REDUCTION OF FRICTION DURING WIRE DRAWING BY ELECTRODE CONTROL

In wire drawing, the wire is drawn through a series of dies sprayed with or immersed in an emulsion lubricant. The surface conditions of the wire play a vital part in the mechanism of lubrication, and the conditions can be affected by electrochemical parameters. The electrochemical behavior of copper in selected emulsions was studied, and laboratory friction as well as pilot plant tests were performed, Reduction of friction was detected at various potentials depending on the lubricant composition. Surface quality of the wire was improved by the electrode control.