A model of lubricated cold strip rolling is extended to the thin foil case. The model considers the
evolution of asperity geometry and lubricant pressure through the bite. Friction between the roll
and the asperities on the strip is modelled using the Coulomb and Tresca friction factor
approaches. The shear stress in the Coulomb friction model is limited to the shear yield stress of
the strip. A novel modification to these standard friction laws is used to mimic slipping friction in
the reduction regions and sticking friction in a central neutral zone. The variation of rolling load,
lubricant film thickness and asperity contact area with rolling speed is examined, for conditions
typical of rolling aluminium foil from a thickness of 50 to 25 μm.