Improper lubrication practices are a good way to ruin a product, machine or process. Many manufacturers realize the dangers of under-lubrication - increased friction and heat, and ultimately, a ruined bearing or joint. But it isn't just a lack of lubrication that can limit an item's effectiveness and lead to a premature death - too much grease or the wrong type can also have devastating effects. Too much of anything is a bad thing, and lubrication is no exception.
Unfortunately, these plant managers and manufacturers often use too much lubrication and are subsequently flummoxed when their product still fails before the expected date. When excess lubricant is present, it tends to build up around the edges and gums up the works. Then, friction still increases and the resulting heat damages the device.
What if a bearing could somehow self-lubricate - if it could dispense lubricant as needed without using too much or too little? That would greatly reduce maintenance costs, the need for replacement parts, not to mention improve the function of a bearing and the machine it is a part of.
That technology is not a pipe dream - it is a real, working application that powder metal parts can provide. The best metal products company can impregnate its precision parts with a high-grade lubricant that will keep a piece greased for the entire duration of its lifecycle.
The implications of this unique property are numerous and significant. With oil-impregnated sintered metal parts, plant maintenance managers won't have to spend time, effort and money continuously greasing the various pieces of equipment in a plant. They can rest assured that these parts will do that work for them.
Oil-impregnation is just one of the benefits that sintering has to offer. It is the unique composition and variation allowed by the powder metallurgy process that opens up an array of possibilities for manufacturers. Not only can the parts eliminate the need for constant lubrication, they can eliminate the need for certain parts altogether.
Metal sintering allows manufacturers to create new parts that combine several smaller, individual metal components. By consolidating these parts, a company can save money and time, expedite its production and improve its equipment or product efficiency. Traditional metal working techniques make this type of customization overly expensive, and huge companies won't waste their time with individual needs. But the best powder metal companies will gladly take on both of these requests.
