The main factors influencing the lubricating properties of waterbased cutting fluid for aluminum alloy processing were studied by the tapping torque test.The results show that pH value of the diluent and the emulsion particle size have the most significant influence on the lubricating properties,and the content of base oil,the types and content of lubricating additives also have obvious effect on the lubricating properties.Furthermore,the diluent with lower pH value,larger particle size,higher content of base oil and synthetic ester presents excellent lubricating properties.The trimethylolpropane,ethoxylated polymeric esters,chlorinated paraffin and sulfurized fatty acid ester are efficient additives of aluminum alloy processing,while sulfurized olefin has poor lubrication property.