a) The surface of the metal should be cleaned. The methods used will vary depending upon the mechanical operation to be performed. In the hot forming of titanium, standard practice is to cold form followed by various rinses in water, methyl ethyl ketone, solvent cleaning, alkaline cleaning and pickling. This application of Formkote and the hot forming operation. In die casting, extruding, tube bending, etc., the surface to be coated must be cleaned by a solvent to ensure the removal of any contamination.

b) Apply the coating by spray, brush, dip or swab application. The product is available in aerosol or quart, gallon and 5-gallon containers. The material is supplied ready for application, but additional thinning may be accomplished with the use of Toluene as required. Best results are usually obtained with a coating thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mils.

c) Perform required operation hot forming, die casting, extruding etc.

d) After the mechanical operation, Formkote T-50 is removed by various methods. During a hot forming operation, the majority of the lubricating film is burned off leaving a slight residue. This is removed by solvent washes, alkaline cleaning, pickling, or vapor honing, followed by various demineralized water rinse and drying. After a cold operation, the coating has not been subjected to temperatures, which will cause polymerization and can be removed by simple solvent cleaning, leaving no trace of lubricant film.

This product is approved and is being currently used by major fabricators of titanium alloys and various other metals.