Test methodology for the formulation and selection of components of thread moulding oils

Abstract

AbstractIn the course of a Kplus research project which focused on the internal thread moulding process, a test methodology for evaluating the efficiency of forming oils was developed. The various tests should provide tribological characteristic values, such as coefficient of friction, with respect to the real production environment. To guarantee the transferability of results, the complex of loads acting on the components in the model tests must correspond to the real forming process. Especially parameters such as contact pressure, relative speed in the forming zone and the increase of surface of the workpiece during the forming process must be considered in tribological testing. The tribological data provided information to select components of thread moulding oils and to optimise the formulation. Best practice moulding oils must satisfy different demands in respect of physical, physical–chemical, chemical and additional properties. In addition to the cooling function and the reduction of friction, there is also a significant influence on the quality of the workpiece and the moulding process itself. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.