SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR CONTROLLABLE PREPARATION OF GLASS-COATED MICROWIRES

摘要

A process and system for controllable production of continuous lengths of microwire having a core covered by a glass coating are provided. According to the method of the invention, a glass tubing is loaded with a core material. Thereafter, the process includes the step of heating the tubing containing the core material for melting thereof, softening a tip of the glass tubing and forming a drop of the core material in the molten state surrounded by an outer glass shell. During the process, the gas is evacuated from the glass tubing in order to control elevation of the drop. The method includes drawing the heated outer glass shell into a continuous microwire filament and stabilizing the temperature and mass of the drop during the process. Accordingly, the system includes a suitable glass feeder mechanism, a rod feeder mechanism, a furnace configured for forming a drop of the core material in the molten state surrounded by an outer glass shell, controllable vacuum and cooling devices and a receiver section for receiving the microwire obtained after the cooling. The system also includes a controller and sensing means configured for producing signals representative of the gas pressure in the tubing, temperature temperature of the drop, the speed of the microwire, the value of the microwire diameter, the value of the spool diameter and other relevant parameters.