Metallife and Thermallife extend die casting die life and improving performance of die casting dies and other molds by creating micro pockets to trap lubricant.

Increases Lubricity

The texturing from MetaLLife creates micro pockets for trapping and holding lubricant on the surface of the tool. Since lubricant is more efficiently retained on the die, customers report reduced spray times and/or being able to apply less lubricant. The process also adds a factor to the dies surface to improve metal flow. This along with the non-linear surface lowers the thermal gradient (more surface area for cooling) while providing a more effective foundation for lubricant retention and casting release. Some die casters report being able to lower lubricant applications after a MetaLLife surface has been applied.

A February 2007 NADCA Die Materials Committee report from Case Western University, documents the negative effect that aggressive spraying has with regards to premature cracking. As the spray time is increased, the cycle swing and temperatures of both the surface and sub-surface (0.08") of die tool steel increases. These cycle temperatures can lead to premature heat checking. The testing by Case Western confirms that longer lubricant spray time causes larger thermal cycles and higher stress levels which thereby shortens tool life.