2. Lubricant formulation rules depending on the forming process

To correctly formulate a lubricant for a given shaping operation, it is first important to know the consequences of the level of friction on the outcome of the operation from a feasibility point of view, i.e. the answer to questions such as :

• can the fitness machine supply the necessary energy and power?

• is there a risk of tool breakage? of product breakage?

• Are the product's geometry, volume properties (strength, toughness, etc.) and surface properties (roughness) acceptable?

• How will the tool wear, and at what speed?

Conversely, the level of friction results from the properties of the lubricant and the contact conditions... We will therefore first give some general rules to help answer these questions,...