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Tag Archive: maintenance

1. Vroom…Motorcycle Assembly Just Got Easier

   June 26, 2019 5:24 pm Comments Off on Vroom…Motorcycle Assembly Just Got Easier

   Motorcycles and power sports vehicles are full of rubber parts. Assembling these parts can be an arduous task. If you have ever struggled with installing bushings, hoses, engine oil seals, handle grips or footrests, you know firsthand just how difficult it can be to install these rubber parts.

    

   

    

   Rubber is naturally slip resistant, making it difficult to work with. Trying to install, remove or manipulate tight fitting rubber components can be a real challenge. Parts that are improperly aligned or installed may result in performance or safety issues. Using a temporary assembly lubricant makes rubber installation easier and helps avoid these types of problems.

   P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants decrease the force needed to install rubber parts, enabling them to slide easily into place. Once dry, P-80 stops lubricating and parts remain in place, resulting in a tight fit.

   P-80 is used by many motorcycle manufacturers, suppliers and repair shops to ease the force needed to install rubber parts such as bushings, hoses, O-rings, belts, gaskets and grips.

   

   P-80 lubricants are water-based and do not contain alcohol or petroleum distillates, so they will not cause rubber to swell, dry out or harden. P-80 does not contain silicon or other persistent ingredients, so once dry the slipping action goes away resulting in a tight fit. P-80 lubricants do not contain hazardous ingredients, making them safe for workers and the environment; most are biodegradable.

   

   What are the Benefits of Using P-80 Temporary Assembly Lubricants?

   Reduce Installation Force

   A thin film of lubricant applied to a part fills in any gaps, holes, or spaces between two separate surfaces, allowing them to slide across each other. By reducing the friction between the two surfaces, rubber parts slide into place easily.

   Achieve Closer Fits

   The force needed to install parts when a lubricant is used is greatly reduced, so engineers can design lower tolerance parts. Since the lubrication is only temporary, once dry, the parts stay in place resulting in a tight fit.

   Improve Product Performance and Reduce Failures

   Improper part alignment can lead to part failure and safety issues. Using lubricants is one way to ensure that mated parts are properly installed and will work as anticipated.

   Increase Production Rates and Accelerate Assembly Processes

   Pairing the optimal lubricant with the right application technique speeds up production. An increase in lubricity, even by small amounts, is greatly appreciated by line operators required to maintain strict cycle times.

   Help Avoid Injuries

   Assembly lubricants ease the installation process of many parts. Workers can more easily push parts into place, reducing the amount of musculoskeletal, slippage, and repetitive stress related injuries that can be caused by using too much force to insert a rubber part.

   The next time you’re having trouble installing suspension bushings, pushing a hose into place or installing handle grips try using P-80 and see how much easier the job becomes. Temporary lubricants are ideal for motorcycle assembly and repair because they reduce friction without damaging parts.

   Want to try P-80 for your motorcycle and power sports vehicle assembly or repair needs?  Request a free sample.

    Contact our technical team to help you find the best solution for your assembly needs.

   

2. Keep Your Powersports Vehicle in Tip-Top Shape

   November 20, 2018 7:33 pm Comments Off on Keep Your Powersports Vehicle in Tip-Top Shape

   Riding your motorcycle on a crisp fall day, feeling the wind on your face and seeing the colorful splendor of the autumn leaves, can be quite an exhilarating experience. Nothing can dampen that feeling more than having to cancel your ride because of a breakdown. Routine maintenance can help prevent unexpected repairs.

   

   Powersports vehicles such as motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, scooters and personal watercraft should all undergo regular maintenance to keep them running in tip-top condition. Oil changes, tune-ups, chain adjustments, brake and safety inspections, engine maintenance and parts cleaning are all common scheduled maintenance tasks.

   Why Should You Schedule Preventative Maintenance?       

   Routine maintenance helps keep your powersports vehicle running smoothly. Not only will regular cleaning and maintenance keep your vehicle looking great, it also gives you the opportunity to carefully inspect all of its parts to catch any issues before they become major headaches. Preventative maintenance can increase equipment life, improve the functionality and reliability of your vehicle, decrease unplanned breakdowns and allow for less costly repairs.

   Cleaning Vehicle Parts Is A Key Maintenance Task

   Cleaning older parts is one of the first steps in many repair and maintenance jobs. Refurbishing suspension components, chain lubrication and adjustments, rebuilding engines, brake repair, oil changes, carburetor cleaning, fluid flushing and safety inspections all begin with parts cleaning. Removing grease, oil and dirt from used parts makes them easier to inspect and repair.

   What’s The Best Way To Clean Parts?

   Parts washers are a great solution for cleaning vehicle parts and tools. Hand washing in hot water will get parts clean, but parts washers will provide a deeper, more thorough cleaning. Parts washers will gently move parts during cleaning which helps remove dirt and debris. Plus, when used with the right cleaning detergent, parts washers can remove dirt from blind holes and obstructed sections of equipment.

   There’s a New Kid On the Block

   Many shops struggle with finding an effective parts cleaner that is easy to use. ANSED Diagnostics recently introduced a new portable parts washer that is ideal for small motorcycle and auto repair shops, racing teams, bicycle shops and garage repair shops. This powerful unit generates its power from an air compressor, so no electricity is required. And, it only weighs 22 pounds making it easy to use and carry.
   
   Simply attach the unit to any standard air compressor and fill it with water and LF2100 Liquid Low Foam Cleaner. Place the dirty parts into the liquid and turn on the air compressor. The cleaning solution will bubble and agitate providing deep cleaning to all the hidden areas of your parts. Be sure to use the low foaming cleaner included with the unit to avoid excess foaming during the cleaning cycle. When the cleaning is finished, turn off the air compressor, remove the parts and empty the liquid from the unit.

   Putting It All Together

   Once the parts are cleaned and serviced, it’s time to reassemble your vehicle. Using a temporary rubber assembly lubricant will help reduce the force needed to install rubber parts like O-rings, seals, hoses and bushings making the job go smoothly and efficiently.

   Before you know it, you’ll be riding into the sunset on your newly cleaned and maintained bike.

    

   Visit ANSED Diagnostics for more information about the Air Pulse Parts Cleaner.

   Visit International Products Corporation to read more about cleaners and assembly lubricants:
   How do I Choose the Best Detergent for My Cleaning Application?
   5 Ways Temporary Rubber Lubricants Can Help Ease Assembly

3. How To Assemble Hoses And Seals With P-80® Temporary Rubber Lubricants

   October 30, 2018 2:39 pm Comments Off on How To Assemble Hoses And Seals With P-80® Temporary Rubber Lubricants

   

   Cars, trucks, buses, locomotives, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers, pumps, construction equipment, conveyor belts, cable assemblies, and machines…What do all of these familiar items have in common?

   All of them are composed of countless rubber parts that help them function properly and efficiently. Have you ever considered all of the uses for rubber hoses and seals? Without hoses, seals, grommets, O-rings and so many other rubber parts, most everyday items would leak, fall apart or otherwise malfunction.

   

   Since rubber parts play such an integral role in product function and design, manufacturers have to be careful to assemble them properly to avoid problems down the line. While this sounds simple enough in theory, the reality is that assembling rubber parts can be quite difficult.

   

   The slip-resistant nature of rubber makes it difficult to install, cut, remove or manipulate. Improper part alignment or installation can lead to part failure and safety issues. Repair and installation of rubber parts can take considerable physical effort and time.

   Temporary assembly lubricants help solve this problem. When applied to rubber parts, temporary assembly lubricants reduce friction during assembly to make installation easier. Once dry the slipping action goes away and parts stay in place.

   What is the best way to apply temporary lubricants to rubber parts?  Brushing, sponging, spraying, dunking and dipping are all effective manual application methods. Since each assembly process is unique, the best method is often based on personal preference.

   Watch this short video for International Products Corporation’s (IPC) suggestions for assembling hoses and seals with P-80® temporary assembly lubricants:

   

   P-80 temporary assembly lubricants are water-based and do not contain alcohol or petroleum distillates, so they will not cause rubber to swell, dry out or harden. And, they do not contain silicon or other persistent ingredients, so once dry the slipping action goes away and parts stay in place. P-80 lubricants are free of hazardous ingredients, making them safe for workers and the environment. Most P-80 products are biodegradable.

   

   Want to learn more about P-80 temporary assembly lubricants?
   Contact IPC’s technical team or request a free sample.

4. Reclaiming Water To Maintain Future Economic Growth

   October 23, 2018 1:40 pm Comments Off on Reclaiming Water To Maintain Future Economic Growth

   The Challenge

   How do you provide a consistent, high quality supply of water when you have a large volume ethanol distiller located in your backyard? The city of Fargo, ND came up with the perfect solution: reclaim water through the municipal wastewater treatment plant!

   The History

   The wastewater treatment plant in Fargo, North Dakota has an auxiliary effluent re-use facility constructed specifically to produce reverse osmosis quality water destined for ethanol production. A local corn to ethanol distiller, Tharaldson Ethanol, requires approximately 1,000,000 gallons (3.8 million liters) of reverse osmosis water per day above the wastewater treatment plant’s normal processing volumes. Fargo’s wastewater control systems manager, Jeff Hoff, manages the effluent re-use facility to ensure this additional volume is met on a daily basis.

   The Problem

   A key component of the effluent re-use facility is the ultra-filtration process, which uses 0.4μ polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes with an upper pH limit of 10.0. These membranes are fouled primarily with petroleum sulfonates and bacterial secretions. Particularly in cold weather, the upstream BOD step has frequent “upsets,” where the bacteria die and secrete a water soluble foulant that adheres strongly to the PVDF polymer and significantly increases the trans-membrane pressure (TMP). These “upsets” must be resolved quickly to ensure a plentiful supply of pure water.

   

   The Test

   In order to determine the optimal cleaning regimen to resolve these upsets, Jeff systematically evaluated the performance of twenty different cleaners and hundreds of different combinations and concentrations, including commonly used commodities and many formulated membrane cleaners.

   The Solution

   Jeff discovered that Micro-90®, a formulated cleaner from International Products Corporation (IPC), stood out because it performed better than all of the commodities and other formulated membrane cleaners, particularly on the bacterial secretions. What Jeff found most impressive is that this formulated cleaner worked effectively without the use of phosphates, silicates, and strong alkalis, at a membrane compatible pH of only 9.5, and at a 0.3 percent concentration.

   

   The Product

   Micro-90® is a mild, yet powerful, multipurpose, alkaline cleaning concentrate that is used for membrane cleaning as well as in laboratories, industrial applications, and critical cleaning processes. A unique chelating detergent, Micro-90® contains anionic and non-ionic ingredients which combine to produce a variety of cleaning actions. Micro-90® is compatible with UF, RO, Ceramic and NF Systems.

   The Long-Term Success

   This same formulation has been in use at Fargo’s effluent re-use facility since October 2010. Some of the original PVDF membranes are still used and continue to see significant TMP drops after cleaning. Although the bacterial upsets cannot be prevented, their fouling can be resolved in a predictable manner with the use of this formulated product.

   The engineers at the facility recognize that using Micro-90® for regularly scheduled preventative maintenance and cleaning of the membranes proves to be an effective, safe, and economical method of keeping the plant running efficiently and the water flowing continually. Based on its effectiveness, safe profile, compatibility and economical cost per use, they have recommended Micro-90® to design engineers at similar effluent re-use facilities.

   Read more about cleaning filter membranes here:
   How To Choose the Proper Membrane Cleaner
   Make Your Membranes Last…A Simple 10 Step Guide

5. How Can You Help Customers Install Your Parts? P-80® To The Rescue!

   September 20, 2018 3:14 pm Comments Off on How Can You Help Customers Install Your Parts? P-80® To The Rescue!

   Did You Know? P-80 Fun Facts…

   Major manufacturing companies have used P-80 lubricants for years for the assembly of engine mounts, bumpers, seals, belts, bushings, O-rings, hoses, grommets, grips, plugs, moldings, tires and many other rubber or soft plastic engineered parts.

   Did you know that you can help your customers to easily install those same parts? Simply include a tube of P-80 along with the parts in replacement and repair kits!

   

   The slip-resistant nature of rubber makes it difficult to install, cut, remove or manipulate. Improper part alignment or installation can lead to part failure and safety issues. Repair and installation of rubber parts can take considerable physical effort and time.

   What is P-80?

   P-80 temporary assembly lubricants reduce friction during rubber assembly to make it easier to install parts. They are water-based and do not contain alcohol or petroleum distillates, so they will not cause rubber to swell, dry out or harden. P-80 lubricants do not contain silicon or other persistent ingredients, so once dry the slipping action goes away and parts stay in place. And, P-80 lubricants are free of hazardous ingredients, making them safe for workers and the environment. Most P-80 products are biodegradable.

   

   P-80 temporary assembly lubricants are available in six different water-based formulas, so you can find the product that’s right for your assembly needs. There are even two special formulas that are registered with the NSF as H1 lubricants approved for incidental food contact applications.

   

   A Win-Win Solution

   P-80 is available in re-sealable 10 mL tubes that are perfect for inclusion in kits for repair or replacement parts. Companies that include P-80 in kits have found that less damage occurs to their products during repair or installation, saving money in the long run. Their customers are happy because the installation of the part is much easier. Since the tube is re-sealable, it can be used multiple times after opening.

   

   Many jobs can benefit from the reduced friction and increased safety provided by P-80 temporary rubber assembly lubricants. Use P-80 to install or replace seals, grommets, hoses, valves, belts, bushings, grips, bearings, boots, bumpers, engine mounts, fuel lines, moldings, O-rings, wire harnesses, sleeves, gaskets and tires. Any time you encounter rubber parts…P-80 can help!

   

   Subscribe to the IPC Blog for more information and helpful tips about using our products!

   Want to include 10mL tubes of P-80 in your parts replacement and repair kits? Download our product bulletin or contact our product specialists today!

6. Save Time And Money With Preventative Maintenance

   July 23, 2018 5:46 pm Comments Off on Save Time And Money With Preventative Maintenance

   It’s summer! It’s time to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. Kids are out of school, daylight hours are long, families flock to beaches and it seems like just about everyone takes a vacation.

   

   While summer means various things to different people, for many manufacturers summer means factory shutdowns, plant retooling and scheduled maintenance operations.

   What is Preventative Maintenance?

   We’ve all been there. Any of these scenarios ring a bell? A long road trip and your car won’t start. You’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner and your oven isn’t working. Or, it’s the worst heat wave of the summer and your air conditioning unit dies. Regardless of the scenario, we can all agree that malfunctioning equipment is extremely aggravating. If only there were a way to prevent these things from happening!

   While we can’t prevent all unplanned breakdowns, there are actions we can take to minimize their occurrence. That’s where preventative maintenance steps in.  Preventative maintenance refers to regularly scheduled maintenance operations designed to keep equipment functioning optimally throughout the year to help prevent unplanned breakdowns.

   

   Similarly to taking your car to the shop for regular oil changes or servicing your air conditioning unit annually prior to the summer heat, manufacturing plants can take steps to regularly inspect and service their equipment to help prevent costly and untimely breakdowns.

   Why Should You Perform Preventative Maintenance? 

   Simply put, preventative maintenance saves you time and money. Equipment breakdowns are costly and inconvenient. Depending on its function, one piece of malfunctioning equipment can bring an entire plant to a grinding halt leading to lost production and expensive repairs.

   Isn’t taking a piece of equipment out of commission to perform preventative maintenance equally as time consuming and expensive? Absolutely not! Sure, maintenance tasks take time and cost money, but planning for them minimizes the bite.

   Would you prefer to take your equipment out of commission during a slow period or on your busiest day of the year? Imagine the oven at your local pizzeria breaking down on Super Bowl Sunday. There’s no way to recoup those lost sales!

   Parts and labor almost always cost less when it isn’t an emergency repair situation. Having spare parts shipped overnight is not cheap! And, finding service personnel who can drop everything and come right away isn’t always a reality.

   Many manufacturing plants shut down for a short time during the summer for retooling in preparation for new production runs. Planning preventative maintenance to coincide with scheduled plant shut downs is a win-win.

   7 Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

   1. Increase equipment life
   2. Improve functionality and reliability of equipment
   3. Decrease unplanned breakdowns
   4. Less costly repairs
   5. More productive operations
   6. Maintain product quality
   7. Reduce risk of worker injury

   The expression “the best offense is a good defense” perfectly sums up the principle of preventative maintenance. Advance planning keeps costs down and helps keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently.

   Setting Up A Preventative Maintenance Plan

   Obviously, every manufacturing plant is unique and each one may have distinct maintenance needs. But, universal considerations that come into play when setting up a preventative maintenance plan include frequency, responsibility, identification of specific tasks and monitoring of the process.

   Frequency

   How often should equipment be inspected and repaired? This will depend upon your industry and the type of equipment. Scheduled maintenance is often based upon time intervals, equipment usage, or specific trigger events.

   Time triggers are based upon specific calendar intervals. Do you inspect and service the pumps in your plant every three months? Or, do you check the antifreeze in your vehicle prior to the onset of cold weather? Similar to your annual physical with your physician, time triggers are maintenance activities based upon the passage of specific periods of time.

   Usage triggers are based upon how and when the equipment is used. Examples of usage triggers are changing the oil in your car every 5,000 – 10, 000 miles, or cleaning the processing lines and tanks in your manufacturing plant after each production run.

   Event triggers are marked by equipment performance. In wastewater treatment facilities, filter membranes are often cleaned when their flux rate drops by 10 percent. Other examples of event triggers are sharpening a knife when it becomes dull or filling your car tires with air when the pressure drops below a specified level.

   Responsibility

   Who is responsible for performing scheduled maintenance services? Are the drivers and technicians that use the equipment expected to perform preventative maintenance activities? Or does your facility have a specified maintenance team that inspects and repairs equipment on a regular basis? It’s important for the entire team to know who to go to for regular upkeep of their equipment.

   Identify specific maintenance tasks

   What maintenance operations should be conducted on a regular basis?  Not only will this vary based upon your equipment and your industry, but it may also differ from one plant to another. A checklist of each and every preventative maintenance task should be developed and followed. Common maintenance tasks may include inspecting and testing functionality, cleaning equipment and replacing parts.

   Maintain records

   All maintenance activities should be recorded and tracked. This helps in planning future maintenance schedules, estimating and keeping track of costs, and monitoring equipment safety and functionality. Most companies use software designed for this purpose, but manual records can also be used.

   Plan Ahead     

   When things are running smoothly it’s easy to overlook common maintenance chores and rationalize that it’s not worth the time to regularly inspect and repair parts. But nothing could be further from the truth. Proper maintenance helps ensure that your equipment is working correctly and your facility is functioning efficiently. Investing the time and money to set up and follow a regular maintenance plan will provide long-term savings by keeping your business functioning smoothly and efficiently.

   Need help getting started setting up a preventative maintenance plan for your facility? IPC’s temporary assembly lubricants and specialty cleaners are routinely used in preventative maintenance programs. Read more industry specific guidelines here:

   • Membrane Cleaning
   • Laboratory Equipment
   • Pumps
   • Food & Beverage Processing Equipment
   • Pharmaceutical Tablet Presses

7. Everything You Need To Know For Easy O-ring Installation

   June 21, 2018 5:58 pm Comments Off on Everything You Need To Know For Easy O-ring Installation

   The O-ring…the little part that plays a big role!

   “What are the parts of a car?”  Most people will answer with “engine, thermostat, radiator, water pump, battery, alternator, ignition, steering wheel, tires, windows, doors, and seat belts”. Not too many people will mention O-rings. But, O-rings play an integral role in the manufacturing and operation of vehicles of all kinds, as well as most other everyday items such as appliances, pumps, and medical devices.

   

   What Are O-rings?

   

   An O-ring is “a loop of elastomer with a round cross-section, designed to be seated in a groove and compressed during assembly between two or more parts, creating a seal at the interface.” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O-ring). Like the name implies, an O-ring is a round, rubber ring. O-rings are used to create a tight seal between assembled parts to prevent fluids or air from passing from one part to another. The simple little O-ring is often one of the most important components in finished goods. Without properly installed O-rings leaks and product failures could occur.

   Common Installation Problems

   O-rings need to be properly installed to do their job and function properly. When installed correctly, O-rings can prevent leaks and add to the service life of the component. Incorrectly installed O-rings may cause leakage resulting in part damage, requiring taking apart and reassembling the component.  Some common problems that occur during O-ring installation include tears, twisting and turning, and overstretching.

   5 Guidelines for Installing O-rings

   Installing O-rings properly at the outset saves time and money in the long run. These installation tips can help you avoid problems that may cause application issues down the road.

   1. Size Matters: Use the right size O-ring for each unique assembly. O-rings that are too small are more prone to tearing and breakage. O-rings that are too large will not provide an adequate seal.
   2. Avoid Overstretching: Each O-ring has a maximum stretch point. Overstretching can cause O-rings to break or tear during assembly or use. Engineers need to ensure that the stretch does not go beyond the maximum elongation of the O-ring. It’s also important to stretch the O-ring evenly, not just on one side or the other. In general, try to stretch the O-ring as little as possible for a tighter fit.
   3. Slide, Don’t Roll: Rolling an O-ring down a shaft for installation leads to spiraling. Spiral wound O-rings cannot be properly installed and their functionality will be limited. This can result in leaks and/or damage to the finished assembly. Sliding the O-ring into place, rather than rolling it, helps avoid spiraling. Using a lubricant helps the O-ring slide easily into place.
   4. Ease O-rings Over Threads: O-rings are often mated with threaded parts. The threads can easily tear the rubber O-rings. Covering the threads with masking tape during installation and using an assembly lubricant can help protect the O-ring from nicks and tears.
   5. Keep Away From Sharp Edges: Some mated parts may also have sharp corners or edges that can damage O-rings. Sometimes these tears are so small they are not visible, resulting in leakage problems later on. Avoid forcing O-rings onto sharp corners and edges. Lubricating the O-rings makes it easier to slide them into place.

   Overall, it’s best to avoid using excess force while installing O-rings. Using an assembly lubricant helps ensure that many of the above problems are avoided.

   O-ring Lubricants

   Using a lubricant for O-ring assembly can prevent tears, twisting, pinching, cutting and abrasion of the rubber.  A thin film of lubricant applied to the O-ring fills in any gaps, holes, or spaces between the O-ring and the mated part, allowing them to slide across each other. By reducing the surface tension between the two surfaces, the O-ring can slide into place easily, providing a tight fit.

   Advantages of using assembly lubricants for O-ring installation include:

   • Reduce force needed for installation
   • Accelerate assembly processes
   • Achieve closer fits by helping to properly seat the O-ring
   • Aid automated assemblies
   • Improve product performance and reduce failures
   • Increase production rates
   • Help avoid worker injuries

   Types of O-ring Lubricants

   There are numerous types of lubricants that can be used to install O-rings. Some common choices include soap and water, petroleum distillates, solvents and ester based products. Many traditional choices may cause damage to the rubber O-ring or present safety concerns.

   For example, petroleum based products can cause rubber to swell or dry out. Solvents provide poor lubrication, contain high VOCs, may be flammable, and pose possible health risks. Soap and water, while safe, provides inconsistent, nominal lubrication and may reactivate when wet causing problems after assembly.

   Ester based lubricants are an ideal solution. They provide excellent reduction in friction, offer temporary lubrication, and are safe for both workers and the environment.

   Here is a comparison of some common lubricant choices:

   

   

   So, how do you choose the right product? Consider these factors:

   • Chemical composition
   • Surface compatibility
   • Dry time
   • Reduction of friction
   • Product safety

   The Perfect Solution

   P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants are an excellent choice for O-ring assembly. P-80® lubricants significantly reduce friction helping rubber parts slide easily into place. And, they do not contain any hazardous ingredients, making them safe for workers and the environment. P-80’s unique, water-based formula is temporary; once dry, P-80 stops lubricating and parts remain in place.

   O-ring installation without lubrication:
   

   O-ring installation using P-80:
   

   Installing O-rings doesn’t have to be a struggle. Remember, these small rubber parts can make or break the functionality of your finished assembly. Take the time to install them properly and use a temporary assembly lubricant to aid the process and protect the part.

   Contact International Products Corporation to learn more about using P-80 Rubber Lubricants for O-ring assembly.

   Have an O-ring you need to install? Request a free sample for testing

   

8. How To Keep Your Tablet Press Clean

   February 27, 2018 9:21 pm Comments Off on How To Keep Your Tablet Press Clean

   10 Easy Steps for Cleaning Your Tablet Press

   Nothing can slow production down like equipment that malfunctions or stops working altogether. Performing regular, preventative maintenance of equipment is essential and helps keep pharmaceutical tablet presses functioning efficiently and smoothly.

   

   Tablet presses that are not well maintained can cause a multitude of problems, creating defective products that are mal-formed, contaminated or contain improper dosages. One of the most important steps to maintaining your tablet press is keeping it clean. It’s also important to have systems in place to validate and document the cleanliness of the equipment.

   10 Key Steps For Cleaning Tablet Presses:

   1. Clean the Exterior: Wipe away all visible dirt on the exterior of the press and vacuum off any excess formulation. Do not use compressed air to blow off excess powders. Compressed air can trap powders in hidden housings, crevices and pockets causing problems down the line.
   2. Visual Inspection: Examine the press to assess the condition of the parts. Look for signs of wear or damage on tablet punches and punch heads, and earmark any parts that need repair or replacement.
   3. Prepare the Press for Cleaning: Carefully dismantle removable machine parts for thorough cleaning. Tooling, punch heads, feed frames, guards and plates can often be removed for cleaning purposes.
   4. Use the Proper Equipment: Stiff nylon punch guide brushes and die seat cleaning tools help to access hidden areas of the press that might contain traces of debris. It’s important not to use any unnecessary force, since tablet presses are delicate and can be easily damaged if not carefully handled.
   5. Choose the Right Cleaner: Your choice of cleaner will depend largely upon the soils that are on your press. Are you removing Oils? Gels? Starches? Enzymes? Use this chart to help match a cleaner to the soil. You’ll also want to consider the surface you are cleaning to be sure you are choosing a compatible cleaner.

   

   6. Set Up a Proper Cleaning Method: In addition to using the right cleaning product, it’s also important to consider other variables to establish your cleaning protocol. All of the following should be considered:

   a. Amount of Detergent
   b. Temperature
   c. Dwell time
   d. Cleaning method
   e. Type of water

   7. Rinse: Thorough rinsing should follow the cleaning. Rinsing removes any excess detergent left on the item. For critical cleaning applications it is best to use deionized or distilled water, as rinsing with ordinary water may introduce new contaminates.
   8. Validation: Cleaning validation helps identify if there is any remaining residue from soils and cleaners, and helps prevent contamination. Quantitative validation methods, available from most manufacturers, should be used for critical cleaning applications.
   9. Disinfect: If required, disinfection should be done after the press is cleaned and soils are removed.
   10. Dry Parts Thoroughly: Parts should be completely dried to prevent rusting, corrosion or discoloration.

   Setting up an established cleaning routine for your tablet press will help keep it running smoothly and efficiently, and may even extend the serviceable life of your equipment. Regular cleaning will also help prevent regulatory issues and product problems. A few small steps spent on regular cleaning can be a giant leap toward savings and efficiency in the long run.

   For more information on setting up a cleaning regimen and choosing the right cleaner for your application, visit International Products Corporation’s website or contact one of our technical specialists for assistance.

   

9. Rubber Lubricants Make Helicopter Maintenance A Breeze

   February 8, 2018 7:15 pm Comments Off on Rubber Lubricants Make Helicopter Maintenance A Breeze

   Assembly and repair of helicopters can be difficult. Helicopters are composed of numerous rubber parts, many of which can be hard to install or replace. Rotor blades, shafts, landing skids, control rods, stabilizer bars, pitch levers, blade grips, isolators, bushings, hoses, rotor seals, and tail booms are some of the many helicopter parts that are either composed of rubber or connected with rubber parts.

   

   Unlike traditional airplanes, helicopters have a unique ability to land and take off vertically and to hover in place. A helicopter’s ability to lift and thrust comes from its rotors. These unique properties must be designed to exacting standards, with no room for compromise. High quality materials should be used to ensure that parts are properly installed and assemblies are completed perfectly every time. Reliance on anything other than specialty lubricants, formulated specifically for rubber assembly, creates risks for failure from the onset.

   Rubber is naturally slip resistant, making it difficult to work with. Installing, removing or manipulating tight fitting rubber components can be a real challenge. Parts that are improperly aligned or installed may result in performance or safety issues. Temporary assembly lubricants make rubber installation easy.

   This diagram shows some of the many helicopter parts that can benefit from using a temporary assembly lubricant for installation.

   

   P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants significantly reduce friction helping rubber parts slide easily into place. And, P-80 lubricants do not contain any hazardous ingredients, making them safe for workers and the environment. P-80’s unique, water-based formula is temporary; once dry, P-80 stops lubricating and parts remain in place.

   Advantages of using P-80® lubricants:
   • Reduce the force required for installation
   • Increase production rates
   • Reduce part breakage and rejects
   • Allow for closer fitting part design
   • Reduce risk of musculoskeletal and slippage related injuries

   Try using a rubber assembly aid the next time you’re installing rotor blades, seals or dampers and see how much easier the job becomes. Want to try P-80 for your assembly or repair needs? Request a free sample.

   Read more about temporary rubber assembly lubricants, including how to use them and factors to consider when choosing a lubricant. Or, contact our technical team to help you find the best solution for your assembly needs.

   

10. Stop Struggling … See How Temporary Lubricants Make Rubber Assembly Easier!

    December 1, 2017 4:43 pm Comments Off on Stop Struggling … See How Temporary Lubricants Make Rubber Assembly Easier!

    Have you ever struggled with rubber assembly? If so, you’ve probably experienced for yourself the excessive force needed to properly install hoses, seals, gaskets, O-rings and many other rubber parts. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone came up with a better way?

    

    Your wishes have been granted! Temporary rubber assembly lubricants were developed specifically to solve this common problem. Temporary rubber lubricants can ease assembly processes and significantly reduce the force needed to assemble rubber parts.

    So, how effective are temporary assembly lubricants? Why not see for yourself? International Products Corporation (IPC), manufacturer of P-80® temporary rubber assembly lubricants, put together this short video showing the reduction in force obtained by using P-80® Emulsion to assemble a rubber hose.

    

    The results of this test are dramatic. A 63% reduction of force was achieved by using P-80 Emulsion for this assembly. A digital force gauge manufactured by Mecmesin was used for measurement. The amount of force needed to assemble a dry piece of hose was 196 Newtons. IPC’s test lab then lubricated the same hose with P-80 Emulsion and the amount of force needed for the same assembly dropped to 72 Newtons. That represents a reduction of force of 124 Newtons or 63%.

    

    What are some of the advantages of reducing the force required to install rubber parts?
    • Allow for tighter fitting part design
    • Improve product performance
    • Increase production rates by allowing for faster assembly
    • Reduce worker injuries by decreasing the assembly force required
    • Reduce part rejection

    The next time you’re having trouble with hoses, seals, gaskets, O-Rings or any other rubber part, remember to use a temporary rubber assembly lubricant and watch the parts slide into place with much less force. Temporary lubricants are ideal for rubber assembly because they reduce the friction needed to assemble parts.

    Want more information about temporary rubber assembly lubricants, including how to use them and factors to consider when choosing a lubricant? Contact IPC for help finding the best solution for your assembly needs.