Lubricant prevents seizures in automatic handling systems in harsh conditions

The CORR-EX LCP-177 dry lubricant from EnviroTech Surface Technologies has solved a problem for cleaning equipment manufacturer C&C Hydrosonics.

C&C, a division of Crest Ultrasonics, was experiencing seizures in the x-y axis linear tracks on its automatic handling systems fitted to multi-tank cleaning systems, both aqueous and solvent based. The automatic handling systems are programmed to process baskets or jigs through a cleaning cycle, transferring between tanks and lowering items into and raising them from the liquids.

The motorised carriages use nylon wheels running on case-hardened mild steel tracks (stainless steel is not available), which corrode in the chemical atmospheres in the machine canopies. The corrosion prevents smooth running, with wheels seizing and binding on the tracks.

The vibration can cause components to be shaken from jigs or, in extreme cases, the carriage stalls, requiring intervention by service engineers to remove corrosion and re-lubricate tracks with oil. This is a temporary measure as the oil is quickly removed by the solvents and water-based cleaning solutions, with corrosion recurring in a short time.

The CORR-EX LCP-177 dry lubricant from EnviroTech is an innovative formulation with protective properties that forms a self-healing film. It is applied by aerosol and the inorganic lubricant acts as a barrier against rusting and corrosion, being unaffected by water.

Extensive trials of the dry lubricant by C&C over a six-month period, with both solvent- and water-based systems, produced no seizures. Previously, maintenance had been needed every six weeks, but an aerosol spray of CORR-EX LCP-177 was used only during service visits as a routine lubrication and applied during production of the handling system.

Lee Casey, managing director of C&C, noted cost savings from reduced service and maintenance calls since the introduction of the dry lubricant.