The topography of MetaLL ifeÒ creates micro pockets for trapping and holding lubricant on the surface of the tool.  Since lubricant is more efficiently retained on the die, customers report reduced spray times and/or the need to apply less lubricant.  The process also adds a lubricity factor to the dies surface to improve metal flow.  This along with the increased surface area caused by the non-linear surface lowers the thermal gradient (more surface area for cooling) while providing a more effective foundation for lubricant retention and casting release. Some die casters report being able to lower die pressures after a MetaLL ifeÒ surface has been applied.

A February 2007 NADCA Die Materials Committee report from Case Western University, documents the negative effect that aggressive  spraying has with regards to premature cracking.  As the spray time is increased, the cycle swing and temperatures of both the surface and sub-surface (0.08") of die tool steel increases.  These cycle temperatures can lead to premature heat checking.  This testing by Case Western confirms that longer lubricant spray time causes larger thermal cycles which thereby shortens tool life.