Sustainable Metal Forming: Reducing Waste and Cycle Time with Advanced Lubricants

Stack of orange LPG gas cylinders outdoors.

Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/lpg-gas-bottles-at-gas-station-gm1065820502-285021221

A steel manufacturing company, producing items such as LPG cylinders, steel drums, and other specialized containers, faced significant challenges with long production cycle times. The issue stemmed from the manual placement of polyethylene (PE) plastic sheets between the mold and metal sheets, which were used as a makeshift drawing lubricant. These PE sheets were single-use plastics, resulting in tedious and expensive waste disposal processes. The reliance on these sheets not only slowed down production but also increased costs because of frequent purchasing and disposal requirements.

The company’s need for a more efficient solution became urgent as they sought to reduce production cycle time while addressing the growing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste.

Fluid Solutions’ team of lubrication experts conducted a detailed analysis of the company’s manufacturing process and determined that a more effective metal forming lubricant was needed to replace the outdated use of PE sheets. After careful consideration, we recommended Petrofer Drawlub TD 52, a high-performance lubricant specifically designed for metal forming and deep drawing operations.

Petrofer Drawlub TD 52 provides optimal protection and performance, forming a barrier that prevents the sticking of metal sheets to the mold during the drawing and stamping process. This metal forming lubricant offers several key advantages over the previously used PE sheets, including better lubrication, improved mold release properties, and enhanced production efficiency. By eliminating the need for PE sheets, the company could streamline its operations and reduce the environmental impact.

Spacious factory interior with various industrial equipment.

Image Source: https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/manufacturing-facility-equipment-production_4756983.htm#from_view=detail_alsolike

Switching to Petrofer Drawlub TD 52 brought significant improvements to the company’s metal drawing and stamping processes:

  • Increased productivity: The company achieved a 50% reduction in production cycle time, allowing them to manufacture more products in less time. This was because of the elimination of the manual placement of PE sheets, which had previously caused production delays.

  • Cost savings: The company realized substantial savings not only from the reduction in production cycle time but also from the discontinuation of purchasing single-use PE sheets. The streamlined process required less labor and fewer materials, driving down overall production costs.

  • Environmental compliance: With the removal of PE sheets from the process, the company no longer needed to dispose of significant amounts of plastic waste. This reduction in waste disposal costs also helped them comply with environmental policy requirements, which are increasingly important in today’s industrial landscape.

These improvements show how the selection of metal forming lubricants can drastically enhance the efficiency of production processes, while simultaneously reducing costs and minimizing environmental impact. The adoption of Petrofer Drawlub TD 52 not only improved performance but also aligned the company’s practices with sustainability goals, making it a long-term solution for their production needs.

Petrofer Drawlub TD 52 is a high-quality drawing and stamping fluid specifically designed for metal forming operations on ferrous metals. It is effective in solid-forming operations, such as direct, indirect, and transverse impact extrusion. The lubricant’s superior performance ensures optimal release, preventing the sticking of metal sheets to molds and enabling faster and smoother production cycles. It is suitable for a wide range of industries, including those involved in aluminum stamping, steel forming, and other metalworking processes.

At Fluid Solutions, we have extensive experience providing lubrication solutions for the metal drawing and stamping industry, as well as for the broader metalworking industry. Our team of experts ensures that every lubrication issue is thoroughly investigated and addressed with precision. Whether you need deep drawing lubricants, aluminum stamping lubricants, or advanced metal forming lubricants, we have the products and expertise to optimize your production processes and deliver results.

Is your manufacturing process facing similar challenges with long production cycle times or inefficient lubrication solutions? As one of the top metalworking fluids manufacturers, Fluid Solutions is here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can help you optimize your metal forming operations and reduce operational costs with our specialized metalworking fluids.

Call us now at (02) 8370 5928 / (0917) 894 9156 or email us at inquiry@fluidsolutions.com.ph for a consultation on how we can enhance your production efficiency with the right lubrication solutions.

Scroll to Top