Classification of surface structures on fine metallic wires

In this report a classification of the main surface structures found on fine metallic wires is carried out (between ∼20 and 500 μm in diameter). For this, we have analyzed a series of wires of different metallic materials, diameters and production environments by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal microscopy. A description and the images of the structures is given and, in addition, a nomenclature to be used by manufacturers, customers and researches is proposed. With this information the surface quality of fine metallic wires may be improved in a fabrication level. One of the objectives of this catalogue of defects is to serve as a basis for measuring the quality of the surface of the wires during the production process and the development of a measuring device for that purpose.