Wire drawing optimization with resource efficient lubrication

Important results from the project

Simple chemical analyzes can be used to characterize the properties of wire drawing lubricants and that these properties can be linked to specific process parameters. This reduces the need for costly trials when implementing new lubricants. In WOLS optimized tool holders were developed, designed for being additive manufactured. These enable an increased production speed without the drawing tool´s temperature rising, which creates great opportunities for productivity increases.

Expected long term effects

In the long term, results from the project will lead to a more sustainable wire drawing industry, as increased understanding of the interaction between wire, lubricant, lubricant carrier and drawing die will enable more robust processes, leading to less waste. Results from the project create a knowledge base for controlling and optimizing process parameters, which are very important aspects when the wire drawing industry moves towards Industry 4.0.

Approach and implementation

The cooperation within WOLS was very good and attracted several new project partners during the project, which strengthened the existing Swedish wire research consortium. The project went according to plan, but some activities took longer than estimated, necessitating an extension to catch up with the planned activities. Most of the project´s parts were carried out in three stages, method development, evaluation in a controlled environment, evaluation/implementation in an industrial environment

External links

Länk till forskningsprojektet på Örebro universitets hemsida på engelska Länk till forskningsprojektet på Örebro universitets hemsida på svenska