MAC (Calcium soap/pre-treatment lubricant for wire drawing)
How Calcium Soap Works in Wire Drawing
Wire drawing is the process that gives a wire rod its final dimensions and shape by pulling it through a die — the starting point for metalworking products such as the bolts and nuts used in construction and automotive manufacturing.
The friction generated as the wire passes through the die is severe, so the wire has to be treated in advance with a pre-treatment lubricant. Calcium soap, also known as lime soap, is one of the most widely used of these pre-treatment lubricants.
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Neutralization
The calcium content neutralizes acid remaining on the wire surface after pickling. -
Carrier for the drawing lubricant
The film acts as the base layer that carries the dry lubricant powder into the die in the next stage. -
Lubrication
Calcium soap is itself highly lubricious, which reduces die wear. -
Friction reduction from fine particles
The calcium breaks down into fine particles during drawing, further lowering friction at the die. -
Water repellency and corrosion protection
The film makes the wire surface hydrophobic, preventing rust while the wire is stored before drawing.
Features of MAC
MAC is a pre-treatment lubricant suited to the drawing of a wide range of wire types, including soft wire, hard drawn steel wire, piano wire, special steel wire and stainless steel wire. Our own expertise in selecting and blending the calcium and the soap delivers high dispersibility and a uniform coating film.
- Simply dilute with water to use
- High dispersibility for a uniform film
- Strong adhesion to the wire for better lubricity
- The calcium soap film is less prone to scattering
- Suitable for both in-line and batch operations
Wire drawing process
MAC
MAC Grades
We recommend a grade to match your line configuration (in-line or batch) and the level of corrosion protection you require.
| Grade | Active content | Form |
|---|---|---|
| KP-20 | 40% | Emulsion |
| RF-20 | 40% | Emulsion |
| NT-20 | 40% | Emulsion |
| SH-10 / 20 | 40% | Paste |
| A-20 / 30 | 50% | Paste |
Scroll horizontally to view the full table
MAC KP-20 and MAC RF-20
Two grades in the MAC range have proved especially popular with our customers.
MAC KP-20
A grade that works particularly well with phosphate coatings. As an emulsion type it disperses readily in water, making it easy to handle in daily operation.
- Emulsion type with high dispersibility
- Available in 1-ton containers for bath make-up
MAC RF-20
A grade with enhanced corrosion protection, formulated to prevent the rust that forms while wire is held between pickling and drawing. It can also be used at higher temperatures to speed up film drying.
- Emulsion type with high dispersibility
- Available in 1-ton containers for bath make-up
1-Ton Containers for Bath Make-Up
MAC KP-20 and MAC RF-20 can be supplied in 1-ton containers as a special specification for bath make-up.
Removing the need to tip drums and pails delivers a substantial reduction in make-up time and takes a real physical load off the operator.
About MAC
