Lubricants in the extrusion process

Lubricants are an important part of any extrusion process.  Lubricants are required to prevent friction between the billet and the die.  Lubricants also prevent heat loss from the billet. 

Lubricants should form a surface of uniform thickness between the billet and the die. 

A wide range of lubricants are used in extrusion processes.  Materials such as glass powder are used for hot extrusion while substances such as graphite and oil are used for cold extrusion.