Use of lubricants during cold rolling of aluminium

Natural and synthetic lubricants specially formulated for cold rolling of aluminium were evaluated in terms of their ability to lower mill loads. The use of additives was also studied. Roll separating forces and roll torques were monitored. No significant differences between natural and synthetic oils were observed. The ability to maintain lubricant action was found to be lowest when synthetic esters were present, either in the base oil or as an additive.