High-performance lubricants in powder compaction: An overview of their benefits

In powder metallurgy, compaction is a key step of the process which determines important properties of the parts produced (e.g., density, part weight, surface finish). It follows that compaction must be efficient, stable, and repetitive. Traditional powder metallurgy lubricants include EBS wax, which has been used for decades. New research has uncovered much better products which offer several benefits, including a better lubrication performance. This enables powder mixes to offer comparable ejection performance at lower loading levels. In turn, the performance of the process is improved, due to a more stable die fill and higher apparent density. For parts producers, these benefits can generate additional value through a better quality, a more stable operation and a reduction of scrap rates, which more than compensates the higher costs of these new materials.