steel_mill_generic
What are Fire Resistant Lubricants?

Fire-resistant lubricants are fluids that are used in applications and systems where the risk of ignition is high. Typically, these environments are near or contain: open flames, sparks, or hot metals. If an oil leak were to occur, the risk of injury, damage, and even death is magnified as sustained fires can occur. That is …

Read More »
Chemicals
Why is it So Difficult to Source Chemicals?

Throughout several months of 2021 there were numerous disruptions across various supply chains, often occurring consecutively or even simultaneously. With COVID lockdowns in China, the war in Ukraine, truck driver shortages, and port congestion, some chemicals are still difficult to source. Below are three different direct impacts the chemical industry is experiencing that will affect …

Read More »
How to Select the Right Grease

Selecting a grease or lubricant is one of the most crucial decisions you make in regards to any machine. Your selection might make the difference between cost savings, reduced downtime, or significant unexpected costs and failures. For oil lubricants, many OEMs specify what product or what type of product is recommended for each component of …

Read More »
epa logo
How to Respond to the EPA Solvent Assessment

In 2020, the EPA determined that 4 common parts-cleaning degreasing solvents pose “unreasonable risks” to workers. Not only, do they pose risks to workers, they also pose significant environmental risks. By 2022, there should be new rules and restrictions governing the use of solvents. This will have significant impacts on your surface finishing processes and …

Read More »
Properly Labelled "Used Oil" Drum
Used Oil vs. Waste Oil

The life of your oil-based lubricant does not end when it is time for a change. In fact, after draining a used lubricant, the oil will begin a new lifecycle thanks to advancements in recycling and recovery technology. 800 million of the 1.3 billion gallons of waste oil produced in the United States is recycled …

Read More »
pH value scale chart
How to Monitor Alkaline Cleaning Tanks

After machining parts, manufacturers have to clean them. Once clean, the parts may be painted, assembled, or stored with a rust inhibitor coating. That makes cleaning crucial. Poor cleaning could lead to rust, uneven painting or failure in assembly. Many manufacturers do not have the time or budget to rapidly change out (1-day to 1-week …

Read More »
Synthetic Coolant
7 Steps for a Successful CNC Restart

After an extended CNC machining production shutdown, it is imperative to get restarted quickly and efficiently. Maintaining your metalworking coolant can be the difference between success and failure. It is key to clean, refill (if necessary), and run according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. These steps will depend on whether you emptied the sump before the …

Read More »
Tube Drawing
5 Factors for Metal Drawing Fluid Selection

In metal drawing processes, there two main types of lubrication. Firstly, there is fluid or hydrodynamic lubrication, which is the separation of metal surfaces with a continuous film of lubricant that prevents contact of those metal surfaces. Secondly, there is boundary lubrication, which is separating metal surfaces by a film only a few molecules thick. …

Read More »
diesel exhaust
What is DEF?

DEF Defined & EPA Requirements DEF, also known as Diesel Exhaust Fluid, is an aftertreatment fuel system liquid that is used in diesel engine vehicles to reduce air pollution. Specifically, DEF is designed to reduce the concentration and emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), by converting nitrogen monoxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) molecules into: Harmless …

Read More »
cold weather lubricants
Lubricants for Cold Weather

During the winter months and in cold weather regions, operators will face cold starts regularly and must select lubricants that ensure proper performance and protect your machine or engine. We will focus on key features that will differentiate lubricants that excel in cold weather and lubricants that will lead to machine or engine failure. Viscosity …

Read More »
Lubricant and Gears - 3D Rendering
A Guide to Base Oil Groups

In any oil-based lubricant the base oil will compose 80-99% of the product you use. What are differences in the main ingredient of your lubricant? The American Petroleum Institute classifies base oils into 5 groups. These classifications are based on the chemical composition of the base oil and the treatment of the base oil. If …

Read More »
chemicals with purity
A Guide to Chemical Grades

Chemicals are key for many products in commercial, industrial, and consumer industries. Creating proper formulations is merely the beginning of the process, but manufacturers need a product to use and one that meets whatever specifications necessary to ensure performance, purity, integrity, and safety. These specifications and requirements are outlined by organizations such as the United …

Read More »