Using a Smokeless Lubricant during Hot Forging of Wheels on a 7000 Ton Press

A new lubricating compound has been developed for use in the 7,000 ton hot-forging press at the K. Libknekht Wheel Forging Plant. The new compound is virtually smokeless which is its main advantage over the presently used oil-graphite mixture that causes considerable local air and wastewater pollution. The new lubricant consists of graphite, fire clay and water, which are mixed in tanks under compressed air at 4-5 atm. After filtration and settling, the mixture is sprayed onto the stock and lower die surfaces by three compressed air jets placed 120 degrees apart around the impact area. The timing and amount of lubricant injection are automatically controlled, using a system also developed at the plant. (Author)