Lubricants

Effective lubricant must have a low shear strength

and should not breakdown at high temperatures. For extrusion of steel and Ni-based alloys glass powder is commonly used. It melts and serves as a lubricant between billet and container and also as a thermal insulation to reduce heat loss to the tools. A glass pad is kept at the die face. Optimum combination of ram speed, lubricant coating thickness and temperature to be used.