commercial shops. Google "multi slide wire forming" and start making some calls. Be prepared for quotes in multiples of one million parts :(

Wire forming is fast, and so the costs are low per part, but the old mechanical four slide machines were cam driven and a bear to set up, so once the setup was done the outfits wanted them to run at least a couple days, and their prices reflected this. I would suspect the new CNC wire forming machines are a lot easier to set up, so smaller run sizes should be easier to get quotes on.

Dennis

Dennis,

"Multi slide" was the needed search term, it appears. Lots of leads turned up; thanks much for that. (One lead listed machines for sale, one of which weighs 9,000 lbs. Ye gads!)

Likely, commercial work will prove to be beyond my price range, but hopefully I can learn about the process and get some DIY ideas.

Again, I appreciate your help!

Brian Chapman
Evansdale, Iowa

--- In STMFC@..., "Brian" <cornbeltroute@...> wrote:

Dennis,

"Multi slide" was the needed search term, it appears. Lots of leads turned up; thanks much for that. (One lead listed machines for sale, one of which weighs 9,000 lbs. Ye gads!)

Likely, commercial work will prove to be beyond my price range, but hopefully I can learn about the process and get some DIY ideas.

Again, I appreciate your help!

Brian Chapman
Evansdale, Iowa

You are correct about DIY, for that small wire, if you have the means to build a little pneumatic press, you can likely build it with Bimba cylinders and solenoid valves out of the McMaster Carr catalog, and run it off a tiny PLC, like the Teco SG2. Size the cylinders to provide enough force to clip the wire. It won't be as fast as a commercial machine, but you only need to make as many as you want at a time. The biggest problem is designing it to do many different parts.

Dennis

I downloaded catalogs for both the Teco SG2 and Bimba products. Interesting stuff. Again, thank you for the leads.

-Brian Chapman
Evansdale, Iowa