M. D. Hanna, GM Reserach and Development Center, Warren, MI; P. E. Krajewski, J. G. Schroth, GM Research and Development Center, Warren, MI
Development of lubricants for elevated temperature metal forming processes such as Quick Plastic Forming (QPF), Superplastic Forming (SPF), or warm forming requires the following features; low coefficient of friction, good adhesion to the blank, uniform application pattern, low cost and ease of removal after forming. This study focuses on the tribological performance and evaluation of alternative solid lubricants using flat-on-flat testing tribo-tester to simulate sheet forming at high temperature applications. Improved lubricant formulations containing boron nitride lubricant with graphite additions were found to enhance lubricity while maintaining good adherence to the surface of the aluminum blank temperatures.
Summary: Development of lubricants for elevated temperature metal forming processes such as Quick Plastic Forming (QPF), Superplastic Forming (SPF), or warm forming requires the following features; low coefficient of friction, good adhesion to the blank, uniform application pattern, low cost and ease of removal after forming. This study focuses on the tribological performance and evaluation of alternative solid lubricants using flat-on-flat testing tribo-tester to simulate sheet forming at high temperature applications. Improved lubricant formulations containing boron nitride lubricant with graphite additions were found to enhance lubricity while maintaining good adherence to the surface of the aluminum blank temperatures.
