Structural evolution and drawability in laser dieless drawing of fine nickel wires

Drawability of Nickel 200 wires in laser dieless drawing was investigated. Influencing factors under consideration include the laser power, the heat-treatment state (as-drawn or annealed), and the initial wire diameter. Microstructural evolutions in laser dieless drawing were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The wires exhibit optimal drawability at an intermediate laser power range corresponding to the wire temperature in the range of 1000–1300 K. The as-drawn precursor wire has better drawability than that of the annealed wire. The drawability decreases as the precursor wire diameter deceases. Microcrystalline structures were found in nickel 200 wires after being laser-drawn from as-drawn precursor wires. These experimental observations are explained using the concepts of dynamic recovery and recrystallization.