Plastics and Rubber
 |
Lubrication Engineers products are preferred because of the combination of high pressures and temperatures prevalent in the operation of many plastic and rubber producing machines. A modern plastic extrusion machine, for example puts great stress on its components because it is operating continuously at high speed using a combination of high resin temperatures plus very high product and hydraulic pressures. These conditions demand maximum lubricant performance. |
For compression moulding, transfer moulding and injection moulding, we recommend MONOLEC & MULTILEC Industrial Oils with their exceptional oxidation resistance and ability to keep a system clean with reduced downtime. Our exclusive wear-reducing additive MONOLEC, helps to prevent pump wear. A thermally stable 100% paraffinic base oil ensures consistency in viscosity and reduces "fade" in the system.
1274 & 1275 ALMAPLEX Industrial Lubricant or 3752 ALMAGARD Vari-Purpose Lubricant would be the normal recommendation for the hydraulic pump bearings and grease lubricated motor bearings.
If the motor bearings are oil lubricated, then LE's 6400 Series MONOLEC Turbine Oils or 6800 Series MULTILEC are recommended. Always remember to consult the OEM guide for proper lubricant viscosity.
The very high pressures needed to force the plastic through the die at any rate of speed are transmitted to the screw thrust and gear train. These must be properly lubricated to minimize wear. L.E.'s 1600 Series DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricants or possibly 9920 SYNOLEC Gear Lubricant are typical recommendations and are outstanding for this application. Their stability, along with the extra protection of DUOLEC™, ALMASOL & MONOLEC, will result in longer gear and bearing life, and consequently increased production.
Motor bearings on the electric motor will require MONOLEC Industrial Oil.
Extruders are usually driven through grease lubricated flexible couplings. Our 1274 & 1275 ALMAPLEX Industrial Lubricant or 3752 ALMAGARD Vari-Purpose Lubricant are normally recommended depending upon the operating variables.
Blow moulding lubrication requirements are similar to extrusion, injection, transfer and compression moulding equipment.
Calendering is the process by which plastic and rubber material is "roll" pressed, forming prescribed thickness of the sheet. Large rollers with steam passed through them work in opposition to one another to press the material to the desired thickness. Temperature and load are factors in lubricant selection. The bearings supporting the rolls are subjected to the heat and load. These units usually turn at a slow rate of speed. Lubricant determination depends on the equipment manufacturer's recommendation. It is best to consult the operations manual for the lubricant requirements for the specific calender unit in question.
Due to the high temperatures associated with Calendering (in excess of 2100°F, 1149°C) non-EP oil is recommended. Consequently, LE's 6800 MULTILEC Industrial Series, 6400 Series MONOLEC Turbine Oil or MONOLEC Synthetic Air Compressor Oils are the typical recommendations where thermal stability is a must. Plus, long lubricant life a means to lowering costs. These Lubrication Engineers products perform extremely well in calender units.
Other areas to be lubricated on calendar units include the unit's gearbox electric motor and several other bearings. Normally, L.E.'s 1600 Series DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricants are excellent for the gearbox. Pay particular attention to temperature. Extreme pressure (EP) gear oil may not be used at higher (2000°F, 1093°C +) temperatures.
For electric motors, 1275 ALMAPLEX® Industrial Lubricant is preferable if it is grease lubricated. Our 1250 ALMASOL High Temperature Lubricant or 9901 ALMASOL SYNTEMP Lubricant are likely choices for all grease lubricated bearings other than the electric motor. In the typical rubber mill, the plasticator thrust bearings and reduction gears are subject to heavy-duty and high thrust loads which develop as the stock is extruded. The pelletizer has loads that are also heavy but not quite as severe as on the plasticator.
The Banbury mixer runs at moderate speeds, heavy pressures and some end thrust prevails. The possibility of high temperature is offset by cooling water sprays. "Dust stops" give added protection to bearings by preventing entry of process ingredients. LE's 1274 & 1275 ALMAPLEX Industrial Lubricant on the main bearings and thrust collar is normally the product of choice.
The Open Roll Mills include slow speed crackers and washers, and the considerably higher speed refiners. Conditions which could affect lubrication involve slow speeds and heavy pressures on bearings and gears.
There are heavy pressures on the Calender bearings with the possibility of considerable temperature originating from the steam heated rolls. Possible water contamination could occur because the roll bearings are water-cooled to control bearing temperatures; this is assisted by oil circulation using 6400 Series MONOLEC Turbine Oils or 6800 Series MULTILEC.
The tubing machines and extruders are provided with a suitable thrust bearing due to the extreme thrusts which develop. Typically, 1600 Series DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricants will work extremely well in this application.
Moulding (by hydraulic pressure) places excess reaction pressures upon the hydraulic press bearings. The mould release pins typically do not last through to many cycles before binding and jerky releases occur. When coated with 4025 QUINPLEX Food Grade Lubricant many hundreds of extrusions can occur before replacement of the pins is required. The grease will not turn colour and the releases are smooth and even.