By California Fine Wire Company
With 25 enamel coating machines at our disposal, at California Fine Wire Co. we are capable of handling any size of custom insulating enamel wire coating project. Our enamel choices are extremely varied and include ceramic, PTFE, nylon, and polyester coating options (among others). These coatings can be applied to almost any alloy wire with a diameter between 25 microns and 0.5 mm to create a premium quality insulated wire for any application. Our enamel is applied in a controlled bath and then cured at the optimal temperature for the specific coating formula to ensure that the insulation has a consistent thickness and provides the necessary degree of protection specified. Most of the coatings we apply are flexible enough to be braided and withstand the stresses that result from the standard spooling and coiling process. To create an additional layer of protection in harsh environments, a ceramic coating can be applied. The feasibility of this additional layer of protection is dependent on the curing temperature of the enamel used. We can advise customers regarding the best practices to use when handling ceramic coated insulated wire to ensure that the coating is not subjected to excessive abrasion or bending which could lead to delamination or breakage of the ceramic layer. Our team can assist customers in the selection of the ideal material for their application, including guidance on compatibility with insulated wire connectors. For additional information about our insulating enamel coating capability, see the table below or contact us directly. Applications and Industries Served Insulated wire from California Fine Wire Co. is used across industries where precision, reliability, and durability are critical. These include aerospace systems, defense electronics, medical devices, scientific instruments, and advanced research applications. Whether transmitting signals in satellites or powering life-saving medical equipment, the insulation helps maintain performance and safety under demanding conditions. Insulated Wire Connectors Compatibility The wire is manufactured to meet strict dimensional tolerances, making it compatible with a variety of insulated wire connectors. These connectors protect exposed conductors and simplify assembly in compact or high-density configurations. Careful control of insulation thickness and flexibility helps maintain a secure fit and dependable contact during integration. Precision Manufacturing & Quality Control We use over 25 enameling machines to apply insulation coatings with consistent thickness and high dielectric strength. Each batch is processed under tightly controlled conditions to achieve specific thermal, chemical, and electrical properties. Quality is ensured through rigorous inspection and testing at multiple stages throughout the manufacturing process. California Fine Wire is ISO 9001 certified and fully compliant with key industry regulations, including DFARS, REACH, RoHS, and ITAR requirements. Custom Lengths, Diameters & Packaging Wire is available in a range of diameters from 0.001" to 0.020". It can be cut to lengths as short as 0.125" or provided in long continuous spools. Packaging options are selected based on customer needs, from small quantities for prototypes to larger runs for production environments. Product Advantages Insulated wire from California Fine Wire Co. is lightweight and consistent. The insulation resists heat, chemicals, and mechanical stress, making it reliable under variable environmental conditions. It works well with insulated wire connectors, soldering, and wrapping applications—whether used in low-voltage signal lines or high-reliability power paths. Insulating Enamel Coatings Specifications Process Insulating Enamel Coating Wire Shape Round Stranded Duplex Substrate Materials Ceramic Formvar Polyurethane Polyurethane/Nylon Polyimide Polyester Polyesterimide Solderable Polyesterimide PTFE Secondary Coatings Nylon VG Bond Coat Substrate Materials Aluminum Copper Nickel Nickel Alloys Resistance Wire Alloys Thermocouple Alloys Gold Silver Platinum Platinum Alloys Glass Sealing Alloys Bonding Wire Numerous Additional Options Available Wire Diameter 0.001" to 0.020" 25 microns to 0.5 mm Other Sizes on Request Wire Length Cut Lengths: 0.125" to 72" No Limit on Spooled Lengths Production Volume Prototype Low Volume High Volume Typical Lead Time Quoted on a Job by Job Basis Additional Information Industry Focus Aerospace Defense Electronics Medical Research & Development Industry Standards ISO 9001 Certified DFARS REACH RoHS ITAR
Precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver are excellent choices for specialty wires. They offer advantageous electrical properties with little or no reaction to chemicals. This wiring can be used in a wide variety of applications and environments without fluctuation concerns. Platinum makes an especially valuable wiring material because of its consistent performance in high temperatures, complex configurations, and challenging environments. It resists corrosion and oxidation and withstands the majority of acids. With excellent malleability and ductility, platinum is ideal for complex or precise wire fabrications. Medical Applications of Platinum Wire Manufacturers incorporate platinum wires into a wide variety of medical devices and equipment. Patients with medical implants, such as pacemakers, dental restorations, and cochlear implants, benefit from the stability of platinum in chemically active environments. For example, catheters have platinum guide wires and markers that can be seen on X-rays or fluoroscopies to ensure the devices are properly inserted. Platinum wire is also used in the manufacture of lab utensils, surgical tools, and transfer tools that move samples of organic material onto sterile plates. Platinum-based sterile swabs can safely move clinical samples of tissue without presenting any risk of contamination or chemical reactions. Aerospace and Military Applications of Platinum Wire Aerospace and military manufacturers use platinum wiring for monitoring equipment, thermocouples, and other instruments. Thermocouples are temperature sensors that assess the reaction between platinum and a dissimilar metal like rhodium to determine temperature variations. While some thermocouples use other metals, Type B, Type R, and Type S thermocouples use platinum. These tools are preferred for measuring temperatures in environments with high base temperatures. Along with thermocouples, some common uses of platinum wire in aerospace and military applications include: - Aircraft engines - Catalytic converters in gas-powered vehicles - Heat exchangers - Individual engine parts, such as blades, fuel manifolds, fuel nozzles, stators, and vanes - Infrared detectors - Turbines Electrical Applications of Platinum Wire Thermocouples are popular tools in industrial and commercial applications, as well. Platinum wires are also a highly valuable component in semiconductor manufacturing, as platinum wire can be fabricated in ultra-fine varieties for increasingly small semiconductors with complex design structures. Manufacturers use platinum wiring to grow crystal in ceramic capacitors and crucibles. Developing energy technologies and power storage solutions rely on platinum wiring for PEM fuel cells, catalysts, and more. Some of the most common electrical components that make use of platinum wiring include: - Contact points - Fiber optics - LCD displays - Resistance wires Laptops are a prime example of products that use platinum in multiple different contexts. Leaders in Platinum Wire California Fine Wire is a leading provider of high-quality platinum wire for clients across multiple industries. We fabricate 99.99% pure titanium wire that is suitable for sensitive and highly specialized applications. If your project needs platinum alloy wires, we can produce platinum alloys using rhodium, iridium, and tungsten according to your specifications and preferred percentages. Since our company began in 1961, California Fine Wire has specialized in both round and flat wiring in fine and ultra-fine varieties. We also manufacture stranded wire and coated wire from a wide variety of semi-precious and standard metal materials. Each product is manufactured to meet the precise needs of our customers. California Fine Wire Co.’s quality management system is ISO 9001 certified, and we maintain an extensive in-house quality testing process to ensure wiring meets ANSI, NBS, and stringent internal standards at each stage of production. These tests include dimensional measurements, tensile testing, and resistance measurements.
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At California Fine Wire Co., we manufacture premium quality custom wire products for customers in a wide range of industries. Our wire drawing capabilities include the ability to produce wire between 10 microns and 1 mm in diameter using precision drawing dies. The quality of the dies that are used in the wire drawing process have a direct impact on the precision and consistency that can be achieved in the final product. All of our dies are polished in-house by experienced craftsmen who take pride in the quality and precision of their work. Everything we manufacture is custom, freeing customers to select the exact alloy, diameter, and packaging method to best suit their given application. Aluminum, copper, resistance wire, and precious metal alloys are only a few of the available material options. Contact us for the full range of alloys and wire material choices that are available. In addition to custom wire drawing, we can redraw standard products provided by the customer to improve the roundness of the wire for precision applications. Our “ultra finish” option provides the best surface finish and meets the tightest diameter tolerances in the industry. Precision diamond dies are used in the final drawing process to create an ultra finish on the wire. Custom wire can be drawn in any quantity and packaged on spools or cut to length, depending on the application. Lead times are evaluated on a job by job basis, and kanban inventory management programs are available. For additional information about our custom precision wire drawing capabilities, see the table below or contact us directly. Drawn wire is created by pulling metal through a die to reduce its diameter and improve surface finish. At California Fine Wire Company, we specialize in precision cold drawn wire manufacturing using a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, copper, nickel alloys, precious metals, and refractory materials. All of our wire is cold drawn at room temperature to preserve material strength and deliver exceptional dimensional accuracy. Our cold drawn l wire is available in diameters ranging from 0.0003″ to 0.040″, with tolerances as tight as ±0.000025″. Formats include round, ribbon, bifilar, and stranded configurations. To meet specific application requirements, we provide a range of finishing options such as strand and batch annealing, electroplating, and enamel or PTFE coatings. CFW Co. offers a wide range of wire packing solutions to meet your specific application needs. Options include standard spools, bonding spools, cut-to-length pieces, and cleanroom-compatible blister packaging. Dimensional inspections reach down to ±0.00005″. Electrical and mechanical testing is available to meet industry-specific requirements. California Fine Wire is ISO 9001 certified and complies with DFARS, RoHS, REACH, and ITAR. California Fine Wire supplies cold drawn for a variety of specialized uses. Our products are known for precision and consistency, making them a strong choice for applications requiring tight tolerances and reliable performance. - Medical: Used in catheters, implantable devices, and sensor leads where fine diameters and clean finishes are essential. - Aerospace: Supports avionics, satellite systems, and guidance equipment that require lightweight, high-strength materials. - Electronics: Common in semiconductors, bonding wire, and fine electrical connections in compact assemblies. - Defense: Applied in communication systems, surveillance devices, and mission-critical electronics that demand consistent performance under extreme conditions. - Instrumentation: Used in thermocouples, RTDs, and other precision measurement devices for lab and industrial settings. Our wire is produced with application-specific needs in mind, helping manufacturers meet strict quality and performance targets. With over 60 years of experience, California Fine Wire stands out among drawn wire suppliers for precision, responsiveness, and customization. We support short runs, prototypes, and high-volume production with quick lead times and dedicated service. Contact us to request a quote or discuss your next drawn wire requirement. Our team can assist with specifications, testing options, and turnaround times. Wire Drawing Specifications Fabrication Process Drawing Redrawing Ultra Finishing Wire Shape Round Stranded Duplex Ribbon Materials Aluminum Copper Nickel Nickel Alloys Resistance Wire Alloys Thermocouple Alloys Gold Silver Platinum Platinum Alloys Glass Sealing Alloys Bonding Wire Numerous Additional Options Available Finish Bare Enamel PTFE Ceramic Plated Wire Diameter 0.0004″ to 0.040″ 10 microns to 1.0 mm Other Sizes on Request Wire Length Cut Lengths: 0.125″ to 72″ No Limit on Spooled Lengths Flat Wire Width 0.0004″ to 0.10″ 10 microns to 2.5 mm Other Sizes on Request Production Volume Prototype Low Volume High Volume Typical Lead Time Quoted on a Job by Job Basis Industry Focus Aerospace Defense Electronics Medical Research & Development Industry Standards ISO 9001 Certified DFARS REACH RoHS ITAR
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California Fine Wire Co. offers a high-quality PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) insulation that is ideal for demanding applications requiring low friction, non-stick properties, and exceptional chemical resistance. Our proprietary coating process applies a thin, uniform layer of PTFE directly to the wire without the need for primers. This ensures a high-purity insulation with excellent adhesion and minimal added bulk, allowing us to maintain tight dimensional tolerances even on fine and ultra-fine wire sizes. We can apply PTFE insulation to any alloy that we carry, offering a broad range of insulation thicknesses that can be tailored to your specific requirements. Our PTFE-coated wire is compatible with most insulated wire connectors, supporting a variety of assembly and termination methods. Whether you're working in aerospace, medical, or high-tech electronics, California Fine Wire Co.'s PTFE-insulated wire offers the durability, precision, and flexibility for your applications' demands. Connector Compatibility PTFE insulation allows for soldered, crimped, or thermally joined terminations without cracking or peeling. It is compatible with a range of insulated wire connectors and supports high-density layouts without compromising reliability. The insulation's strength and flexibility are especially valuable in miniaturized electronic packages and tight routing environments. Specific Industry Applications PTFE insulated wire performs reliably in systems exposed to vibration, temperature changes, and corrosive conditions. Aerospace programs use it for signal and power connections in avionics and control systems. Defense contractors rely on it for rugged assemblies that must hold up under mission-specific stress. In electronics, PTFE insulation supports signal clarity in sensors, circuit boards, and test equipment. Research groups use this wire in prototypes, instrumentation, and measurement devices. PTFE coated wire also works well with insulated wire connectors, allowing for consistent connections that resist breakdown or degradation. Its non-stick surface and thermal stability make it easy to handle during assembly and suitable for compact connector designs. Quality and Compliance California Fine Wire Co. holds ISO 9001 certification and complies with DFARS, REACH, RoHS, and ITAR regulations. All wires are manufactured with consistency and traceability in mind, from small prototypes to large production runs. Insulating Enamel Coatings Specifications Process: PTFE Insulating Wire Shape: Round, Stranded, Duplex Colors: Clear (Standard), Green, Blue, Black, White Operating Temperature: 240°C (464°F) Substrate Materials: Aluminum, Copper, Nickel, Nickel Alloys, Resistance Wire Alloys, Thermocouple Alloys, Gold, Silver, Platinum, Platinum Alloys, Glass Sealing Alloys, Bonding Wire, Numerous Additional Options Available Wire Diameter: 0.001" to 0.020", 25 microns to 0.5 mm, Other Sizes on Request Wire Length: Cut Lengths: 0.125" to 72", Up to 1,000 ft (300 m) per Spool Production Volume: Prototype, Low Volume, High Volume Typical Lead Time: Quoted on a Job by Job Basis Industry Focus: Aerospace, Defense, Electronics, Research & Development Industry Standards: ISO 9001 Certified, DFARS, REACH, RoHS, ITAR
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