In wire-based high-precision laser applications as micro welding or micro laser metal deposition the straightness of the wire used plays an essential role. Small process windows require constant input conditions and thus straight wire without deformations. Uncoiled commercial wire exhibits a spatial, often helix-like curvature as a result of previous recoil processes on comparatively small reels. With the rotary straightener developed in this work, stainless steel wires with diameters of 75 µm and 100 µm, respectively, were straightened from average curvature levels of 22.56 1/m down to 0.61 1/m by alternating bending. This cold forming process causes crystallographic irregularities (dislocations) and residual stresses, which additionally lead to a rise in hardness and yield strength of the wire. For subsequent laser processes the changed material properties are advantageous, as they increase process robustness and enable a longer wire stick-out.