Ceramic tools for sheet metal forming

Ceramic materials are characterized by high hardness, high wear strength and a low affinity to metallic materials. Therefore, ceramic surfaces are suitable for the application in tools for sheet metal forming. They show, parliculary by using steel and aluminum sheet metal, a very low friction and excellent wear behavior. The use of ceramic tools leads to considerable cost savings resulting from a reduction of the amount of lubrication, a lower maintenance and a higher tool lifetime in high volume production. The downtime of the presses can be reduced by the low maintenance which leads to a more effective utilization of presses in connection with a higher production speed.