EP2766132A1 - Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire - Google Patents

Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire

Info

Publication number
EP2766132A1
EP2766132A1 EP12780433.4A EP12780433A EP2766132A1 EP 2766132 A1 EP2766132 A1 EP 2766132A1 EP 12780433 A EP12780433 A EP 12780433A EP 2766132 A1 EP2766132 A1 EP 2766132A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
metal
metal wire
wire
cleaning pad
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12780433.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter VAN MERKSTEIJN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Van Merksteijn Steel Bv
Original Assignee
Van Merksteijn Steel Bv
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Van Merksteijn Steel Bv filed Critical Van Merksteijn Steel Bv
Priority to EP12780433.4A priority Critical patent/EP2766132A1/en
Publication of EP2766132A1 publication Critical patent/EP2766132A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21C—MANUFACTURE OF METAL SHEETS, WIRE, RODS, TUBES OR PROFILES, OTHERWISE THAN BY ROLLING; AUXILIARY OPERATIONS USED IN CONNECTION WITH METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL
    • B21C43/00—Devices for cleaning metal products combined with or specially adapted for use with machines or apparatus provided for in this subclass
    • B21C43/02—Devices for cleaning metal products combined with or specially adapted for use with machines or apparatus provided for in this subclass combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with drawing or winding machines or apparatus
    • B21C43/04—Devices for de-scaling wire or like flexible work
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D13/00—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor
    • B24D13/02—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor acting by their periphery
    • B24D13/10—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor acting by their periphery comprising assemblies of brushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24D—TOOLS FOR GRINDING, BUFFING OR SHARPENING
    • B24D13/00—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor
    • B24D13/14—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor acting by the front face
    • B24D13/145—Wheels having flexibly-acting working parts, e.g. buffing wheels; Mountings therefor acting by the front face having a brush-like working surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods for cleaning metal wires and more specifically to the use of cleaning pads for cleaning metal wire.
  • Metal wire is an important raw material in industry and construction. Several metals and metallic alloys possess the physical properties necessary to make useful wire.
  • the metals must in the first place be ductile and strong in tension, the quality on which the utility of wire principally depends.
  • the metals suitable for wire, possessing almost equal ductility are platinum, silver, iron, copper, aluminium, steel and gold; and it is only from these and certain of their alloys with other metals, principally brass and bronze, that metal wire is prepared, either homogeneous or non-homogeneous.
  • the present invention relates in general to methods and devices for cleaning a metal wire.
  • the present invention provides in a cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded over their entire length in a synthetic polymer wherein said cleaning pad metal filaments have a tensile strength ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm 2 .
  • the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said plurality of metal filaments are steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze filaments or combinations thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said plurality of metal filaments are oriented parallel to each other. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said polymer is an elastomer. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said cleaning pad further comprises a holder for positioning the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer onto the pad. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein the wire cleaning surface of said cleaning pad has a U- or V-shape.
  • the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer for cleaning and/or polishing metal wires. More particularly, the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad according to the present invention for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wires.
  • the present invention further provides in a device for cleaning and/or polishing metal wire wherein said device comprises cleaning pads according to the present invention.
  • the present invention further provides in a method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire, wherein the method comprises the step of conveying a metal wire through one or more cleaning and/or polishing stations and contacting said metal wire in said one or more of said cleaning and/or polishing stations with a wire cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer, thereby cleaning and/or polishing said metal wire.
  • the present invention provides in a method wherein impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, when removing these impurities part of the actual metal wire may be removed as well. In particularly, between 0.05 and 2 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. In a particular embodiment between 0.1 and 1 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step.
  • the present invention further provides that said metal wire is a steel wire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the present invention relates in general to methods and devices for cleaning a metal wire.
  • metal wire refers to a single, usually cylindrical, string of metal which is typically used to bear mechanical loads.
  • the metal wire refers to a single, string of metal which may be used for a large number of applications. In fact the metal wire is an important raw material in industry and construction.
  • the metal wire may have any cross-section such as round, square, rectangular, oval or half oval cross-sections.
  • the metal wires according to the present invention may be chosen within a high diameter range ranging between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 30 mm and more preferably between 2 mm and 16 mm.
  • the material of the metal wire may be any type of metal or metallic alloy such as, platinum, silver, iron, copper, aluminium, gold, steel, brass or bronze.
  • the metal wire may be homogeneous or non-homogeneous.
  • the metal wire is a non-homogeneous wire, more particularly a composite wire.
  • the metal wire comprises a core of a first metal or metallic alloy, wherein said core is surrounded by a second metal or metallic alloy different from said first metal or metallic alloy.
  • the metal wires may be provided with a coating, such as but not limited to metal wires provided with a galvanisation layer, a polymer coating or a metal oxide coating.
  • a coating such as but not limited to metal wires provided with a galvanisation layer, a polymer coating or a metal oxide coating.
  • the material of the metal core is steel or iron. When a steel metal core is used, the steel may be provided with either a low or high carbon content.
  • the present invention provides a cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer wherein said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, have a (pressure and/or tensile) strength ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm 2 , and more particularly between 2000 and 4000 N/mm 2 . More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2500 and 3500 N/mm 2 . More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2800 and 3000 N/mm 2 .
  • the strength of the cleaning pad material can be altered. This is of importance as it provides the present invention with a high degree of flexibility, enabling the user to choose from a large range of possible material strengths, the one which is most suitable for his application.
  • the strength as referred to herein particularly refers to the tensile strength of the embedded metal filaments.
  • the tensile strength refers to the maximal stress a metal wire of metal filament can withstand while being stretched or pulled before deforming.
  • the tensile strength may be measured at room temperature, for example at about 23°C, following the method according to standard test ISO 6892-1 -2009.
  • the cleaning pad comprises metal filaments which are completely embedded in a synthetic polymer.
  • the metal filaments are embedded along their entire length in a synthetic polymer, thereby providing in an optimal operation.
  • the present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said plurality of metal filaments are steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze filaments or combinations thereof.
  • the filaments can be made out of any type of a metallic material, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, and the like.
  • Each filament has a brushing end and an opposite or attachment end. The brushing end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended brushing action.
  • said metal filaments are steel filaments.
  • said metal filaments have a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 5 mm, more particularly, ranging from 0.2 to 2 mm.
  • the present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said plurality of metal filaments are oriented parallel to each other. While a random orientation of the filaments in the polymer can also result in the desired effect, it has been noticed that even better results are obtained when the wires are directed approximately in the same direction, parallel with each other.
  • the wires thereby provide a brushing end and an opposite or attachment end. The brushing end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended brushing action.
  • the present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said polymer is an elastomer. More preferably an elastomer selected from the group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene elastomers, polyester elastomers, polyether block amide elastomers, ionomeric elastomers, polyesteramide or polyether esteramide elastomers, and copolymers or blends thereof.
  • elastomer selected from the group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene elastomers, polyester elastomers, polyether block amide elastomers, ionomeric elastomers, polyesteramide or polyether esteramide elastomers, and copolymers or blends thereof.
  • said elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides and copolymers or blends thereof.
  • the present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said cleaning pad further comprises a holder for positioning the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer onto the pad.
  • the holder is typically made out of metal and firmly fixates the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer in the cleaning pad.
  • the present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein the wire cleaning surface of said cleaning pad has a U- or V- shape.
  • the cleaning pad according to the present invention typically comprises a cleaning end and an attachment end. The attachment end positions the cleaning pad correctly within a cleaning device, while the cleaning end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended cleaning action.
  • the wire cleaning surface is provided onto the cleaning end of the cleaning pad and the U- or V- shape of the wire cleaning surface ensures an optimal contact with the metal wire during the cleaning process.
  • the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer for cleaning and/or polishing metal wires.
  • a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded completely in a synthetic polymer provides optimal results.
  • the use of cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer allows in an efficient and durable cleaning process.
  • the use of cleaning pads according to the present invention have been shown to provide an improved durability (less wear) and an improved cleaning quality leading to high quality metal wire.
  • the cleaning pads according to the present invention are easily exchangeable, and the pads, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, can be provided in a series of strengths ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm 2 , and more particularly between 2000 and 4000 N/mm 2 , thereby also providing a large degree of flexibility.
  • said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments provides a strength ranging between 2500 and 3500 N/mm 2 .
  • said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments provides a strength ranging between 2800 and 3000 N/mm 2 .
  • the strength as referred to herein particularly refers to the tensile strength of the embedded metal filaments.
  • the tensile strength refers to the maximal stress a metal wire of metal filament can withstand while being stretched or pulled before deforming.
  • the present invention further provides in the use of a cleaning pad according to the present invention for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wires.
  • the removal of impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wire is of high importance for the metallurgy.
  • Mill scale in particular is the flaky surface of hot rolled steel, iron oxides consisting of lron(ll,lll) oxide, hematite and magnetite. It is formed on the outer surfaces of plates, sheets or profiles when they are being produced by rolling red hot iron or steel billets in rolling mills.
  • Mill scale is composed of iron oxides mostly ferric and is bluish black in color. It is usually less than 1 mm (0.039 in) thick and initially adheres to the steel surface.
  • Mill scale is a nuisance when steel is being processed. It makes metal wires brittle and needs to be removed during the metal wire processing.
  • the inventors have now found that the cleaning pads according to the present invention are extremely useful for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from the surface of metal wires. More particularly the cleaning pads according to the present invention are extremely useful for removing mill scale from the surface of metal wires.
  • the present invention in particular provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said cleaning pad is a non-rotary tool that which is typically used statically and pressed against the surface (wire) to be cleaned. It is the latter surface that actually moves over the cleaning pad.
  • the non-rotary characteristic of the tools refers to the fact that the tool does not rotate around his central axis.
  • the tool may on the other hand be inserted in a device for cleaning metal wire, where the tool as described herein rotates around the metal wire, thereby ensuring that the entire circumference of the wire is cleaned or polished.
  • the present invention provides in a device for cleaning and/or polishing metal wire wherein said device comprises cleaning pads according to the present invention.
  • the present invention provides in a method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire, wherein the method comprises the step of conveying a metal wire through one or more cleaning and/or polishing stations and contacting said metal wire in said one or more of said cleaning and/or polishing stations with a wire cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer, thereby cleaning and/or polishing said metal wire.
  • the methods according to the invention comprise at least one step where a metal wire is guided or conveyed through a cleaning and/or polishing station.
  • the metal wire is conveyed along a predetermined path in a continuous manner, preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 10 to about 900 m/min, more preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 25 to about 500 m/min and most preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 50 to about 500 m/min, particularly from about 200 to about 500 m/min.
  • the conveying rate of the metal wire may for instance be about 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or 200 m/min.
  • the conveying rate of the metal wire is about 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475 or 500 m/min.
  • the conveying rate of the metal wire in the methods according to the present invention remains substantially constant through the entire process. This refers to the continuous manner by which the metal wire is conducted through each of the cleaning and/or polishing stations.
  • the present invention further provides in a method according to the present invention wherein between 0.1 and 1 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, between 0.2 and 0.8 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, between 0.4 and 0.6 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step.
  • the present invention further provides in a method or use according to the present invention wherein said metal wire is a steel wire.
  • the present invention also relates to a structure comprising one or more metal wires according to the present invention.
  • Said structure comprising one or more metal wires according to the present invention refers to a structure that may be used in construction, automotive industry, presentation displays, food industry, medical and/or laboratory products, horticulture, ventilation, lighting and other industries.
  • Non limiting examples of such structures include a fencing structures, gates, woven-wire fabrics, auto bodies and other auto components, U-bolts, towing eyes, fixing eyes and rings, guide tubes, exhaust brackets, head restraints, operating rods, and other metal wire products such as displays, racks, grids, lampshades, frames, hooks, brackets, clips, rings and springs.
  • the metal wire according to the present invention may also be used for making a multistranded wire comprising a bundle of such coated metal wires.
  • the multistranded wire is also referred to as a wire rope.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning Implements For Floors, Carpets, Furniture, Walls, And The Like (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for cleaning metal wires and more specifically to the use of cleaning pads for cleaning metal wire. Specifically, the present invention provides a cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded completely in a synthetic polymer.

Description

METAL WIRE CLEANING PADS AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING METAL WIRE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for cleaning metal wires and more specifically to the use of cleaning pads for cleaning metal wire.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Metal wire is an important raw material in industry and construction. Several metals and metallic alloys possess the physical properties necessary to make useful wire.
The metals must in the first place be ductile and strong in tension, the quality on which the utility of wire principally depends. The metals suitable for wire, possessing almost equal ductility, are platinum, silver, iron, copper, aluminium, steel and gold; and it is only from these and certain of their alloys with other metals, principally brass and bronze, that metal wire is prepared, either homogeneous or non-homogeneous.
In the production process of metal wires several means are available for the cleaning of the metal wire. Mechanical cleaning is highly efficient and even preferred especially since chemical cleaning processes are extremely toxic processes.
Systems for performing the mechanical cleaning of metal wires are available in the art. These devices typically involve the use of support comprising steel wool or sandpaper which is pushed with a predefined pressure against the metal wire. As the metal wire advances through the steel wool or sandpaper, the particles of oxide or other impurities which cover the metal wire are removed and the metal wire is cleaned.
In recent years, many improvements have been made with regard to the methods and devices that are used for cleaning metal wires. However, there still remains much room for improvements in this field, especially when envisaging high quality metal wires.
In view of the above, there remains a need in the art for improvements in the field of metal wire cleaning. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to methods and devices for cleaning a metal wire.
In a first aspect the present invention provides in a cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded over their entire length in a synthetic polymer wherein said cleaning pad metal filaments have a tensile strength ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm2.
More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said plurality of metal filaments are steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze filaments or combinations thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said plurality of metal filaments are oriented parallel to each other. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said polymer is an elastomer. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein said cleaning pad further comprises a holder for positioning the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer onto the pad. More particularly, the present invention provides in a cleaning pad wherein the wire cleaning surface of said cleaning pad has a U- or V-shape.
In a particular embodiment the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer for cleaning and/or polishing metal wires. More particularly, the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad according to the present invention for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wires.
The present invention further provides in a device for cleaning and/or polishing metal wire wherein said device comprises cleaning pads according to the present invention.
The present invention further provides in a method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire, wherein the method comprises the step of conveying a metal wire through one or more cleaning and/or polishing stations and contacting said metal wire in said one or more of said cleaning and/or polishing stations with a wire cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer, thereby cleaning and/or polishing said metal wire. More particularly, the present invention provides in a method wherein impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, when removing these impurities part of the actual metal wire may be removed as well. In particularly, between 0.05 and 2 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. In a particular embodiment between 0.1 and 1 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. The present invention further provides that said metal wire is a steel wire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" when referring to recited members, elements or method steps also include embodiments which "consist of" said recited members, elements or method steps.
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.
All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. It is an object of the present invention to avoid the drawbacks of the prior art.
The present invention relates in general to methods and devices for cleaning a metal wire.
The term "metal wire" as used herein refers to a single, usually cylindrical, string of metal which is typically used to bear mechanical loads. The metal wire refers to a single, string of metal which may be used for a large number of applications. In fact the metal wire is an important raw material in industry and construction.
The metal wire may have any cross-section such as round, square, rectangular, oval or half oval cross-sections. The metal wires according to the present invention may be chosen within a high diameter range ranging between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 30 mm and more preferably between 2 mm and 16 mm. The material of the metal wire may be any type of metal or metallic alloy such as, platinum, silver, iron, copper, aluminium, gold, steel, brass or bronze.
The metal wire may be homogeneous or non-homogeneous. In particular embodiments, the metal wire is a non-homogeneous wire, more particularly a composite wire. In certain embodiments, the metal wire comprises a core of a first metal or metallic alloy, wherein said core is surrounded by a second metal or metallic alloy different from said first metal or metallic alloy.
Optionally, the metal wires may be provided with a coating, such as but not limited to metal wires provided with a galvanisation layer, a polymer coating or a metal oxide coating. Preferably the material of the metal core is steel or iron. When a steel metal core is used, the steel may be provided with either a low or high carbon content.
The present invention provides a cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer wherein said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, have a (pressure and/or tensile) strength ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm2, and more particularly between 2000 and 4000 N/mm2. More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2500 and 3500 N/mm2. More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2800 and 3000 N/mm2. Depending on the ratio of metal filaments versus polymers or depending on the type of metal filaments and/or polymers the strength of the cleaning pad material can be altered. This is of importance as it provides the present invention with a high degree of flexibility, enabling the user to choose from a large range of possible material strengths, the one which is most suitable for his application.
The strength as referred to herein particularly refers to the tensile strength of the embedded metal filaments. The tensile strength refers to the maximal stress a metal wire of metal filament can withstand while being stretched or pulled before deforming. The tensile strength may be measured at room temperature, for example at about 23°C, following the method according to standard test ISO 6892-1 -2009.
A particular aspect of the present invention is that the cleaning pad comprises metal filaments which are completely embedded in a synthetic polymer. The metal filaments are embedded along their entire length in a synthetic polymer, thereby providing in an optimal operation.
The present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said plurality of metal filaments are steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze filaments or combinations thereof. The filaments can be made out of any type of a metallic material, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, and the like. Each filament has a brushing end and an opposite or attachment end. The brushing end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended brushing action. Preferably said metal filaments are steel filaments. According to particular embodiments, said metal filaments have a diameter ranging from 0.1 to 5 mm, more particularly, ranging from 0.2 to 2 mm.
The present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said plurality of metal filaments are oriented parallel to each other. While a random orientation of the filaments in the polymer can also result in the desired effect, it has been noticed that even better results are obtained when the wires are directed approximately in the same direction, parallel with each other. The wires thereby provide a brushing end and an opposite or attachment end. The brushing end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended brushing action.
The present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said polymer is an elastomer. More preferably an elastomer selected from the group comprising thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers, chlorosulfonated polyethylene elastomers, polyester elastomers, polyether block amide elastomers, ionomeric elastomers, polyesteramide or polyether esteramide elastomers, and copolymers or blends thereof. More preferably said elastomer is a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides and copolymers or blends thereof.
The present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said cleaning pad further comprises a holder for positioning the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer onto the pad. As used herein, the holder is typically made out of metal and firmly fixates the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer in the cleaning pad. The present invention further provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein the wire cleaning surface of said cleaning pad has a U- or V- shape. The cleaning pad according to the present invention typically comprises a cleaning end and an attachment end. The attachment end positions the cleaning pad correctly within a cleaning device, while the cleaning end is exposed to contact the metal wire for the intended cleaning action. The wire cleaning surface is provided onto the cleaning end of the cleaning pad and the U- or V- shape of the wire cleaning surface ensures an optimal contact with the metal wire during the cleaning process.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides in the use of a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer for cleaning and/or polishing metal wires. The inventors have found that especially for cleaning metal wire a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded completely in a synthetic polymer provides optimal results. Whereas in the art typically steel wool has been used for cleaning metal wires, the inventors have now found that the use of cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer allows in an efficient and durable cleaning process. Typically, the use of cleaning pads according to the present invention have been shown to provide an improved durability (less wear) and an improved cleaning quality leading to high quality metal wire. Also, compared to some of the alternatives provided in the art the cleaning pads according to the present invention are easily exchangeable, and the pads, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, can be provided in a series of strengths ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm2, and more particularly between 2000 and 4000 N/mm2, thereby also providing a large degree of flexibility. More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2500 and 3500 N/mm2. More particularly, said cleaning pad, and more particularly the embedded metal filaments, provides a strength ranging between 2800 and 3000 N/mm2. The strength as referred to herein particularly refers to the tensile strength of the embedded metal filaments. The tensile strength refers to the maximal stress a metal wire of metal filament can withstand while being stretched or pulled before deforming.
The present invention further provides in the use of a cleaning pad according to the present invention for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wires. The removal of impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from metal wire is of high importance for the metallurgy. Mill scale in particular is the flaky surface of hot rolled steel, iron oxides consisting of lron(ll,lll) oxide, hematite and magnetite. It is formed on the outer surfaces of plates, sheets or profiles when they are being produced by rolling red hot iron or steel billets in rolling mills. Mill scale is composed of iron oxides mostly ferric and is bluish black in color. It is usually less than 1 mm (0.039 in) thick and initially adheres to the steel surface. Mill scale is a nuisance when steel is being processed. It makes metal wires brittle and needs to be removed during the metal wire processing. The inventors have now found that the cleaning pads according to the present invention are extremely useful for removing impurities such as mill scale, metal oxides or other foreign material from the surface of metal wires. More particularly the cleaning pads according to the present invention are extremely useful for removing mill scale from the surface of metal wires.
The present invention in particular provides in a cleaning pad according to the present invention wherein said cleaning pad is a non-rotary tool that which is typically used statically and pressed against the surface (wire) to be cleaned. It is the latter surface that actually moves over the cleaning pad. The non-rotary characteristic of the tools refers to the fact that the tool does not rotate around his central axis. The tool may on the other hand be inserted in a device for cleaning metal wire, where the tool as described herein rotates around the metal wire, thereby ensuring that the entire circumference of the wire is cleaned or polished.
According to another embodiment, the present invention provides in a device for cleaning and/or polishing metal wire wherein said device comprises cleaning pads according to the present invention.
According to yet another embodiment, the present invention provides in a method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire, wherein the method comprises the step of conveying a metal wire through one or more cleaning and/or polishing stations and contacting said metal wire in said one or more of said cleaning and/or polishing stations with a wire cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer, thereby cleaning and/or polishing said metal wire.
The methods according to the invention comprise at least one step where a metal wire is guided or conveyed through a cleaning and/or polishing station. The metal wire is conveyed along a predetermined path in a continuous manner, preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 10 to about 900 m/min, more preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 25 to about 500 m/min and most preferably at a velocity comprised in the range from about 50 to about 500 m/min, particularly from about 200 to about 500 m/min. The conveying rate of the metal wire may for instance be about 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 1 10, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or 200 m/min. In particular embodiments, the conveying rate of the metal wire is about 200, 225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475 or 500 m/min. Preferably, the conveying rate of the metal wire in the methods according to the present invention remains substantially constant through the entire process. This refers to the continuous manner by which the metal wire is conducted through each of the cleaning and/or polishing stations.
The present invention further provides in a method according to the present invention wherein between 0.1 and 1 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, between 0.2 and 0.8 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step. More particularly, between 0.4 and 0.6 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step.
The present invention further provides in a method or use according to the present invention wherein said metal wire is a steel wire.
The present invention also relates to a structure comprising one or more metal wires according to the present invention. Said structure comprising one or more metal wires according to the present invention refers to a structure that may be used in construction, automotive industry, presentation displays, food industry, medical and/or laboratory products, horticulture, ventilation, lighting and other industries. Non limiting examples of such structures include a fencing structures, gates, woven-wire fabrics, auto bodies and other auto components, U-bolts, towing eyes, fixing eyes and rings, guide tubes, exhaust brackets, head restraints, operating rods, and other metal wire products such as displays, racks, grids, lampshades, frames, hooks, brackets, clips, rings and springs.
The metal wire according to the present invention may also be used for making a multistranded wire comprising a bundle of such coated metal wires. The multistranded wire is also referred to as a wire rope.

Claims

1 . A cleaning pad for cleaning metal wire characterized therein that said cleaning pad comprises a plurality of metal filaments embedded over their entire length in a synthetic polymer wherein said cleaning pad metal filaments have a tensile strength ranging between 500 and 5000 N/mm2.
2. Cleaning pad according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of metal filaments are steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze filaments or combinations thereof.
3. Cleaning pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of metal filaments are oriented parallel to each other.
4. Cleaning pad according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said polymer is an elastomer.
5. Cleaning pad according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein said cleaning pad further comprises a holder for positioning the plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer onto the pad.
6. Cleaning pad according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the wire cleaning surface of said cleaning pad has a U- or V-shape.
7. Use of a cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer for cleaning and/or polishing metal wires.
8. Use of a cleaning pad according to claim 7 for removing mill scale from metal wires.
9. Device for cleaning and/or polishing metal wire wherein said device comprises cleaning pads according to any of claims 1 to 6.
10. Method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire, wherein the method comprises the step of conveying a metal wire through one or more cleaning and/or polishing stations and contacting said metal wire in said one or more of said cleaning and/or polishing stations with a wire cleaning pad comprising a plurality of metal filaments embedded in a synthetic polymer, thereby cleaning and/or polishing said metal wire.
1 1 . Method for cleaning and/or polishing a metal wire according to claim 10, wherein between 0.1 and 1 weight percent of the metal wire is removed during the cleaning and/or polishing step.
12. Use or method according to any of claims 7 to 11, wherein said metal wire is a steel wire.
EP12780433.4A 2011-10-10 2012-10-10 Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire Withdrawn EP2766132A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12780433.4A EP2766132A1 (en) 2011-10-10 2012-10-10 Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11184494 2011-10-10
EP12780433.4A EP2766132A1 (en) 2011-10-10 2012-10-10 Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire
PCT/EP2012/070051 WO2013053750A1 (en) 2011-10-10 2012-10-10 Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire

Publications (1)

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EP2766132A1 true EP2766132A1 (en) 2014-08-20

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EP12780433.4A Withdrawn EP2766132A1 (en) 2011-10-10 2012-10-10 Metal wire cleaning pads and method and device for cleaning metal wire

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WO (1) WO2013053750A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2868400A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-05-06 Meier Technische Beratung GmbH Device for coarse and fine cleaning of wire surfaces

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US3102056A (en) * 1958-10-06 1963-08-27 Osborn Mfg Co Surface finishing and cleaning apparatus and method
US3529945A (en) * 1959-08-18 1970-09-22 Sherwin Williams Co Rotary brushing tool containing nonwoven fibrous material
US3281882A (en) * 1964-02-27 1966-11-01 Osborn Mfg Co Brush type rotary tools and the like
US3702489A (en) * 1969-10-31 1972-11-14 Kobe Steel Ltd Apparatus for mechanically removing the scale from the peripheral surface of a hot rolled wire material
GB1546159A (en) * 1976-11-09 1979-05-16 Bicc Ltd Manufacture of rod of metal or metal alloy
US4631773A (en) * 1985-10-21 1986-12-30 Essex Group, Inc. Apparatus for removing fines from copper wires
AU1314601A (en) * 1999-11-12 2001-06-06 Izard Irwin International Limited Implements and methods of manufacturing same

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Title
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