On 8/18/2011 8:10 AM, anorton wrote:

"DougC" wrote in message
...
On 8/18/2011 1:15 AM, anorton wrote:


If you deform metal, it will work-harden. So, no, you can not roll it
without changing properties.


I may try to do this with some soft-temper wire I have around,,,,
maybe it will approach the spring-temper when done.

There are places that make square wire, for example:
http://www.microdynetech.com/wire_shapes.htm
http://www.radcliffwire.com/default.asp

A lot of custom spring companies will make springs with square wire,
perhaps they will sell you small quanitites of such.


Generally I've not had good experience with such queries.

However, my experience as an engineer is that when you think you need
something really unusual, then you are either not clever enough or too
clever for your own good. There are very rare exceptions when working on
really cutting edge stuff. In other words try to find a way to make do
with round wire.

If it wasn't for the unusual things, I wouldn't be doing anything at
all....


Another thought is to grind an oversize round wire to square. This may
need some special fixturing.
does it need to be square over the whole length or just the ends, or can
the ends be round? perhaps you only need to adjust the ends if so.