Experimental analyses of lubricant reduction in an industrial progressive tool

Abstract. Due to political regulations and the general trend towards increased sustainability as well as efficient use of resources, companies are developing processes with a lower carbon footprint. Many small and medium-sized companies are creating their product based on years of experience without rethinking the production process. Hence, many processes contain high possibilities of improvement regarding the sustainability. Therefore, an experimental study at company Euscher was conducted. Six tests were performed using an industrial progressive die for deep drawing sleeves. The amount of lubrication was consequently reduced and parameters, such as the tool temperature, forming force and amount of lubrication, were tracked. Further, the part quality was checked during the tests regarding various properties, such as part dimensions and surface roughness. The amount of lubrication could be reduced significantly without any high impact on process parameters and part dimension. As expected, the roughness of the parts was increased.