Abstract:The suitable test equipment for wire-drawing was designed. Wire-drawing tests were carried on with this equipment for TiC/Al₂O₃ ceramic wire-drawing die. Effect of lubrication medium and drawing velocity on the drawing force was investigated. The wear mechanisms of the ceramic drawing dies were investigated. Worn bore surfaces of the ceramic drawing dies were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that lubricant media have great influence on the drawing force. The drawing force is the smallest when a grease lubricant is used. But alteration of drawing velocity has scarcely any influence on the drawing force. Detailed observations and analyses of the die wear surface reveal that the most common failure of the ceramic drawing die is the wear in the invariable zone and bearing zone owing to the greater press stresses. Abrasive and adhesive wear are found to be the predominant wear mechanisms for ceramic drawing die.

Key words: wear behaviors; lubricant properties; drawing process; ceramic mould materials; wire drawing dies