How to Choose the Right LOSMA Additive for Copper Wire Drawing Lubricants ?
Copper wire drawing is a key manufacturing process in the production of electrical wiring, electronics, and industrial components. As demand for copper continues to grow—driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy, and construction—so does the need for high-performance, sustainable lubricants that ensure surface protection, process stability, and equipment longevity.
At SEQENS Custom & Specialties, we offer a range of LOSMA sodium sulfonate emulsifiers specifically designed to optimize emulsion stability, lubrication performance, and sustainable chemistry in copper wire drawing applications.
Understanding the Copper Wire Drawing Process
Wire drawing involves reducing the diameter of copper wire by pulling it through a series of dies. This mechanical deformation process uses tungsten carbide or diamond dies and is essential for producing fine wires with precise surface quality.
Depending on the wire diameter and machine type, different lubricant formulations are required:
- Rod Breakdown Machines: Use milky emulsions for wires from 8–20 mm down to 0.85–5 mm.
- Single Wire Machines: Use semi-synthetic fluids for intermediate diameters (0.1–1.5 mm).
- Multi-Wire Machines: Use synthetic fluids for superfine wires, with high demands on detergency, thermal stability, and surface finish.
Each of these processes requires a tailored lubricant solution that integrates the right additive and solvent to ensure green performance, low friction, and sustainable efficiency.
Why LOSMA Additives Matter
LOSMA sodium sulfonates act as emulsifiers in soluble metalworking fluids. Their role is essential in:
- Stabilizing emulsions under varying temperatures
- Enhancing lubrication and detergency
- Preventing copper corrosion
- Reducing foaming
- Improving wear resistance
By improving the chemical stability of emulsions, LOSMA additives contribute to longer fluid life, reduced waste, and greener operations in wire drawing processes.
Performance Comparison of LOSMA Additives
SEQENS has tested several LOSMA grades in emulsion formulations under identical conditions. Key findings include:
- LOSMA 502E and LOSMA 601E deliver the best overall performance.
- LOSMA 601E shows superior wear protection (Reichert test on steel).
- Both additives offer excellent foaming control and emulsion stability.
- Compared to natural sodium sulfonates, LOSMA grades provide better consistency, surface protection, and sustainable formulation potential.
These results highlight the importance of selecting the right additive-solvent combination to meet both technical and sustainability requirements in copper wire drawing.
Typical Properties
Characteristiscs
Appearance
Sodium sulfonate content (%wt)Mineral oil content (%wt)
Molecular weight (g/mol)
Density at 20°C (g/ml)
Basicity (mg KOH/g)
Water content (%wt)
Viscosity at 100°C (mm²/s)
Humidity cabinet (5% in 100SN) (hrs)
Demulsibility (10% in 100SN)
LOSMA 502E
Brown viscous liquid
>60
23
520
0.96
<5.0
<1
177
155
1-3-76 (60)
LOSMA 601E
Brown viscous liquid
>60
28
670
0.93
<5.0
<1
137
48
2-8-70 (60)
Recommended Applications
- LOSMA 502E: Ideal for rod breakdown and intermediate wire drawing emulsions.
- LOSMA 601E: Best suited for high-performance synthetic emulsions in multi-wire and superfine wire applications
Selecting the right emulsifier is essential to formulating efficient, stable, and sustainable copper wire drawing lubricants. LOSMA 502E and LOSMA 601E stand out as the most reliable and versatile options, helping formulators meet their technical requirements .
Learn more about our products LOSMA 502E and LOSMA 601E.
