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 molding, transfer molding and injection molding, we recommend MONOLEC® and 6801 - 6807 MULTILEC® Industrial Oil 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 our 6401 - 6407 MONOLEC® R & O Compressor/Turbine Oil or 6801 - 6807 MULTILEC® Industrial Oil 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. Our 1601-1609 DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricant or possibly 9920 SYNOLEC® Gear Lubricant are typical recommendations and are outstanding for this application. Their stability, along with the extra protection of DUOLEC ™ and MONOLEC®, will result in longer gear and bearing life, and consequently increased production.

Motor bearings on the electric motor will require 6801 - 6807 MULTILEC® Industrial Oil. Extruders are usually driven through grease lubricated flexible couplings. Our 1274 & 1275 ALMAPLEX® Industrial Lubricant or 3751 and 3752 ALMAGARD® Vari-Purpose Lubricant are normally recommended depending upon the operating variables.

Blow molding lubrication requirements are similar to extrusion, injection, transfer and compression molding 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.

Because of the high temperatures associated with Calendering (in excess of 2100F) non-EP oil is recommended. Consequently, our 6801 - 6807 MULTILEC® Industrial Oil, 6401 - 6407 MONOLEC® R & O Compressor/Turbine Oil or 9032 - 9150 MONOLEC® Synthetic Industrial Oil are the typical recommendations where thermal stability is a must. Plus, long lubricant life a means to lowering costs. These Lubrication Engineersproducts perform extremely well in calender units.

Other areas to be lubricated on calender units include the unit's gearbox(s) electric motor(s) and several other bearings. Normally, our 1601-1609 DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricant are excellent for the gearbox(es). Pay particular attention to temperature. Extreme pressure (EP) gear oil may not be used at higher (2000F plus) 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. Our 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 6401 - 6407 MONOLEC® R & O Compressor/Turbine Oil or 6801 - 6807 MULTILEC® Industrial Oil.

The tubing machines and extruders are provided with a suitable thrust bearing due to the extreme thrusts which develop. Typically, 1601-1609 DUOLEC™ Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricant will work extremely well in this application.

Molding (by hydraulic pressure) places excess reaction pressures upon the hydraulic press bearings. The mold release pins typically do not last through to many cycles before binding and jerky releases occur. When coated with 4025 QUINPLEX® Food Machinery Lubricant many hundreds of extrusions can occur before replacement of the pins is required. The grease will not turn color and the releases are smooth and even.