EW January 2011

Feature

T hat lubricants are essential to wire drawing is seen immediately in the definition of the process: “During deformation, a thin film of lubricant between wire surface and die surface is essential to minimise friction, to reduce die wear, and to keep the die cool.” The point is made again in the first sentence of the description of the procedure: “Lubrication is introduced, and the material is guided to the deformation zone of the die.” But lubricants can do their vital work only if they are right for the material being worked; of the proper composition and consistency; and chosen, applied, and monitored by people with a confident understanding of wet and dry drawing, metal coating and ultrasonic vibration. This section of EuroWire presents some companies that specialise in this exacting technology.

Lubrication & filtration

Photo courtesy of Traxit International GmbH

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EuroWire – January 2011