How should extrusion dies and press pistons be lubricated?

GRAFICOAT and oil-based suspensions cut metal-to-metal friction on dies; GRAFOGREASE/GRAFICOAT protect press pistons. Choice depends on temperature, cycle, and application method (brush, spray).

Is GRAFICOAT a paint or a lubricant?

It is a dry graphited coating/lubricant: it forms an adherent film on metal and refractories for sliding, release, and protection.

Where is the lubricant applied in extrusion?

On the die bearing zone and, depending on plant practice, on the billet or container. The application point changes consumption and results, so it is defined together with the method.

Does it work for any alloy?

The need and the dose depend on the alloy and its tendency to stick. Different alloys require dilution and frequency adjustments, fine-tuned on the line.

Does it replace die reconditioning?

No. It delays friction wear, but the die still has its nitriding and reconditioning cycle. If marks persist with the lubricant, the bearing zone geometry should be checked.

Lubrication applications

Extrusion die lubrication

Reduces friction and wear on dies used to mold materials in extrusion processes.

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Extrusion die lubricant

Also known as: Graphite extrusion die lubricant · Hot extrusion release agent · Die orifice lubricant · Graphite for aluminium extrusion

[ Technical summary ]

In hot extrusion, metal passes through the die under high pressure and temperature, and any sticking in the bearing zone translates immediately into longitudinal marks on the profile. A graphite lubricant leaves a film that reduces through-feed friction and prevents that direct metal-to-tool contact. Being stable at process temperature, the film is still there through the whole extrusion stroke, when an organic lubricant would already be consumed.

[ Problem it solves ]

Prevent metal sticking in the die bearing zone, which marks the profile and accelerates tool wear through the extrusion stroke.

Processes

Metal extrusion
Die lubrication

Operating conditions

High temperature

When it is suitable

The profile comes out with longitudinal marks or drag lines
Metal sticks to the die bearing zone
Die life between reconditioning is short
Alloys that tend to stick to tooling are extruded

When it may not be suitable

The defect comes from die design or thermal profile rather than friction
The part tolerates no black residue and there will be no later cleaning stage
The product cannot be validated in the plant before adopting it in production

Process challenges

Sticking to the die
Accelerated wear
Surface defects

Advantages

Lubricating dry film
Better release
Temperature stability

Limitations

Not a hydrodynamic oil lubricant
May stain light-colored surfaces
Performance depends on surface preparation and reapplication

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Operating temperatureDecisive
Material of the workpieceDecisive
Application methodDecisive
Dosage and application frequencyRelevant
Carrier or formulation baseRelevant
Surface finish required on the partRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Lubricating film formation
Friction coefficient
Thermal stability
Particle size distribution

Secondary properties

Self-lubrication
Non-wetting by molten metal

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

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