Die-Mounted Relubrication: Guide to the Lubodie Unit

Anyone working with progressive stamping lines knows that not all areas of a die experience the same level of stress. Certain zones face extremely high contact loads, concentrated sliding forces, and real risks of premature wear. Lubricating the entire strip uniformly is not enough: the process requires surgical precision, targeted application, and point-by-point control. This is where Lubodie comes into play, the relubrication unit developed by Dietronic with spray valves that can be positioned directly on the die. 

How Lubodie Works: Technical Features 

The Lubodie unit consists of individual spray valves that can be installed with high flexibility in specific points of the die. Each valve is supplied by the same oil circuit used by the main system, without the need for a separate plant or a dedicated hydraulic line. Integration takes place at both hardware and control logic levels: activation parameters are managed through the PLC interface already present on the line, via the touch panel.

From an operational perspective, the valves activate only in the selected areas – complex blanking zones, deep drawing operations, or areas with a high friction coefficient – without dispersing oil over the rest of the strip. This selective approach makes differentiated lubrication possible:

• a uniform base layer through the main system
• reinforced, localized lubrication through Lubodie

The result is a lubrication profile tailored to the real requirements of the die geometry, rather than a standardized solution applied indiscriminately.

The mechanical design of the valves also accounts for the variability of dies. They can be repositioned if the production process changes, without requiring major modifications to the main system. For lines that evolve over time, where lubrication requirements shift according to products or tooling, Lubodie offers a flexible solution. tempo, dove le esigenze di lubrificazione cambiano al variare dei prodotti o delle attrezzature. 

Operational Advantages of Lubodie Compared to Traditional Lubrication Systems 

A comparison with traditional methods (manual sprays, brushes, contact applicators and similar tools) highlights concrete and measurable advantages. The first concerns consumption: Dietronic spray-controlled lubrication systems can reduce fluid usage by more than 80% compared with conventional solutions. With Lubodie, the reduction goes even further because oil is delivered only where and when needed, eliminating the dispersion typical of manual methods.

In terms of finished product quality, targeted relubrication of critical areas ensures consistent and repeatable lubrication cycle after cycle. Surface defects related to micro-seizures, drag marks, or localized die wear drop significantly. Tool life increases as a result, with a direct impact on maintenance costs and on the number of unplanned stoppages.

Another factor often overlooked involves shop-floor cleanliness. Using less oil – and applying it in a targeted way – reduces oil mist in the working environment, limits contamination on floors and machines, and simplifies the management of spent fluids. For lines that include operations after blanking, such as welding or painting, concentrating lubricant only on critical areas prevents unwanted residues on the parts of the strip that must remain clean.

Where Lubodie Makes the Difference in Automatic Lubrication 

LuLubodie finds its ideal application in progressive stamping lines used for the production of small metal parts and medium-complexity components, typically with strip widths between 100 and 800 mm. Industries that benefit most from the relubrication unit include those where tight tolerances and high production rates are required:

• Automotive
• Home appliances
• Electronics
• Metal packaging
• Electric motor components

In the automotive sector, for example, structural and transmission components require defect-free surfaces and dimensions controlled to the hundredth of a millimeter. A progressive die operating at high speed on high-strength steels generates concentrated friction zones that a general lubrication system cannot sufficiently cover. Positioning Lubodie on those specific points – often deep drawing corners or fine blanking areas – keeps quality consistent throughout the entire production batch.

If you are evaluating ways to optimize automatic lubrication on your stamping line, or if your dies include critical zones that current systems cannot reliably cover, discover how Lubodie can be integrated into our Promax lubrication systems. For detailed information or a customized quotation, contact us at: sales@dietronic.eu