Effect of solid lubricant on contact tip wear performance of non-copper coated solid wire

The effects of solid lubricants on contact tip wear performance of non-copper coated solid wire were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereoscopic microscope. It was found that the wear form of contact tip varied with composition of solid lubricant, therefore, the mass and aperture wear loss rate of contact tip were changed. When surface coatings of non-copper coated solid wire were mainly composed of graphite + nano Fe₂O₃, the mass and aperture wear loss rate of contact tip were 0.27%, 16.2%, respectively. Coated with graphite + nano Fe₃O₄, contact tip wear perfermance of non-copper coated solid wire were better, the mass and aperture wear loss rate wear of contact tip were 0.31%, 22.3%, respectively. Slight abrasive wear was wear form of contact tip. Contact tip temperature had an important role on the lubricity of solid lubricants, the solid lubricants mainly composed of graphite + nano Fe₂O₃ or graphite + nano Fe₃O₄ can achieve continuous lubrication from room temperature to higher temperature range.