Five considerations when choosing a dry film lubricant

When considering a lubricant to employ in an industrial context, there are a wide range of choices out there. One of the first questions to answer is whether you should use a dry or oil-based lubricant for the job.

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According to Science Direct, one of the biggest factors for people who choose to go for a dry lubricant is superior cleanliness, along with increased performance in conditions with extreme temperatures or within a vacuum. Oil-based lubricants are fantastic for certain applications, but if you’ve already decided that your lubricant will be dry, let’s look at some key factors to consider.

Why does the part need to be lubricated?

Have other types of lubricant failed in previous installations, or has an issue of sticking just emerged with the part? Does your part idle for a large amount of time, then spring into action when required? Is there noise when this part interacts with others? Carefully considering these key points about lubrication can help you narrow down the lubricant to be employed in your system.

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Check out the substrate

Dry film lubricants all cure at different rates and at different temperatures. It is important to select surface treatments that will cure at the temperatures employed during the application of the parts. This is vital to ensure that all parts perform at the optimum level. If the lubricant needs to sit at temperatures higher than 300 degrees F to cure, its use must be carefully considered.

Are the parts plated?

If the parts to be treated are plated, to reduce corrosion, but also require lubrication in order to perform at a high level, the correct lubricant is essential. Some platings can break down at high temperatures, rendering the lubricant useless.

Does the coating need to be food safe?

If the parts that need lubricated are to be used in the production of food, ensuring that the lubricant is safe is essential. Talking to the experts at https://www.poeton.co.uk/treatments will help you choose the correct lubricant. Some lubricants are manufactured with food safety in mind and others are not, so the application of these parts is a hugely important consideration.

What about corrosion?

Some dry film lubricants also protect against corrosion. Selecting an appropriate lubricant for this can help if your parts are to be installed in less-than-favourable conditions.