Lubrication to target downtime

For most businesses, downtime brought on by machine failure can prove costly. Sounds obvious, but we live in an age where productivity is judged by seconds and where small (and/or large) fortunes are hard to make but can so easily and needlessly lost… to poor lubrication. 

While the most important role of a machine operator is to ensure productivity is maintained at all times and that making sure the machine runs smoothly is the responsibility of a service engineer, in all reality if shopfloor operators take ownership by simply, and regularly, applying the right lubrication a high yield should always be returned. 

Yes, the experts are needed for servicing, but the ‘simple’ act of lubricating all major moving parts (where possible) can be maintained by anyone. 

Reducing friction by using the right lubrication, regularly applied, decreases the amount of wear and tear while a machine is in full flow, lowers operating temperatures, minimises corrosion of metal surfaces and helps keep contaminants out of the machines’ system, the latter potentially being fatal to the longevity and fluidity of a machine.

Oils and greases have many properties that can be mixed and matched to meet a machines operating needs, particularly those running at extremely high speeds, temperatures and pressures. While a machine operator must always take advice from a professional technician, in all honesty by simply looking at the demands of a machine, he or she can often identify the lube best suited. 

And this is where WD-40 Specialist comes in. Specialist is the iconic company’s range of nine professional-grade products developed specifically for industrial and heavy use.

Comprising of White Lithium Grease, Spray Grease, Dry PTFE, Silicone Lubricant, Contact Cleaner, Penetrant Spray, Degreaser, Cutting Oil and PTFE Lubricant. While Silicone, White Lithium Grease and PTFE would be the go-to choice for maintaining and servicing bearing seals and general lubrication. In all reality, all could be used in the process, even Penetrant thanks to its formula that ensures safe and easy retraction of nuts/bolts and screws, an item that proves particularly useful when challenged with a water pump bearing encased in a housing exposed to the elements. 

Silicone is a high-performance spray developed for use in high-pressure equipment. As expected, it displaces moisture and provides excellent lubrication and can be used on all materials including rubber and has properties that helps to repel dust, oil and general grime. 

When servicing heavy duty bearings, WD-40 developed a premium quality long lasting Spray Grease. Suitable for any metal application. Its high viscous formula doesn’t drip or run even when applied to vertical services. Similarly, White Lithium Grease has been produced specifically for metal-on-metal applications, especially where continual movement is required. 

The applicator straw ensures all products can be delivered with pin point accuracy and with the deftest amounts. Ideal when servicing bearings or all sizes and capacities. A slight push on the trigger enables the user to dispense the slightest amounts to coat and pack in to the ball bearings housed in the narrowest of gauges. Because the product is delivered from a high-pressured canister, the product is sure to cover the entire bearing with little or no residue or mess.

Jim Peck is product manager for WD-40 Company
www.wd40.co.uk