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The Book of Terms

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The Book of TermsThe WJI Book of Wire & Cable Terms: an interactive experience of learning and sharing
This book, written by industry volunteers and containing more than 5,000 entries, is an asset for newcomers to wire and cable.

At the same time, it also represents an opportunity for industry veterans to give back by either updating or adding to the more than 5,000 entries. This is an honor system process. Entries/updates must be non-commercial, and any deemed not to be so will be removed. Share your expertise as part of this legacy project to help those who will follow. Purchase a printed copy here.

   

 

0-9   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Deoxidizing

1) The removal of oxygen from molten metals by use of suitable deoxidizers. 2) The removal of undesirable elements other than oxygen by the introduction of elements or compounds that readily react with them. 3) In metal finishing, the removal of oxide films from metal surfaces by chemical or electrochemical reaction.

Depth of Crimp

See Crimp Depth.

Derating

Calculations that reduce standard tabulated ampacities for different conditions of use based on ambient temperature, bundling of conductors and other factors.

Derating Factor

A factor used to reduce a current carrying capacity of a wire when used in other environments from that for which the value was established.

Descaling

Several methods can be used to remove scale from ferrous rod or wire. The method of descaling used may be predetermined by the application. See following entries.

Descaling, Chemical

The removal of scale from wire or rod by immersing the material in an acid bath, usually sulfuric or hydrochloric. This method may be re­quired to achieve the necessary surface quality for some applications, such as plating-quality wire. See Pickling.

Descaling, Electrolytic/Ultrasonic

This system is best used for applications where there may be some oxides remaining from environmental oxidation. It uses a combination of electrolytic cleaning, which loosens debris from the surface, followed by ultrasonic cleaning, which removes the loosened debris from the surface. See individual entries.

Descaling, Mechanical.

The removal of scale from wire or rod by using equipment that flexes, twists or stretches the product to remove the scale. It may also be re­moved by shot blasting, where the wire is exposed to a “shot” abrasive, usually steel shot; or by sanding with abrasive belts.

Desiccant

Water or moisture-absorbent material, such as calcium chloride, used to prevent moisture from damaging packaged equipment or other merchandise.

Design Engineer

An engineer who has been assigned to a specific product for specific application.

Design Voltage

Voltage for which a cable is designed.

Detector

An electrical, mechanical, optical or combination device used to sense a change in conditions requiring action.

Detent

A bump or raised section projecting from the surface of a spring or other part.

Dew Point

The temperature at which vapor starts to condense (liquefy) from a gas-vapor mixture at constant pressure.

Diamond

One of two crystalline forms of carbon, the other being graphite. Diamond, the hardest sub­stance known, has a wear resistance that is approximately 10 times that of aluminum oxide and 50 to 100 times that of sintered carbide. Carbon occurs naturally in two crystalline forms, as graphite and as dia­mond. The difference in properties between the two is due to the arrangement of the carbon atoms.

Diamond Grinding Wheels

Used for finish grinding bores in sintered carbide dies. Grain sizes: 50 to 70 for rough grinding, 120 to 160 for medium grinding, 200 to 300 for fine grinding and 320 to 400 for very fine grinding.

Diamond Paste

Diamond powder ready made up into a paste comprising carrier, wetting agent and perhaps distinguishing coloring matter. Not normally used for diamond dies.

Diamond Powder

The hardest natural abrasive, this is used extensively in the drilling and polishing of diamond and sintered carbide dies. It is available in various grades, down to 320 mesh in sieve sizes, finer grades by elutriation and other processes, also in pastes.

Diamond Pyramid Hardness Test

An indentation hardness test employing a 136-degree diamond pointed pyramid is used as an in­denting tool on the test piece, the ratio between the force or applied load in kg. and the resulting surface area of indentation in sq mm being expressed as a pyramid hardness number (DPN). Also known as the Vickers Hardness Test.

Diamond Sawing Wire

Thin wire that has been coated with diamond particles codeposited with a nickel alloy from an electroless nickel bath. The wire is used to make small grinding pins for grinding and polishing and sintered carbide dies.
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