Rectangular Shaped Wire
The history of rectangular shaped wire begins with the Industrial Revolution, which occurred between 1760-1840. Prior to then, wires were typically round due to the simplicity of the extrusion processes available at the time.
As technology and machinery evolved, the demand for more efficient and space-saving materials led to the development of wires with a rectangular cross section.
By the early 20th century, engineers had discovered that rectangular shaped wire offered superior performance in specific applications. In addition to its space-saving properties, its flatter profile improved thermal and electrical conductivity. This made it ideal for use in transformers and electric motors, where it’s still used today.
Rectangular shaped wire is also used to produce the millions of consumer clips people use every day to hold things in place, from cables and electrical wires to hair and potato chip bags.
Our Rectangular Shaped Wire is available in all alloys and offered in these sizes:
- From .010” x .020” to .080” x .160”
Note: material with a 2:1 ratio or more is considered flat shaped wire versus rectangular.
Radcliff’s maximum wire width is .250”. As width is decreased, thickness may increase.
Industries Served
Rectangular shaped wire is used extensively in the electronics industry to manufacture transformers, inductors, and coils, all of which are critical components in electronic devices and systems.
Unlike traditional round wires, rectangular wires offer superior electrical properties, making them indispensable in electrical panel design and related electronics.
Rectangular shaped wire is ideal for use in manufacturing solar-powered electronics because it offers a higher “fill factor” than other wires. The fill factor is a critical parameter primarily associated with photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are used to convert sunlight into electricity.