Drahtform

Drahtform refers to both the technique of shaping metal wire into three-dimensional forms and to the resulting objects. Practitioners work with wires of various metals—steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, and sometimes precious metals—across a wide range of diameters. The form is created by bending, twisting, coiling, weaving, or combining individual wires, often around mandrels or jigs to fix precise geometries. Finishing steps may include soldering or crimping connections, heat treatment, polishing, and coating.

In jewelry and decorative arts, Drahtformen serve as components of jewelry or as standalone sculpture, valued for their lightness and ability to achieve complex, continuous lines. Industrially, wire forms function as brackets, hooks, fasteners, springs, or cable guides, and they can be produced by semi-automatic or CNC wire-forming machines.

Historically, wire forming is one of the oldest metalworking techniques, with evidence of wire being bent and shaped in ancient crafts. Modern practice combines hand skills with automated equipment to achieve high precision and repeatability. Design considerations include wire material properties (elasticity, yield strength), diameter, the intended load, and the required finish.

See also: wire forming, wire sculpture, metalworking, spring manufacturing.