Title :
Electrostatic lubrication of molds
Author :
Brown, James D. ; Castle, G. S Peter ; Chagnon, François ; Inculet, Ion I.
Author_Institution :
Appl. Electrostat. Res. Centre, Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
Abstract :
A prototype dry electrostatic powder lubrication system for lubrication of powder metallurgy molds was designed. The system uses contact electrification to charge the powder and an electric field to aid in uniform coating of the internal surfaces of the mold. The system was mounted on a 200 t press and the sequence used in lubrication of the mold was compatible with the press sequence in which the parts are produced. Parts which were made using the prototype system and reduced lubricant powder concentration in the metal powder formulation had increased green density and strength, while still maintaining equivalent surface finish and mold lubrication for successful molding of parts
Keywords :
electrostatic devices; lubrication; moulding; powder metallurgy; static electrification; contact electrification; dry electrostatic powder lubrication system; electric field; electrostatic lubrication; equivalent surface finish; green density; internal surfaces coating; metal powder formulation; powder charging; powder metallurgy molds; Coatings; Electrostatics; Feeds; Iron; Lubricants; Lubrication; Powders; Prototypes; Surface finishing; Valves;
Journal_Title :
Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on
