Cold forming fluids

In the cold sheet metal stamping process, lubricating fluids serve to reduce friction between the sheet metal and the tooling (punches, dies, and blank holders), thereby limiting die wear, improving the part's surface quality, and promoting more uniform material deformation. Proper lubrication also helps reduce processing forces and prevents issues such as galling or sheet metal tearing.

The main types of lubricating fluids used in cold stamping are:

Mineral oils also solvent based, widely used due to their good lubricating properties and low cost.
EP (Extreme Pressure) oils, used for demanding operations requiring high wear protection.
Synthetic lubricants, characterized by high stability and ease of cleaning the finished parts.
Oil-water emulsions, which combine lubricating and cooling properties, making them particularly suitable for high-speed production.
Solid or dry-film lubricants (graphite, MoS₂, waxes, and polymers), used in specific cases involving severe deformation or when an absence of oily residues is required.

The choice of lubricant depends on the sheet metal material, the type of operation (blanking, bending, deep drawing, etc.), the complexity of the deformation, and the quality requirements of the final product.