Evaluation of Lubricants for Stamping of Al 5182-O Aluminum Sheet Using Cup Drawing Test

Abstract

Lubricants are necessary to avoid adhesion, galling, and scratching in aluminum stamping processes. In this study, various lubricants, including dry lubes and wet lubes, were evaluated using cup drawing test (CDT) for stamping of Al 5182-O aluminum sheets. The effects of surface texturing, with electro-discharge texturing (EDT) and mill finish (MF), on the friction behavior were also investigated. Furthermore, the methodology to evaluate the performance of lubricants was established based on (a) maximum applicable blank holder force (BHF) and (b) draw-in length in flange or flange perimeter of formed cups. Finite element (FE) simulations were carried out to determine the coefficient of friction (CoF) at tool–workpiece interface during deep drawing under different lubrication conditions. Flow stress data of Al 5182-O material were obtained using viscous pressure bulge (VPB) and tensile tests. In this study, it was confirmed that, in forming Al 5182-O, dry film lubricants have better lubricity than wet lubricants. A better lubrication condition was found with EDT surface texture.