Dead Block

A fixed block on which wire is fed by a disc or arm, which rotates round the block winding the wire round it. This equipment often is at the end of a wiredrawing machine in place of the normal capstan or block. Wire can then be taken from this non-rotating block without stop­ping the rest of the machine as is necessary when accumulated wire is periodically stripped off a rotating capstan or block fitted to the end of the machine. The rotating disc or arm has either pulleys or dies which enable the wire cast and helix to be adjusted.