Ecological metal forming technologies -possibilities and limitations

Abstract

Preservation of the existing energy resources on one hand and the reduction of the environmental pollution on the other hand represent the basic requirements which so called eco-friendly production technologies must satisfy. Such technologies imply a different approach to solving tribological problems at forming. In that sense, in addition to the development of coating procedures, application of dry lubrication films etc., particular attention is given to the development of new lubricants which do not pollute the environment when being removed, and are as efficient as traditional lubricants. In this paper, a systematic approach to recognition of eco-technologies is presented and review of researchers in this area is given together with recommendations for ecological "Friendly lubricants" application in particular plastic metal forming procedures.