Industry excellence on display
WAI’s Wire Expo drew a global audience for three days of technical education, hands-on training, and forward-looking discussions on manufacturing, materials, and AI-driven productivity
The Wire Association International (WAI) reports energy, enthusiasm, and many highlights following the staging of its biennial Wire Expo Operations Summit & Exhibits held May 6-7, 2026, at the Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. WAI welcomed 1,045 visitors from 44 U.S. states and 21 countries. Attendees from 105 manufacturing facilities were represented and 150 companies exhibited this year.
On Tuesday, May 5, the day before the official start of Wire Expo, WAI held its iconic Fundamentals of Wire & Cable Manufacturing course, which drew nearly 100 participants. The scope and focus of the presenters, honed through decades of real-life experience, were on full display, and first-time attendees were the beneficiaries.
“As a newcomer to the wire industry, attending the Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing course at the 2026 WAI Wire Expo gave me invaluable access to veteran expertise through a series of informative presentations,” said Vincent Nguyen, a research engineer at Encore Wire. “There is a significant gap between the exposure I receive at work and the high-level technical analysis that comes from truly understanding the wire and cable industry. Listening to industry experts helped bridge that gap by
providing knowledge gained from their years of experience and growth. The entire course was a masterclass in professional development.”
For more on the fundamentals experience, see p. 45.
As WAI continually strives for new and interesting ways to serve its membership, this year WAI’s Education Center offered a half-day workshop on advanced extrusion.
The Advanced Extrusion Workshop offered an exclusive, hands-on opportunity for professionals to deepen their understanding of wire extrusion processes. The fourhour, in-depth session built on the concepts introduced in WAI’s Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course. The Advanced Extrusion Workshop offered attendees a chance to connect with industry peers, interact with experts in the field, and see extrusion processes in action.
After a full day of learning and networking, WAI offered young professionals a chance to relax and unwind at Milwaukee’s Third Street Market Hall, where they were treated to refreshments and Topgolf Swing suites.
This year, Wire Expo was co-located with the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association/Global Electronics Association’s Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE). That enabled visitors to have free,
Between the Fundamentals class and two dozen presentations, attendees were offered a wide range of insights.
WAI 1st Vice President Raúl Garciá, c, with Allan B. Dove Memorial Award winners (Ferrous Division) Robert Kruzel, l, and Tomasz Dembiczak.
WAI President David Fisher, l, with keynote speaker and WAI Champion Award winner John Mellowes.
Attendees could find solutions on the show floor.
Rajiv Siveraman of Siemens Digital Industries discusses intelligent shop floor advances.
Mordica Memorial Award recipient Kiran Manchiraju in the WAI Theater, interviewed by Roy Jackson of Southwire Company.
Equipment shown at wire Düsseldorf 2026
AIM, Inc. USA
Contact: Constantine Grapsas
Tel. 813-818-8222
www.aimmachines.com
sales@aimmachines.com
This feature presents a range of the equipment that was shown at the Messe Fairgrounds on April 13-17. Some exhibitors chose to highlight their philosophy and/ or their company focus, but either way, the entries provide a taste of the show floor. As noted in the May wrapup, there was much to be seen.
At wire 2026 in Düsseldorf, AIM, Inc. showcased its newest generation AFCe-3Dx CNC wire bending machine, drawing strong interest from manufacturers looking for higher performance, greater flexibility, and better overall value in wire forming automation.
The centerpiece of AIM’s exhibit was the new AFCe-3Dx, a compact yet powerful 3D wire bending system engineered to deliver significantly higher production rates and enhanced forming capabilities at a highly competitive price point. Building on more than two decades of success with AIM’s AccuForm Compact series, the AFCe-3Dx was designed specifically for manufacturers seeking premium performance without the premium cost.
The machine features a high-end Yaskawa digital servo system, unlimited Z-axis rotation, feeder speeds up to 230 feet per minute, and AIM’s proprietary SmartEditor® programming software with animated 3D simulation and collision detection. Visitors also responded positively to the machine’s user-friendly touchscreen controls, simplified setup procedures, and integrated maintenance monitoring system designed to minimize downtime and improve long-term reliability.
One of the most discussed aspects of the AFCe-3Dx during the exhibition was AIM’s ability to deliver improved machine performance while simultaneously lowering overall system cost. In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, customers are increasingly focused on total value, production efficiency, and long-term serviceability. AIM’s engineering approach reflects that demand by combining advanced motion control technology, practical automation features, and robust machine construction into a system manufactured entirely in the United States.
Betasistemi Srl Italy
Contact: Sales
Tel. +39-0424-1745227
info@betasistemi.it www.betasistemi.it
Betasistemi continues to invest in innovation thanks to the experience of its highly specialized team. Its core objective is to develop new technologies for the wire drawing industry, delivering flexible, high-efficiency lines for copper and other non-ferrous conductors.
On the occasion of the Düsseldorf 2026 trade fair, the company presented the new 24-wire multiwire drawing machine MB24 with the AW20 multimotor annealer. The idea behind this new MB24 was born from listening to customers’ needs, as the market increasingly requires greater flexibility in producing different wire and cable diameters and types, combining tinned and bare copper within the same process and offering a unique solution to optimize production times and changeovers while enhancing operational efficiency. Using advanced limited-slip technology, the MB24 allows stable drawing of multiple wires in parallel with excellent elongation control, uniform tension, and low wire-to-wire deviation, supporting production of flexible, semi-rigid conductors and screening wires. The line is suitable for a range of inlet diameters and fine outlet sizes used in data, automotive, appliance, and energy cables, while maintaining tight tolerances and surface quality.
The AW20 multimotor annealer processes each wire with precise current and temperature regulation, restoring ductility and electrical conductivity after drawing. Its multimotor configuration improves process stability and permits independent speed control, helping to reduce wire breaks, scrap, and energy consumption. MB24 lines can have different payoff and take-up systems, including spools and coils, and feature compact footprints, ergonomic access and user-friendly controls to boost uptime and productivity.
Bongard Machines Germany
The fully refurbished high-carbon-steel wire drawing machine presented at wire Düsseldorf is a testament not only to our technical expertise but also to the extraordinary dedication of our team at Bongard Machines. Behind the machine on display are many hours of intensive work, precise fine-tuning, and a genuine passion for technology. Our employees worked with great dedication to prepare the machine on time and in the best possible condition for the trade show.
At Bongard, retrofitting is more than just a technical service. It is a combination of experience, meticulous care, and a commitment to modernize machines sustainably and prepare them for future requirements. This is exactly what the displayed machine demonstrates.
Photo 1 captures the intensive refurbishment phase at our facility in cartoon form and pays tribute to the tremendous effort of our technicians.
Photo 2 shows our team together at the trade show booth in front of the refurbished machine.
Bongard Machines is not only a used machinery dealer for the wire and cable industry, but also stands for customized solutions in retrofitting, service, and machine modernization.
Contact: Thomas Hochreiter, executive vice president
Tel. +49-2378-9155
info@bongard.de www.bongard.de
All In for AI?
Artificial Intelligence. Where human curiosity and technology meet.
If you are on a mission to learn how AI suits your manufacturing plans, turn to the Wire Association International’s educational resources for answers.
Meet experts at WAI conferences who will introduce you to AI and other advancements. Learn how to make faster, smarter decisions with AI to boost productivity. And see how companies use this new technology with proven results.
WAI’s programs embrace change...for the better. They are designed to help you meet your educational and manufacturing goals. That’s our mission and it has been for more than 95 years.
Connect with peers who are centered on AI. Use the QR code to reveal why members around the world rely on WAI. Not a member?
JOIN TODAY: www.wirenet.org
