n December 2021, Master Fluid Solutions celebrated its 70th anniversary. The Perrysburg, Ohio, company was the first metalworking fluid manufacturer to introduce an environmentally friendly coolant recycling system. XYBEX supported customers’ sustainability requirements and helped reduce fluid waste by up to 80 percent. Master Fluid Solutions’ recycling process has since become the industry standard. Today, Master Fluid Solutions continues to work closely with the global metalworking community to create solutions that add to its line of specialty cutting and grinding fluids, cutting oils, concentrated washing and cleaning compounds, and rust preventives under the TRIM and Master STAGES brands.

“We are excited about the progress our company has made over the past 70 years, along with the advancements in metalworking we have helped drive in that time,” says CEO Dean Froney. “As we enter 2022, we are eager to increase our commitment to sustainability and build the eco-friendly manufacturing environment of the future.”

As part of that commitment, Master Fluid Solutions is tracking some of the biggest trends in forming and stamping operations for 2022.

After two years of disruption, manufacturing demand is returning to—and even exceeding—pre-pandemic levels. Although the forming and stamping markets were some of the biggest areas affected by COVID-19, industry leaders are moving forward.

Despite pandemic-induced disturbances, from skilled labor shortages to supply chain delays, the forming and stamping market is on track to reach a value of $286.45 billion by 2025, up from $233.27 billion in 2017.

Advancements in pre-visualization programs have transformed engineering for years, making it easier to design and create complex parts in less time. Now, as the virtual shift grows more popular in a post-COVID world, technology will become even more integrated with daily production management.

Equipment such as optical scanners, which record and digitize dies and stampings, are already helping manufacturers modify their tooling in real time. Other software allows manufacturers to predict sheet metal formability so they can make adjustments before risking defects on workpieces.

In addition, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies have proven to be increasingly efficient at analyzing sheet metal types, press lines, how dies process and other production attributes, reducing risks associated with machinery and production.

Digital design advancements help engineers create more complex, seamless parts out of single workpieces by knowing well before production whether they’re viable. However, even the most carefully designed pieces need advanced forming and stamping fluids to ensure high-volume, high-quality production. After all, the real profit potential of a manufacturing operation is in its ability to quickly and consistently produce parts with little to no rework.

Fluids for severe, deep drawing operations, including pre lubes such as WEDOLiT N 22-3, ensure parts are stamped free of defects, which will help reduce scrap rate and provide corrosion protection all in one product. Master Fluid Solutions introduced its WEDOLiT line to North America in 2020. WEDOLiT VOC-free products offer a number of benefits, including both short- and long-term corrosion protection and superfast dewatering.

Sustainability continues to be a hot topic in manufacturing, especially in terms of minimizing waste. Upgrading production methods and forming fluids to reduce scrap rate and fluid consumption are some of the best ways to operate with the environment in mind.

Many forming fluids in the WEDOLiT line provide advanced capabilities and corrosion protection, which eliminates the need for multiple products and production steps. Combining multiple steps cuts overall energy and resource consumption, too.

Advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) have become a preferred material choice for automotive manufacturers, thanks to their ability to increase fuel efficiency without sacrificing durability or safety. Taking advantage of AHSS requires the latest generations of forming fluids. WEDOLiT next-generation products are specifically designed for defect-free deep draws of the toughest materials in manufacturing.

As demand returns to pre-pandemic levels, the landscape for the forming and stamping market looks different than in years prior. However, with the right metal forming fluids, manufacturers will have what they need to thrive.