Proper lubricant selection should be based on certain parameters such as lubricity, cooling, scrap-metal removal and protection against corrosion. The effectiveness of a deep drawing lubricant depends on its ability to form an adsorbed film of sufficient strength and oiliness on the metal surface being drawn. Generally, depending on the depth of a particular draw, three types of drawing lubricants are used:
1. Drawing oils.
2. Emulsions.
3. Lubricants containing both oil and solid substances.
A typical lubricant used in deep drawing process is a soap/fat paste-type material that has a formulation of 5 percent soap, 25 percent oil, 25 percent water, and 45 percent solids.