Automatic set-up wire drawer

A method for substantially automating the set-up process for a wire drawing machine of the type having a power driven capstan adapted to rotate and thereby pull wire from a wire coil and through a drawbox, the method comprising the steps of:

• aligning an exit of the drawbox with an attachment device on the capstan by pivoting the drawbox;
• presenting a pointed end of the wire from the coil, through the drawbox and to the attachment device;
• attaching the end of the wire to the capstan by engaging the attachment device;
• rotating the capstan a predetermined number of revolutions to create a predetermined number of wraps on the capstan;
• releasing the end of the wire from the capstan by disengaging the attachment device;
• and
• wherein each of the aligning, attaching, rotating, and releasing steps is controlled by a control module of the wire drawing machine.

A wire drawing machine of the type having a power-driven capstan and a drawbox, the capstan adapted to receive a number of wire wraps around the outer circumference of the capstan to thereby pull wire from a coil upon rotation of the capstan, the drawbox being disposed between the coil and the capstan to reduce the diameter of the wire when the wire is pulled through the drawbox, the wire drawing machine comprising:

• a wedge attached to the capstan and adapted to selectively move relative to a gripper hole and thereby hold wire inserted into the gripper hole to the capstan, the gripper hole being provided in the outer circumference of the capstan;
• a self-articulating mounting bracket attached to the drawbox, the drawbox being positioned along a vertical axis by the bracket and gravity, the drawbox being positioned along a horizontal axis by a retractable cylinder attached to the drawbox and the wire drawing machine;
• means for stopping rotation of the capstan at a home position, the home position being where the gripper hole is aligned with an outlet of the drawbox;
• a sensor adapted to monitor rotational position of the gripper hole, the home position, and the capstan;
• and
• an operator interface module adapted to receive input from an operator including the number of desired wraps for the capstan and a start command and adapted to receive signals from the sensor and control movement of the wedge, drawbox cylinder, and means for stopping.