How does a wire feeder with a four drive roll system affect wire feedability compared to two drive roll systems?
If you’re running your wire feeder on a full-time basis and are using a variety of wire diameters, it’s important to consider a wire feeder with a four drive roll system. Feeders featuring a two drive roll system have proven effective, but on anything above 0.045 (and ideally 0.035 and above), a four drive roll system will assist with a smoother feed. With larger diameter wires, there is often a great deal of cast that causes stiffening in the wire. The four drive roll system grips and straightens the wire, making for an easier feed. However, in light fabrication shops where you’re set up to run one type of wire all day and you don’t need a lot of flexibility or range in wire (anything 0.035 and below), a two drive roll system will suffice.
