Mechanisms of liquid lubrication in metal forming

Dr. Ichiro Shimizu, visiting researcher from Okoyama University, Japan,has carried out a basic study on liquid lubrication in metal forming investigating the strip drawing process. Applying a transparent die for direct observation of lubricant entrapment in prepared pockets of the strip surface he has observed the entrapment and escape mechanisms varying the pocket shape. The results show large influence of the slope of the pocket side and the radius of curvature on the pocket edge. A rigid-plastic FEM model was established for prediction of the lubricant pressure and the onset of lubricant escape.