THE EFFECT OF LUBRICATION ON THE PRESSING OF METAL POWDER COMPACTS

Admixture of lubricant with metal powder can assist or retard densification according to the applied pressure and the lubricant content. Lubricant exuded on to the die wall under pressure seems to be the main lubricating factor. The change-over or transition pressure from lubrication to inhibition varies in a Gaussian manner with lubricant content. Molecular films of lubricant are sufficient, but for reduction in ejection pressure a minimum content of 0.2% lubricant is necessary. Die-wall lubrication is far more useful and effective than admixed lubricant. Simultaneous die lubrication and admixture is of no value.