Nel settore industriale dei metalli, il distaccante non è un semplice prodotto di supporto. La sua funzione è separare correttamente il materiale caldo dIn the metalworking industry, a release agent is far more than a simple auxiliary product. Its purpose is to ensure the correct separation of hot material from the mould, die or contact surface, reducing friction, adhesion, residues and surface defects. In hot-working processes, where high temperatures and continuous production cycles place tools and components under considerable stress, selecting the right release agent helps improve the quality of the finished part while reducing downtime, maintenance and waste.
For many years, graphite has been one of the most widely used solutions as both a release agent and an industrial lubricant. It is well known, effective in a variety of applications and suitable for demanding operating conditions. However, modern manufacturing processes, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, special alloys and the defence industry, increasingly require cleaner, more controllable solutions with less impact on the processed surface. For this reason, boron nitride is becoming an increasingly attractive technical alternative.
What is an industrial release agent and why is it important?
An industrial release agent creates a barrier between the material being processed and the surface it comes into contact with. In metalworking applications, this barrier can perform several functions: it facilitates the release of the part, protects moulds and dies, reduces wear, limits the adhesion of hot metal and improves process repeatability.
In applications such as forging, metal casting, pressing, extrusion and rolling, the release agent must withstand high temperatures while maintaining a stable, uniform film. It is not enough for the part simply to “come away”: the product must be compatible with the processed material and the actual conditions of the production cycle.
Graphite as a release agent: advantages and limitations
Graphite has been widely used because it provides good lubricating properties and reasonable resistance to high temperatures. In many industrial applications, it helps reduce friction and adhesion, making it easier to release the part from the mould.
The main limitation of graphite, however, concerns process cleanliness. Graphite-based products can leave dark residues on moulds, tools and processed parts. This can result in additional cleaning, potential deterioration of the surface finish and a greater risk of contamination. When precision or surface purity is an important requirement, these residues can become a significant issue.
This is particularly relevant in the defence industry, where certain metal components require high quality standards and repeatable manufacturing processes. In these applications, using a release agent that produces less contamination is not merely a matter of keeping the production area clean, but a genuine technical advantage.
Boron nitride: the white graphite for cleaner processes
Boron nitride, particularly in its hexagonal form, is often referred to as “white graphite” because it provides lubricating and non-stick properties comparable to those of graphite, while offering cleaner performance in many applications. Its light colour and reduced tendency to leave visible residues make it particularly suitable for processes requiring surfaces with minimal contamination.
Boron nitride coatings can act as release agents, lubricants and protective coatings. When applied to moulds, dies, tools or components, they create a technical film that reduces the adhesion of hot metal and facilitates part release. They are therefore suitable for processes in which graphite and traditional lubricants do not provide the required level of cleanliness or performance, particularly at high temperatures.
Boron nitride vs graphite: the main differences
When comparing boron nitride and graphite, the choice depends not only on the operating temperature, but also on the processed material, the surface requiring protection, the production cycle and the required level of cleanliness.
- Cleanliness: boron nitride generally produces less contamination and leaves residues that are easier to manage than those left by graphite.
- Release performance: both materials can facilitate part release, but boron nitride is often preferable when a cleaner non-stick film is required.
- Surface quality: reduced residue levels help preserve the component surface and minimise the need for subsequent processing.
- Maintenance: a cleaner process can reduce the frequency of maintenance work on moulds and equipment.
- Critical applications: boron nitride is particularly suitable for technical sectors involving defence, aerospace, titanium, aluminium and special alloys.
In summary, graphite remains a suitable solution for many applications, but a boron nitride release agent provides significant advantages when the process requires reduced contamination, greater control at high temperatures and improved residue management.
Applications of boron nitride release agents in metalworking
A boron nitride release agent can be used in a wide range of industrial processes. In foundries, it can help reduce the adhesion of molten or semi-solid metals to contact surfaces. In forging and hot forming, it helps limit friction, wear and material build-up on tools. In applications such as metal rolling and aluminium extrusion, it can help protect surfaces and improve process continuity.
One particularly important application involves processes in which hot material tends to adhere to the mould or die. In these situations, a boron nitride coating for forging and forming operations can reduce interaction between the surfaces, facilitate release and protect the equipment.
ATP Europe boron nitride coatings
ATP Europe develops protective coatings and lubricants for the metalworking industry, providing solutions designed for high-temperature manufacturing environments. Its range of boron nitride coatings includes products formulated to facilitate release, reduce adhesion and protect technical surfaces in complex industrial applications.
Among the available solutions, ATP-R11 is a boron nitride lubricating coating designed for applications requiring non-stick and lubricating properties. ATP-R33, on the other hand, is a hard non-stick coating suitable for applications where protection and wear resistance are required in addition to effective release performance.
How to choose the most suitable release agent
The choice between graphite and boron nitride should begin with a careful analysis of the process. Temperature, working atmosphere, processed material, mould type, cycle frequency and required cleanliness level are all decisive variables. Graphite may be sufficient for a standard process, but in specialised and critical applications where residues compromise quality or productivity, boron nitride can provide a significant advantage.
Switching from a graphite-based release agent to a boron nitride coating requires specialist application expertise. Each process has its own operating conditions, and selecting the correct product requires consideration of the materials involved, temperatures, application method and production objectives. To identify the most suitable solution, contact ATP Europe: its technical team can assist you in selecting the most appropriate release coating for your industrial application.
FAQs about industrial boron nitride release agents
An industrial release agent facilitates the removal of a part from a mould or die, reduces the adhesion of hot material and protects contact surfaces.
Yes, in many applications boron nitride can replace graphite, particularly when reduced residues, greater cleanliness and improved process control are required.
Boron nitride is light in colour and tends to leave less visible residue than graphite, making the process cleaner and easier to manage.