Lubricants for aluminium alloy extrusion

There are basically two types of lubricants that are suitable for aluminium alloy extrusion: oil or water-based liquid types which may also contain additives or solid lubricants (for example oil-graphite products or metal soaps), and solid or dry lubricants based on oil, special binder systems or polymers containing solid lubricants. These are marketed as pastes, waxes, bonded coatings or powder.

While the former are most widely used, the latter offer the advantage of clean application and precise metering.

During the inaugural meeting of the working group "Aluminium Alloy Extrusion", the requirements to be ideally met by a lubricant were laid down: high pressure absorption capacity, good adhesion, easy handling and application, thermal stability, easy removal, corrosion protection and lubrication of mold, block and dummy block with a single product.