The development of limited volume lubrication in metal working operations in south Africa

摘要

Limited volume lubrication as applied in metal working operations has grown significantly in the South African manufacturing industry over the past years. The need for a cleaner factory environment and the international competition faced by local producers, necessitated a re-evaluation of the efficiency of operations pertaining to tool life and quality of products. The technique started with sawing of aluminium and was extended through copper and stainless steel to mild steel manufacturing operations including band sawing, drilling and tapping, pressing and hot forging. The technique is limited by the material to be worked as well as the rate of metal working. Synthetic lubricants proved to be indispensable in meeting the challenges faced when applying the technique.