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).

How does it differ from a cold forming lubricant?

In where it is applied and what it solves. The forming lubricant protects the extended contact between sheet and die during drawing; the stamping lubricant handles the brief, intense contact of cutting, where sticking to the punch and edge wear dominate.

Is it applied to the tool or to the material?

Both practices exist. On the tool, consumption is better controlled; on the strip, uniform coverage across the cutting surface is assured. The choice depends on the line and the material format.

Does it solve premature die wear?

It helps when the cause is friction or sticking. If the wear comes from incorrect punch-to-die clearance or poor sharpening, the lubricant will not correct it and the tool should be checked first.

Graphite lubricant on a metal stamping die

Lubrication applications

Stamping die lubrication

Improves the performance and lifespan of dies in cutting and stamping processes.

Request a quote

Stamping tool lubricant

Also known as: Graphite die lubricant · Stamping release agent · Dry film for cutting tools · Punch and die lubricant

[ Technical summary ]

In stamping, punch and die contact the material briefly but intensely, at a cadence that leaves little room to replenish lubricant. The graphite product leaves a dry film that stays on the tool between strokes, reduces cutting friction, and eases part release. It is the cold-lubrication variant applied to cutting tools, where the issue is not drawing but sticking and edge wear.

[ Problem it solves ]

Keep the cutting tool lubricated at production cadence, reducing material sticking to the punch and the edge wear that forces frequent resharpening.

Operating conditions

Blanking / die cutting
Stamping
Tool lubrication

When it is suitable

Material sticks to the punch or the die
The edge wears sooner than expected in the run
The cadence does not allow lubricating on every stroke
A film that does not drip onto the stamped part is required

When it may not be suitable

The part tolerates no black residue and there will be no later cleaning stage
Punch-to-die clearance is out of tolerance and that is the real problem
The product cannot be validated in the plant before adopting it in production

Process challenges

Sticking to the tool
Die wear
Part defects

Advantages

Dry film
Reduces friction
Improves release

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.

Material of the workpieceDecisive
Application methodDecisive
Machine cycle rateDecisive
Film thicknessRelevant
Dosage and application frequencyRelevant
Carrier or formulation baseRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

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

Critical properties

Lubricating film formation
Friction coefficient
Particle size distribution
Self-lubrication

Secondary properties

Wear resistance
Dispersibility

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

View all FAQs

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

[ Quote ]

Need the right specification—not just material?

Tell us your application. Engineering response in under 24 hours.

Request a quote Talk to an advisor