Metal forming and lubrication

Lubrication is essential in most metal forming processes. The lubricant film has two basic functions, [1]: i. to separate the work piece and tool surfaces and ii. to cool the workpiece and the tool. Separation of the two surfaces implies lower friction facilitating deformation and lowering the tool loads, lower wear, avoiding pick-up of work piece material on the tool surfaces and in case of warm or hot working protection of the tool surface against overheating. The function of cooling is important for instance in multistep wire drawing, where the wire needs to be cooled down after each deformation step to avoid overheating and breakdown of the lubricant.