Page 32 - MetalForming Magazine August 2022

Oil is Not Oil
The only truth about the saying “oil is oil”
is that oils can provide lubrication.
However, differences in base-oil quality, how they are refined and the additives used to enhance an oil’s ability to lubricate—when properly formulated—all play a role
in how much benefit can be gained from one oil to another.
BY BRAD F. KUVIN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
An innovative lubrication pro- gram can streamline processes, reduce machine downtime and help train personnel on optimum lubri- cation practices. All of this, combined with a smart process for selecting the right lubricant for the task at hand can deliver improved production-cycle times.
The only thing true about the saying, “oil is oil,” is that oils can provide lubri- cation. However, differences in base- oil quality, how they are refined and the additives used to enhance an oil’s ability to lubricate all play a role in how much benefit can be gained from one oil to another. An example: Some oils develop varnish quickly and others seem to run for years without devel- oping varnish. So, with such a differ- ence in performance, how can all oil be the same? Clearly, “oil is not oil.”
To get a clear picture of the impact that a sound, well-developed equip- ment-lubrication program—one that includes not only preventive/predictive maintenance but also sound lubricant selection—can have on metal forming operations, we spoke with Kevin Din- widdie, senior industrial tribologist at Amsoil, and the company’s industrial sales manager Patrick Vicars. The con-
Metal formers would be wise to perform frequent and detailed oil analyses to validate oil condition, and use the information to reduce equipment operating temperature, reduce energy consumption and save labor hours related to equipment maintenance. One overriding goal: Extend drain intervals for as long as possible.
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versation kicked off with this:
What are the top three misguided ideas about machine/equipment main-
tenance lubrication? Their reply:
• One grease can be used for all
bearing applications in the plant.
• All hydraulic applications will run as efficiently on petroleum oil (viscosity index ~100) as they would on synthetic oil (viscosity index ≥160).
• Oil needs to be changed when it turns dark.