The most common surface preparation method for low carbon rods is “mechanical descaling by reverse bending”, in today’s wire industry, since it is the cheapest method. However, mechanical descaling by reverse bending alone, is not an efficient method of removing the scales, since up to 80 – 90% of the scale can be cleaned by this method. The tiny scales and the scale dust (which remain on the rod surfaces) not only contaminate the soap, but decrease the die lives as well. Hence, a secondary cleaning operation after mechanical descaling is essential in order to increase the efficiency of the wiredrawing operation.

Using steel descaling brushes for secondary cleaning after mechanical descaling is one of the simplest methods for removing the tiny scales and the scale dust on the wire rod surfaces.

By using steel descaling brushes after the mechanical descaling, you can

- increase the wire drawing speeds,
- extend the die lives and
- obtain a cleaner wire surface.

The prerequisite for producing clean wire is, to start with a clean rod surface.