Characterization of Adhesive Strength of Phosphate Coatings in Cold Metal Forming

A test method is proposed to characterize adhesive strength of phosphate coatings based on the various deformation patterns at the tool-workpiece interface. The deformation patterns were induced by tools of different surface geometrical profiles, i.e., flat surface, sinusoidal surface, saw-tooth surface and multi-surface profiles, in a localized rod drawing technique. With change in the tool geometry, three deformation regimes were observed, i.e., full film lubrication regime, mixed regime, and seizure regimes, which were categorized by the level of friction coefficient attained, and the degree of galling observed on the surface of the drawn specimens. The full film lubrication regimes were noticed when flat dies were used. In this case, the friction coefficient was maintained at nearly μ = 0.065, irrespective of the change in the surface roughness of the tools and reduction. With sinusoidal surface and other non-flat dies, mixed regime and seizure regimes were observed, and the friction coefficient varied from μ = 0.1 to 0.3. To complement the friction data, surface analysis of the tool-workpiece interface was also conducted. The frictional range of μ = 0.065 to 0.3 obtained in this study, therefore, provides for a manageable characterization of phosphate coatings for cold metal forming of objects with intricate shapes.