The challenges of higher-strength steel and lubricants


By: Jeff Jeffery

Among the challenges facing the metal stamping industry is the increased use of high-strength steel (HSS).  Because of the lower cost and greater ease of welding and processing, HSS platforms continue to be attractive to automotive makers.  While HSS substrates offer many positive aspects, these alloys can be challenging in the pressroom. These alloys possess higher work-hardening rates, higher tensile strengths, and can be thinner than conventional steel.  With increased use of more advanced and ultra-high-strength steel, press shops face much higher deformation temperatures, causing more tool abrasion, galling, edge cracking and other issues solved by using “honey oil”.
Historical practices would dictate the use of oil-based lubricants or products heavily fortified with chlorine and sulphur-based EP additives.  While these methods may address the forming of the parts, welding and pretreatment processes may be negatively impacted by the increased amount of oil, and cause difficulty in cleaning.

The EPA has begun the process of banning the use of most chlorinated paraffins.  A specific end date has not been announced, but an alternative to the product will be necessary in the near future.  With the increased use of HSS, press shops have increased the use of chlorinated paraffins that have been the “go-to” solution for these issues for more than 60 years.  The EPA considers 99 percent of chlorinated paraffin used in the United States as hazardous and the ban includes their use and import in all metalworking fluids.  Lubricant manufacturers are offering new chlorine-free products to help solvesthe issues caused by increased use of HSS and still comply with the latest EPA regulations.
Many companies have been using products containing chlorinated paraffins for a considerable period of time and their operations depend on it.  These companies must evaluate their use of these products and adjust both the types of lubricant used and the customary use of these products.  By addressing both the bad habits of over-application and transitioning to chlorine-free paraffins, your press-room can be compliant and effective in addressing issues caused by stamping HSS.


Jeff Jeffery is the CEO of IRMCO, a leading lubricant manufacturer.  The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) appreciates and relies on Jeff’s expertise.  Join Jeff and other experts at the Deep Draw Seminar, February 23-24, 2016.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PMA and MetalForming Magazine Conference on ERP Software

Image
ERP software is changing the way companies do business.  ERP, enterprise-resource-planning, programs compile all of a company's data and processes into one system, an effort that saves time and money. Interested in learning more about how your business could benefit from ERP software?  Check out the PMA and MetalForming Magazine event on the technology in a few months in Cincinnati.  Read more in the press release below. PMA and MetalForming Magazine to Hold Conference on the Latest Developments in ERP Software     CLEVELAND, OH—July 23, 2013—The Precision Metalforming Association’s (PMA) flagship publication, MetalForming magazine, announces The Manufacturing ERP Experience, a conference that will provide information on the industry’s leading enterprise-resource-planning (ERP) software systems for small to midsized manufacturing companies.  The event is scheduled for October 8-9, 2013, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Modern ERP systems have changed ho...
Read more

Annual Automotive Conference Moved to Virtual Format For 2020

Image
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, PMA is announcing today that the in-person 2020 Automotive Parts Suppliers Conference , originally scheduled to take place September 1-2 in Detroit, MI has been moved to a virtual only event on the same dates. This was not an easy decision, but, ultimately, the health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and staff is our highest priority.  While we look forward to a time when we can be together again face-to-face, the PMA team has been working hard behind the scenes to transition this event and deliver tremendous automotive content and information that our industry needs. Registration for the virtual event is open, and you can view the updated agenda here and list of speakers here .  We look forward to seeing you virtually in September. 
Read more

New Steel Tariffs on Brazil and Argentina?

President Trump announced via tweet on Monday that he was imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Brazil and Argentina due to both governments devaluating their currencies. These two countries previously had reached a deal with the Trump administration to avoid Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs by agreeing to quotas. Both Argentina and Brazil were exempted from the 232 steel and aluminum tariffs in May 2018. The tariffs can’t be “restored” because the two countries were not subject to tariffs in the first place. The exemptions for both countries required Presidential Proclamations, and to change the quotas to tariffs would require new proclamations as tariffs can’t be re-imposed by a tweet. At this writing, we are still awaiting these proclamations. If the President does move forward with these tariffs, it would likely lead to an immediate legal challenge. A current U.S. Court of International Trade case (Transpacific Steel v U.S.) is focused on this exact issue of ...
Read more