Component manufacturing & assembly is an integral part in a broad range of industries. It’s important to ensure parts are assembled quickly, safely & correctly – the proper assembly or run-in lubricant can make the difference between successful operation or broken down or worn-out components.
What is an Assembly Aid or Running-in Lubricant?
An assembly lubricant or aid is a performance oil, grease, paste, or compound engineered for use in the manufacturing and assembly process of a particular part or component.
Run-in or Running-in is the period of time it takes for wear rates and friction between lubricated contacts to reach a stable point or steady state. Very similar to the period of times before a new pair of shoes fits right and breaks-in, mechanical components have an initial phase of settling together.
Why Do you Need An Assembly Lubricant?
Reduced Force & Increased Production
The right assembly lubricant can make life easier for those assembling the parts by significantly reducing the force or effort required for installation. Overall assembly times are also reduced when it becomes easier to fit and assemble parts with the proper lubricant selection, resulting in increased production times.
Tighter Tolerances & Reduced Wear
Assembly lubricants also allow for much tighter tolerances in parts and components when lubrication characteristics and films are included in the initial design process. Resulting in the creation of more efficient designs and reduces wasted metals, elastomers, or plastics in the manufacturing process. Assembled parts also receive extended term integrity and increased reliability from a reduction in abrasive surface wear & damage.
Long Term-Lubrication & Run-in
Finally, and maybe most importantly, assembly lubricants help improve overall product performance after assembly. The proper lubricant can help ensure the assembled parts fit as designed and are aligned for long-term operation and that the lubricant does not migrate or lose protective performance.
DuPont and the MOLYKOTE® team have decades worth of proven experience and value in a broad range of installation & assembly processes. Whether it’s a paste, compound, grease or oil, the MOLYKOTE® performance lubricant portfolio has a solution to protect your equipment & ensure long term operation.
The most common assembly or run-in lubricant applications are listed below as a reference but is by no means a comprehensive use list. For questions on your particular equipment or process please reach out to us today!