Classification of surface structures on fine metallic wires

In this report a classification of the main surface structures found on fin e metallic wires is carried out (between similar to 20 and 500 mum in diame ter). For this, we have analyzed a series of wires of different metallic ma terials, diameters and production environments by scanning electron microsc opy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal microscopy. A description and th e images of the structures is given and, in addition, a nomenclature to be used by manufacturers, customers and researches is proposed. With this info rmation the surface quality of fine metallic wires may be improved in a fab rication level. One of the objectives of this catalogue of defects is to se rve 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. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.