What is another name for "annealed" wire?

Annealed wire refers to wire that has undergone a heat treatment process, designed to soften the material and relieve stresses that may have been introduced during manufacturing or handling. When wire is annealed, it becomes more ductile, allowing it to be more easily shaped and drawn without breaking.

The term "soft drawn" directly correlates with the properties of annealed wire, as this process results in a wire that is softer and more flexible compared to other types. This makes it suitable for applications requiring greater malleability.

Understanding why the other terms do not apply here enhances your grasp of the subject matter. "Hard drawn" wire, for instance, refers to wire that has been drawn into its final shape without the annealing process, making it stiffer and less ductile. "Heat treated" is a broader term that can encompass a variety of processes, not all of which result in the softening characteristic of annealed wire. On the other hand, "cold worked" refers to wire that has been shaped at room temperature, typically increasing its strength but making it less ductile, which is the opposite of what annealing achieves. This distinction is essential for understanding the properties and uses of different types of wire in electrical applications.