Lubricants & Filtration Roundup

High-Performance, Water-Soluble Synthetic Wire-Drawing Lubricants
Janelle Gerardi, Senior Product Development Chemist, RichardsApex Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA, says, “RichardsApex Inc. continues to advance the limits of efficiency and up-time with the evolution of our synthetic technology lubricants. SLN-31 has become our latest go-to product for customers seeking high-performance, water-soluble synthetic wire-drawing lubricants.
“SLN-31 has run successfully on bare copper, nickel-plated, tin-plated and silver-plated copper wire on wire sizes ranging from ultra-fine, fine and intermediate-sized wire. SLN-31 runs reliably on both single-wire and multiwire machines, operating at speeds up to 7500 ft/min.
“Customers transitioning from soluble oils to SLN-31 have reported a five-fold reduction in wire breaks and have seen production uptime improvements from 35% to 95% on historically problematic machines. Other customers noted die life extensions up to 40%. Tank life has exceeded two years and counting in many machines. Because SLN-31 is not reactive with bare copper, drawboxes and tanks stay cleaner over the life of the system.
“Synthetics are known to provide a longer tank life compared to traditional soluble oil lubricants as they are not prone to oxidation or emulsion destabilization. Waste disposal costs are typically reduced as well, as SLN-31 is water-soluble and generates minimal dissolved metal at the end of its service life.
“If you are looking to move away from traditional mineral oil-based lubricants towards a cleaner, more efficient solution that will increase your production output, all while lowering your operating costs (and number of daily headaches!), consider SLN-31 from RichardsApex Inc.
“RichardsApex Inc represents more than 120 years of experience in developing and manufacturing lubricants, cleaners, and coatings. At RichardsApex, Inc., we concentrate on one business — the research, development, production and marketing of specialty metalworking lubricants, process coatings and cleaning compounds. For more information, please contact: information@richardsapex.com.”

Lubricant Filtration Systems
Erik Macs, Director of Sales, Wire & Plastic Machinery Corporation (WPMC), Bristol, CT, says, “Wire and Plastic Machinery Corporation (Bristol, CT) is a USA based supplier of secondhand machinery. Many of the wire drawing machines and lines that we procure come with lubricant filtration systems. These units can be supplied either with the original line or provided as a separate piece. Obviously this is a key part of the wire drawing process that ensures that any contaminants are removed from the system.
“Various filtration units can be seen on our website at http://inventory.wireandplastic.com/All/Wire%20Drawing/Filtration%20Unit. Quotations for online items can be obtained easily through the website or calling our experienced sales staff at 1-860-583-4646.”

A Sustainable Step Forward in Wire Drawing Lubricants
Torty Hunt of Metalube Group, Manchester, UK, reports, “Leading global lubricant specialist Metalube has unveiled Lubricool™ 960, a next-generation, fully synthetic, mineral oil-free wire drawing lubricant that delivers exceptional performance while advancing sustainability in the copper wire manufacturing industry.
“Building on decades of innovation, Lubricool 960 sets a new benchmark for lubricant technology, combining cleaner chemistry with superior process efficiency and extended tool life. Sustainability is at the core of Lubricool 960. Developed to help manufacturers reduce environmental impact, it offers a fully synthetic, mineral oil-free solution for modern wire drawing operations. By eliminating mineral oil, Lubricool 960 supports cleaner production, easier waste management and improved operator and environmental safety – without compromising performance
“Speaking on the development of Lubricool 960, Product Development Manager, Sam Adamson, said, ‘Advanced formulations and continued innovation are at the heart of everything we do at Metalube. With our state-of-the-art laboratory and team of research and development chemists, we can create new formulations and next-generation products for the wire drawing lubricants market.’
“Lubricool 960 is designed for use across a wide range of wire drawing applications — from intermediate to superfine wire on both plain and tinned copper. Its fully synthetic formulation ensures consistent results and cleaner running, even in the most demanding multi-wire machines. Features and benefits include the following: Sustainability at its core: Mineral oil–free formulation supports cleaner production, easier waste management and improved operator and environmental safety.
Optimal lubrication: Protects tooling and ensures an exceptional surface finish.
Superior cooling: Provides exceptional heat dissipation to keep dies and wire cool, reducing wear and improving process efficiency.
Excellent copper soap resistance: Minimizes build-up for smoother operation and longer tool life.
Machine cleanliness: Maintains clean machinery and excellent bacterial resistance.
A six-month industrial trial at a leading UK copper wire manufacturer confirmed the lubricant’s outstanding performance: Antifoam addition rate reduced by 58%, fill life increased by 20%, die replacement rate dropped by 76%, wire break rate decreased by 75%, fungicide use was eliminated and the biocide addition rate was reduced by 58%.

“By removing mineral oils, Lubricool 960 helps manufacturers reduce waste, simplify disposal, enhance workplace conditions and support their ESG and sustainability targets — all while improving operational efficiency and extending equipment life. Lubricool 960 forms part of Metalube’s new Lubricool 900 Series — the company’s next-generation range of copper wire drawing lubricants, developed to set new standards in sustainability, performance and process reliability.
“Metalube is an award-winning UK-based manufacturer of high-performance industrial lubricants. Operating in over 100 countries, the company specializes in advanced lubrication solutions for the wire and cable industry, delivering products that enhance efficiency, sustainability and reliability.” – www.metalube.co.uk