cold drawing

fibre manufacturing

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

Cold drawing is a process in fibre manufacturing where fibres are stretched without external heat, or at temperatures below approximately 70°C (160°F). This process is applied to fibres in a plastic state to increase the orientation of their long polymer chains along the fibre's longitudinal axis. This alignment causes the chains to pack closely together, developing cohesion and improving properties like tensile strength and stiffness.123

In wire drawing, a rod is pointed and pulled through a die by a revolving block, reducing its diameter and increasing its length. Fine wire requires multiple passes through dies.4

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

man-made fibre
Drawing techniques
…°F])—a process referred to as cold drawing. Other fibres, such as polyester, that are spun at extremely high rates yield what is known as partially oriented yarns (POY)—i.e., filaments that are partially drawn and partially crystallized and that can be drawn at a later time during textile operations. Many fibres,…
Read More
…°F])—a process referred to as cold drawing. Other fibres, such as polyester, that are spun at extremely high rates yield what is known as partially oriented yarns (POY)—i.e., filaments that are partially drawn and partially crystallized and that can be drawn at a later time during textile operations. Many fibres,…
Read More