Abstract: The forming limiting angle of the ST16 steel plate under different lubrication conditions was obtained through calculation.The surface wear morphology of the formed part was observed by means of CCD camera and optical microscope.The incremental formability and wear characteristics of the steel plates under different lubricating conditions were studied.The results show that the changes of lubrication in the incremental forming process could influence the formability and wear characteristics.The best formability could be obtained under the lubrication of phosphate treatment and lithium-based molybdenum disulfide grease.The wear characteristic was mainly an abrasive wear when the tool formed the layer to layer region.The wear characteristic was mainly an adhesive wear when the tool formed the section profile.