Stop Cut vs Follow Cut vs Flying Shear on CNC Wire Straighteners

A wire straightener pulls coiled wire straight and cuts it to length. Cutting modes fall into three main types—stop cut, follow cut, and flying shear—each with distinct traits and best-fit uses.

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Stop Cut

Stop cut is the most basic mode: after straightening, the machine stops feed at the preset length. Once the wire is fully still, the cutter acts. After the cut, the machine restarts to feed the next segment.

Pros: simple structure, easy operation, lower cost. Cons: lower productivity because feed must stop for every cut.

Follow Cut

Follow cut is more efficient: the wire keeps moving during straightening. The cutter moves with the wire—“following” it—and cuts when it reaches the preset length.

Pros: higher efficiency than stop cut because feed need not stop. Cons: more complex mechanics and controls, higher cost.

Flying Cut (Flying Shear)

Flying shear suits continuous lines: wire moves at constant speed without stopping for the cut. The cutter accelerates to match wire speed and cuts at the right moment, so the cut barely interrupts continuous motion.

Pros: very high productivity for large-scale continuous production. Cons: complex technology, higher equipment cost, and higher maintenance demands.

Summary

Stop cut: best for small-scale or low-speed production—lower cost, limited throughput.

Follow cut: better efficiency for mid-scale production, with more complex design.

Flying shear: for high-speed continuous lines—higher cost and maintenance, but highest efficiency.

Manufacturers should pick the cutting mode that best matches their production needs.