Wire drawing compounds for the copper magnet wire industry

In an increasingly competitive world economy, it has become essential for copper magnet wire manufacturers to obtain good die life and improved product quality at a competitive cost advantage. One of the largest factors relating to excess die wear, die failure and poor product quality is lubricant selection and process control. This paper presents an overview of the lubrication mechanisms in wire drawing, the physical and chemical makeup of wire drawing compounds and a review of testing techniques and process controls for lubricating compounds used to draw copper magnet wire.