Cold forging of stainless steel with FeCl3 based lubricants((c))

A lubricant system for cold forging of stainless steel based on FeCl3 has b een presented. The main component of this systems is FeCl3. Several composi tions (i.e. FeCl3. 6H(2)O, FeCl3 and FeCl3. 6H(2)O mixed with 10 wt.% MoS2 and/or graphite) were investigated. Results from ring compression test of t he lubricants were explained by the chemical and physical properties of FeC l3. 6H(2)O and FeCl3. The results from backward can extrusion tests showed excellent lubricating properties with respect to friction and anti galling properties. Chemical analysis of the lubricant film showed an increase in t he content of Fe2+ after the backward can extrusion test. On the basis of t he results from the chemical analysis and the backward can extrusion test i t was proposed that the reaction between FeCl3 and the stainless steel surf ace (with formation of FeCl2) during the cold forging process plays an impo rtant role in the lubrication mechanism of FeCl3.