Why lubricate with graphite rather than an organic product?

Because at die temperature an organic lubricant decomposes and stops protecting. Graphite keeps its structure and lubricating ability in that range, so the film is still there when the part contacts the impression.

Water-based or oil-based?

Water-based is non-flammable, cools the die as it evaporates, and is the usual choice for automated spraying. Oil-based is used where that cooling is unwanted. The choice follows the thermal control sought in the die.

How is build-up in the impression avoided?

By matching dose and dilution to the cycle, and directing the spray to critical areas rather than flooding the cavity. Build-up usually indicates excess product or a die temperature below what was expected.

What is needed to recommend a product?

The forging type, the workpiece material, the die temperature, the cadence, and the application method. From those, base, concentration, and dilution are proposed, then adjusted in the plant.

Graphite-coated forging die with a glowing hot steel billet in a press

Coatings / Release Agents

Forge lubrication

Graphite release coating for hot forging: it protects the die from thermal wear and helps the part release cleanly.

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Hot die release agent

Also known as: Graphite forging release agent · Forging die lubricant · Graphite for hot forging · Release agent for forging dies

Graphite release coating for hot forging that protects the die and eases part release.

[ Technical summary ]

In hot forging, the die receives the red-hot workpiece blow after blow. The lubricant is applied between blows and must do two things at once: form a film that keeps the part from sticking in the impression, and act as a thermal barrier that reduces heat transferred into the die. Graphite keeps its lubricating ability at working temperature, where an organic lubricant simply burns off, which is why it remains the usual base of these products.

In hot forging the die takes a glowing billet blow after blow. Without a stable lubricating film the material sticks to the impression, parts come out with defects, and the die wears through abrasion and thermal fatigue. Graphite keeps lubricating at temperatures where oils have already burned off.

Selection and application

Process temperature, impression depth, and application method set the dilution and film thickness. It is sprayed between strokes onto a clean die. ESGRAF supplies GRAFOTERM for mid-to-high temperature forming and forging, and GRAFOLAGE for molds and dies in contact with hot metal.

[ Problem it solves ]

Keep the part from sticking in the impression and limit the heat the die takes on each blow — the two main causes of tooling wear and thermal fatigue.

Operating conditions

Hot forging
Closed-die forging
Upsetting
Die lubrication

When it is suitable

The part sticks in the impression and is hard to extract
The die shows premature thermal fatigue
The current lubricant burns off and stops protecting between blows
Application is by automated spray between cycles

When it may not be suitable

The part tolerates no black residue and there will be no later cleaning stage
Build-up in the impression cannot be removed between cycles
The product cannot be validated in the plant before adopting it in production

Process challenges

Part sticking to the die
Impression wear and thermal fatigue
Surface defects on the part
Lubricant burning off with heat

Advantages

Lubricating film that is stable at high temperature
Eases part release
Extends die life
Sprayed between strokes

Limitations

Does not replace die cooling
Requires reapplication between strokes
May stain light-colored surfaces

[ Critical selection variables ]

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

Operating temperatureDecisive
Application methodDecisive
Dosage and application frequencyDecisive
Material of the workpieceDecisive
Geometry and tolerancesRelevant
Carrier or formulation baseRelevant
Machine cycle rateRelevant

[ 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
Dispersibility
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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