The softening effect during electrochemical drawing of AISI 1070 steel wire

Drawing deformation behaviors of AISI 1070 steel in conventional lubrication and electrochemical environments were compared. The anodic polarization in the electrochemical drawing not only decreases much the deformation resistance but also eliminates the work hardening. This can only be attributed to the reaction on the surface of the wire before it passes through the die. This chemomechanical effect, which is governed by surface dissolution rate, facilitates dislocation slip and permits a much smooth high speed drawing. It was a promising technology for the forming of brittle hard metal materials.