Patent ID: 6338780
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: B21C,C25F,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for manufacturing a bundle of metallic fibers from a drawn multi-fiber wire which includes a plurality of metallic fibers and a metallic matrix member having a higher dissolvability than the metallic fibers, the apparatus comprising:a drawn multi-fiber wire feeding machine for feeding and conveying the drawn multi-fiber wire; a plurality of electrolytic baths which each include counter electrodes therein and which are arranged in series in a conveying direction of the drawn multi-fiber wire, the electrolytic baths being arranged in a shape of a gentle convex arch; a plurality of feeding devices provided between the electrolytic baths in the vicinity of each electrolytic bath for supplying electricity and guiding the drawn multi-fiber wire through the series of the electrolytic baths, the feeding devices being arranged in a shape of a gentle convex arch which corresponds to the gentle convex arch of the electrolytic baths; and a metallic fiber winding machine for winding the drawn multi-fiber wire which has been conveyed and passed through the electrolytic baths such that the metallic matrix member has been removed and the drawn multi-fiber wire has become the metallic fiber; wherein electricity is supplied to the drawn multi-fiber wire when the drawn multi-fiber wire travels and contacts in series upper portions of the plurality of feeding devices.