The Future of Wire Drawing Tooling: Trends That Will Define the Next Decade

In wire and cable manufacturing, tooling has long been the unsung hero of production efficiency. As industries worldwide shift toward higher speeds, lower tolerances, and more sustainable operations, the importance of advanced tooling design is taking center stage.

Over the next decade, five major trends will shape the future of tooling for multiwire drawing machines, bunchers, and coiling systems.

1. Integration of Smart Tooling Technologies
Sensors embedded in tooling assemblies will offer real-time feedback on wear, heat, and load conditions. While this may begin with capstans or annealing components, it is likely to evolve into fully integrated smart lines. This will enable predictive maintenance and dramatically reduce unplanned downtime.

2. Adoption of Advanced Materials
Steel-ceramic hybrid tooling, pioneered by companies like VT-KÄMPFER®, is already demonstrating extended tool life and superior heat resistance. As wire speeds increase and wire alloys diversify, demand will rise for materials with tailored microstructures that optimize both surface integrity and dimensional stability.

3. Modular Tooling Systems
Future-proofing production lines means designing parts that can be easily reconfigured for different wire gauges or setups. Manufacturers will benefit from modular tooling assemblies that simplify changeovers, reduce part inventories, and speed up R&D for new cable types.

4. Localized Refurbishment Hubs
As sustainability becomes a core operational mandate, refurbishing worn parts rather than discarding them will gain prominence. VT-KÄMPFER® already offers refurbishment services with re-coating, rebalancing, and QA certification. Expect more global tooling hubs to support circular manufacturing principles.

5. Custom Engineering Partnerships
The role of tooling manufacturers is expanding beyond component supply. Leading suppliers are becoming technical partners who collaborate on wire type development, machine calibration, and process tuning. This shift will blur the line between OEM and tooling vendor, creating an ecosystem of shared innovation.

In this fast-evolving space, companies that partner with tooling experts like VT-KÄMPFER® will be better positioned to meet the speed, quality, and sustainability goals of the next decade.