Tag Archive: P-80 THIX

  1. Which P-80® Temporary Lubricant is Best for my Assembly Operation?

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    P-80 Lubricants are unique temporary assembly aids that do not contain any silicon or petroleum distillates or other persistent ingredients. They provide excellent lubrication by significantly reducing surface friction and are green and biodegradable alternatives to hazardous products. 

    Group P 80

    Which one is right for you?

    Here are two variables to consider:

    DESIGN TOLERANCE. How difficult—tight—is the assembly? If your answer is “very,” then you need maximum lubrication: P-80 Emulsion or P-80 THIX. These excellent industrial formulas provide maximum friction reduction (up to 70%). P-80 Emulsion has a viscosity similar to milk, while P-80 THIX is a gel, ideal for vertical and overhead applications.

    P80 Hose demo

    DRYING TIME. If you have an application that is subject to PVT or blow-off testing right after assembly, or if you are working with a non-porous part (think plastic or coated rubber), then you’ll want to try P-80 Grip-it or P-80 RediLube. In the case of pressure testing, P-80 Grip-it works well as it contains an ingredient that provides a bit of cling once dry. 

    All industrial formulas are designed to ease assembly processes and three of the four are biodegradable. All are water based and ready-to-use. All are temporary, containing no silicon or petroleum distillates so they result in a tight-fitting part without slippage once dry. These industrial lubricants reduce the force required for the assembly, installation and maintenance of hoses, O-rings, grommets, grips, seals, propeller hubs and other rubber and soft plastic parts. They also assist in bushing pressing, cable pulling, tire mounting and wire harness operations. 

    p 80 lubricant photo

    Whether you are a design engineer, materials engineer, lubricant engineer, ergonomic engineer, health and safety official, plant manager or line worker, our P-80 lubricants can increase production by reducing the time required for assembly. They reduce part breakage and rejects, as well as slippage and repetitive stress-related injuries, and are compatible with rubbers, plastics and metals. 

    Our expert laboratory scientists have tested hundreds of materials, but can also conduct customized compatibility and lubricity tests for you and your parts. For information on appliance and food and beverage applications, watch this video. 

     

    Please feel free to contact us with questions, to request a sample pack or place an order.

    sample box P 80

    Thank you. Stay well, stay safe.

    International Products Corporation

     

  2. Don’t Get Spooked By Rubber Assembly! Treat Yourself to P-80® Lubricants!

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    Rubber assembly can be scary!  So many parts…all different shapes and sizes. Trying to insert them into proper position without twisting or tearing can be quite a challenge. Don’t be tricked, treat yourself to P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants and slide parts easily into place.

    Rubber is naturally slip-resistant making it difficult to install, remove or manipulate. It’s not unusual for rubber parts to slip during assembly and not go exactly where they’re intended: an O-ring may get twisted, a heater hose may not be fully inserted, a gap can appear in a waterproof seam. Successful assembly can be tricky. Improper assembly can lead to a multitude of problems including destroyed parts, warranty claims, recalls and worker fatigue or injury.

    Help prevent problems such as ill-fitting, misaligned or damaged parts, rolling O-rings, uneven cuts or worker injury by relying on temporary rubber lubricants for assembly.

    What Are P-80 Temporary Assembly Lubricants?

    P-80 lubricants provide temporary lubrication. Once they dry, the lubrication ceases and will not reactivate, even when wet. P-80 lubricants are environmentally friendly, non-hazardous, and non-flammable, making them safe for workers and most plastics, rubbers, and metals. Most P-80 products are biodegradable.

    Why Use Temporary Assembly Lubricants?

    Reduce Installation Force:

    A thin film of lubricant applied to a part fills in any gaps, holes, or spaces between two surfaces, allowing them to slide across each other. By reducing the tension between the two surfaces, rubber parts can 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 tighter fitting parts. Since the lubrication is only temporary, once dry, the parts stay in place.

    Improve Product Performance:

    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:

    Paring 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 to Avoid Worker 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.

    Treat yourself to P-80 Temporary Lubricants to remove the tricks from rubber assembly!

    Want to try P-80 lubricants for your challenging rubber assembly applications? Request a free sample today!

  3. 5 Step Guide to Choosing The Right Assembly Lubricant

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    Rubber can be difficult to install, remove or manipulate. It’s not unusual for rubber parts to slip or break during assembly or not fit into place: an O-ring may get twisted, a heater hose may not fully insert, or a gap can appear in a waterproof seal. Improper assembly can lead to a multitude of problems including destroyed parts, invalidated warranty claims, product recalls, and worker fatigue or injury.

    Coating rubber parts with a lubricant before assembly helps avoid some of these problems. For convenience, workers often reach for substances that are already present on the manufacturing floor like soap and water, alcohol, gasoline, motor oil, petroleum jelly, or silicone spray. While these products do provide lubrication, they may also introduce health and safety risks, functionality issues, and damage rubber parts.

    The Five-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Temporary Assembly Lubricant:

    1. Lubrication Needed

    Sometimes you need a lot of lubrication, sometimes just a bit. Different lubricants will reduce friction by varying amounts depending upon their chemistry. Find a formula that is right for your application.

    2. Dry Time

    Some temporary lubricants dry quickly while others take longer to fully dry.

    Quick-drying lubricants are frequently used in assembly applications in which the parts undergo pressure testing or movement shortly after assembly. In these cases, it’s important to have the part firmly in place before the next step in the assembly process.

    Other assembly applications may take longer, or the parts may need to be manipulated a few times before the assembly is complete. In these instances, you may benefit from a slower drying temporary lubricant.

    Yet, in other assembly operations, achieving maximum lubrication may be the primary goal and the dry time of the lubricant is less important. This often occurs with extremely tight-fitting parts.

    The dry time of temporary assembly lubricants can be altered by adjusting the amount applied, the method of application, part tolerance, material porosity, and the environment.

    3. Compatibility

    It’s important to check the compatibility of any chemicals that will come in contact with your parts and equipment. What types of surfaces are they made of? Ask the lubricant manufacturer if their product is compatible with the specific type of rubber, metal and/or plastic found in your parts and equipment.

    Lubricants will be absorbed more quickly by porous rubbers, like Buna-N and EPDM, than by plastics and coated rubbers. You may want to choose a quicker drying formula for less porous surfaces.

    Avoid using lubricants that can cause rubber parts to swell or dry out, like alcohol or petroleum-based products. Look for a product that is compatible with the parts it will come in contact with.

    4. Application Method

    What type of application method will work best for your unique process? Common methods of application include dunking and dipping parts, using brushes, sponges and sprays, and using automated solutions. Make sure the lubricant you choose will work well with the best application method for your unique situation.

    5. Safety

    Consider the environmental impact of any lubricants you are using. Look for products that are non-hazardous and non-flammable, making them safe for workers and the environment. Many companies are moving toward biodegradable assembly lubricants.

    Choose an assembly lubricant that will work well, yet meet all of your safety requirements and federal regulations.

    The Manufacturer Matters

    When you select a temporary rubber assembly lubricant you should be equally as concerned with the support provided by the manufacturer as you are with the product performance. An experienced and knowledgeable manufacturer can offer technical guidance and provide the best product to meet your needs. At International Products Corporation, we are committed to assisting customers by providing compatibility studies, toxicology reports, regulatory compliance, free product samples, and technical support.

    Want to try P-80 for your assembly or repair needs? Request a free sample.
    Contact our technical team to help you find the best solution for your assembly needs.

  4. Do You Need P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants?

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    Have You Ever Struggled With Rubber Assembly?

    How many times have you pushed a rubber hose onto a fitting only to find it wouldn’t slide into place because the fit was just too tight? Or, how about all of those seals and O-rings that twisted or tore because it took so much force to seat them? Remember the frustration you felt after pushing a grommet into place and then watching it pop right back out? 

    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. These tasks can be very frustrating and can often require considerable physical effort and time.

    Rubber materials are inherently difficult to install, remove, or otherwise manipulate – even when wet. The slip-resistant nature of rubber creates a challenge during the assembly and repair of rubber parts. Since these parts play such an integral role in product function and design, it’s important to assemble them properly to avoid future problems with product performance.

    Do Any Of These Assembly Problems Sound Familiar?

    • Rolling O-rings
    • Uneven cuts
    • Misaligned parts
    • Damaged parts
    • Injured workers (sore muscles, slippage, repetitive stress injury)

    If so, P-80® Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants may be the answer. When applied to rubber parts, P-80 lubricants reduce friction during assembly to make installation easier. Once dry the slipping action goes away and parts stay in place.

    What Are The Advantages Of 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 tension between the two surfaces, rubber parts can 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:

    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:

    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 to Avoid Worker 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.

    How Does P-80 Compare To Other Lubricants?

    P-80 lubricants are temporary assembly lubricants, once dry the lubrication ceases and will not reactivate, even when wet. Additionally, P-80 lubricants are environmentally friendly, non-hazardous, and non-flammable, making them safe for workers and most plastics, rubbers, and metals. In fact, most P-80 products are biodegradable.

    Which P-80 Lubricant Do I Need?

    Since each assembly application is unique, IPC has developed different P-80 formulas so workers can choose the product that will work best for their particular application. P-80 is available in four ready-to-use industrial formulas, as well as two special formulas that are registered with the NSF as H1 lubricants approved for incidental food contact applications.

    Many jobs can benefit from the reduced friction and increased safety provided by P-80 Temporary Rubber Assembly Lubricants. Use P-80 the next time you’re having trouble replacing pump seals, installing bushings, assembling O-rings, or pushing hoses onto fittings and you’ll discover for yourself how much easier assembly can be.

    Any time you encounter rubber parts…P-80 can help!

    Want to try P-80 lubricants for your challenging rubber assembly applications? Request a free sample today!

  5. What Is The Shelf Life Of My Assembly Lubricant? (And, Why It Matters)

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    Remember that temporary assembly lubricant that’s been in your cabinet for years? How do you know if it’s still effective and safe to use? These things are good forever, right?

    Absolutely not! Chemical products do indeed have a shelf life. Paying attention to expiration dates helps ensure you are using products at their peak performance levels for optimal results.

    What Is Shelf Life?

    The shelf life of a product is defined as the “length of time that a commodity may be stored without becoming unfit for use, consumption, or sale.” (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_life). It’s important to note that manufacturers determine the shelf life of a product based upon expectations of normal use and storage. Failure to follow recommended guidelines can limit the expected shelf life of any product.

    How Is Shelf Life Determined?

    While each product and each manufacturer is unique, shelf life is generally determined by assessing product stability under normal conditions over an extended period of time. Are the active ingredients still effective or have they deteriorated? Chemical composition and anticipated environmental factors both have a role in determining a product’s shelf life.

    Product quality can be assessed by determining the concentration of key ingredients. Once the active ingredients of a product begin to degrade, product strength may be diminished.

    Environmental factors include temperature, moisture and exposure to air. External contaminants or stresses can also affect product quality.

    What Is The Shelf Life of My Lubricant?

    All of IPC’s P-80® Temporary Assembly Lubricants have a two-year shelf life.

    Is This Information On the Product Container?

    All of IPC’s products are stamped with a six-digit lot number that signifies the date of manufacture (YY/MM/DD). For example, a lot number of 190301 signifies that the product was manufactured on March 1, 2019.  The product expiration date is stamped directly below the lot number.

    How Does IPC Calculate Shelf Life?

    The shelf life of IPC’s products is determined by observation and testing. Part of the manufacturing process includes retaining a sample of each lot number produced for quality control.

    To determine the shelf life of its P-80 Temporary Assembly Lubricants, IPC tests for changes in pH and viscosity. IPC also observes the product for any changes in appearance or separation.

    What Other Factors Affect Shelf Life?

    The manner in which products are handled by the end user may also influence shelf life. It’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for storage and handling. Follow these steps to maintain product quality and get the most out of your lubricant:

    • Store at recommended temperatures
    • Properly close containers between use – do not leave bottles uncapped
    • Do not mix with other chemicals
    • Use clean tools to avoid introducing contaminants
    • Do not dilute
    • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for use

    What Happens If I Use My Temporary Assembly Lubricant After The Expiration Date?

    Using products beyond their expected expiration date is not recommended. After the expiration date your lubricant may no longer offer the same amount of lubricity which can have an impact on your entire assembly process. If you have questions about whether or not it’s okay to use your product, contact the manufacturer for assistance.

    Have questions about temporary assembly lubricants? Want a free sample for testing? IPC can help!

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

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

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    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!
  8. 10 Things To Know When Choosing An Assembly Lubricant

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    What is a Lubricant?

    A lubricant is a material that reduces the friction between two surfaces making it easier for them to move across each other. Lubricity measures the reduction of friction that results from using a lubricant. A higher percentage of lubricity indicates a greater reduction of force.

    Dry force is the amount of force required to insert a part without using a lubricant. Lubricated force is the amount of force required to insert a part after applying a lubricant. A force gauge meter can be used to measure the force (in newtons) needed to insert a part.

    A lubricant should be used any time you need to decrease the friction between two surfaces.

    10 Things To Know When Choosing An Assembly Lubricant

    1. Temporary or Permanent Lubrication?

    Some lubricants provide ongoing lubrication to keep parts moving over and over again. Machinery that consists of parts that must continually move or slide across each other will benefit from using a permanent lubricant to ensure they are operating properly.

    Other lubricants provide temporary lubrication, reducing the friction between two parts for a short amount of time. After drying, the lubricity provided by a temporary lubricant is gone and the two parts will no longer slide easily across each other. Temporary lubricants are used for assembly and repair applications.

    Rubber materials, in particular, are extremely slip-resistant, making them inherently difficult to install, remove, or otherwise manipulate – even when wet. This creates a challenge during the assembly and repair of rubber parts that can result in problems such as ill-fitting, misaligned or damaged parts, rolling O-rings, uneven cuts or worker injury. Temporary assembly lubricants can help prevent these problems.

    2. How Much Lubrication Do You Need?

    Sometimes you need a lot of lubrication, sometimes just a bit. Different lubricants will reduce friction by varying amounts depending upon their viscosity. Find a formula that is right for your application.

    Reduction of Friction Chart

    3. What are the Advantages of 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 surface tension between the two surfaces, rubber parts can slide into place easily.

    Design Parts with Better Tolerances:

    When a lubricant is included in the design control process, mated parts can have lower tolerances because the characteristics of the lubricant are considered. Partnering with a lubrication engineer ensures the optimal lubricant is selected before production goes live.

    Improve Product Performance:

    Improper part alignment can lead to part failure and safety issues. Taking into consideration lubrication properties like dry time, material compatibility, any interfering residue and environmental conditions, will ensure that mated parts will work as anticipated.

    Increase Production Rates:

    Pairing the optimal lubricant with the right application technique speeds up production.

    Help to Avoid Worker Injuries:

    Assembly lubricants ease the installation process of many parts. An increase in lubricity, even by small amounts, is greatly appreciated by line operators required to maintain strict cycle times. Inferior lubrication quickly leads to fatigue, muscle strain, injuries and lost work time.

    4. What is the Dry Time of Your Temporary Lubricant?

    Some temporary lubricants dry quickly while others take longer to fully dry.

    Quick drying lubricants are frequently used in assembly applications in which the parts undergo pressure testing or movement shortly after assembly. In these cases, it’s important to have the part firmly in place before the next step in the assembly process.

    Other assembly applications may take longer or the parts may need to be manipulated a few times before the assembly is complete. In these instances, you may benefit from a slower drying temporary lubricant.

    Yet, in other assembly operations, achieving maximum lubrication may be the primary goal and the dry time of the lubricant is less important.

    Manufacturers of temporary assembly lubricants should be able to advise you about methods of slightly altering the dry time of their lubricants based upon the amount applied, the method of application, part tolerance, material porosity, and temperature.

    5. Can Temporary Lubricants be Used With All Types Of Surfaces?

    It’s important to check the compatibility of any chemicals that will come in contact with your parts and equipment. What types of surfaces are they made of?  Ask the lubricant manufacturer if their product is compatible with the specific type of rubber, metal and/or plastic found in your parts and equipment.

    Lubricants will be absorbed more quickly by porous rubbers, like Buna-N and EPDM, than by plastics and coated rubbers. You may want to choose a quicker drying formula for less porous surfaces.

    6. How Will You Apply the Lubricant?

    Think about your assembly process and the parts that will need a temporary lubricant. What type of application method will work best for your unique process? Common methods of application include dunking and dipping parts, using brushes, sponges and sprays, and using automated solutions. Make sure the lubricant you choose will work well with the best application method for your unique situation.

    7. Can They be Used for Food Manufacturing Equipment?

    Food and beverage manufacturing is a highly regulated industry. Therefore, all parts and processes, including any lubricants that are used, must comply with federal regulations and industry standards. Look for specially formulated assembly lubricants that are registered with the NSF as H1 lubricants approved for incidental food contact applications.

    8. Are They Safe?

    Avoid using lubricants that can cause rubber parts to swell or dry out, like alcohol or petroleum-based products. Look for a product that is compatible with the parts it will come in contact with.

    Be sure to also consider the environmental impact of any lubricants you are using. Look for products that are non-hazardous and non-flammable, making them safe for workers and the environment. Many assembly lubricants are biodegradable.

    Choose an assembly lubricant that will work well, yet meet all of your safety requirements and federal regulations.

    9. Is it Possible to Arrange a Trial?

    Many lubricant manufacturers will offer free samples for testing. Testing enables you to run trials for your unique assembly application and choose the product that will best meet your needs.

    10. Will the Manufacturer Offer Support?

    In addition to their willingness to offer free product samples for testing, look for a supplier that can offer technical guidance and provide a variety of products to solve your assembly requirements. The manufacturer should be able to assist you by providing material compatibility studies, insertion force measurement testing, toxicology reports, regulatory compliance, free product samples, and technical support.

     

    With careful thought and planning, you can find a lubricant that meets all of your specifications. When choosing a lubricant for your assembly application consider the amount of lubricity required, surface compatibility, dry time, application methods, chemical composition and safety of the product.

    Specially formulated, temporary rubber assembly lubricants are a preferred choice. They have a consistent composition, favorable compatibility with most surfaces and are not harmful to the environment. Many of these lubricants are biodegradable.

    Using the proper assembly lubricant can turn a difficult chore into an easy task. Choosing wisely makes a difference!

    Want to learn more about temporary assembly lubricants? Contact IPC’s technical team to help you find the best solution for your assembly needs.

     

     

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

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    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:

    Lubricants Comparison Chart

    Reduction of Friction Chart

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

    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

  10. Solve Hydraulic Line Assembly Problems With P-80® THIX

    Comments Off on Solve Hydraulic Line Assembly Problems With P-80® THIX

    A worldwide crane manufacturer experienced hydraulic system issues, including contamination, rolled O-rings, leaks, and line shut-downs resulting from numerous false-positive leak detections. Once they began using P-80® THIX for assembly they were able to eliminate false positive hydraulic leaks and contamination, allow easier thread starts and aligned joint assemblies, and achieve torque specifications.

    What is P-80® THIX?

    P-80 THIX is a biodegradable temporary assembly lubricant that eases installation of tight-fitting rubber and plastic parts by reducing the force needed for insertion. Once assembly is complete, the lubricant dries and the part stays in place. Since THIX is a water-based, thixotropic gel, it stays where it’s put without dripping. THIX does not contain any alcohol or petroleum distillates, so it will not cause rubber to swell, dry out or harden, nor does it contain any hazardous ingredients, making it safe for workers and the environment.

    What Was Happening at the Crane Manufacturer’s Plant?

    The crane manufacturer was using multiple petroleum-based lubricants for the assembly of hydraulic hoses and thread starts. These lubricants eased the assembly of the hydraulic lines and facilitated thread starts, but, if not applied meticulously, slowed production, increased cost of quality, and increased the amount of rework needed. Over-application of these lubricants caused residue to remain in and around hydraulic lines attracting dirt, contaminating hydraulic systems, fluorescing brightly during black light leak inspections – leading to false positive results, and reducing installation torque over time. When used sparingly, the lubricants caused leaks from rough thread starts, rolled O-rings, friction-related damage, misaligned parts, and low installation torques. They also had frequent line shut-downs because of many false-positive leak detections.

    P-80 THIX to the Rescue

    A team of design engineers, material engineers and hydraulic line assemblers worked together to find a solution. P-80 THIX was trialed for assembly of hydraulic lines and coating of threads for wet torque starts.

    Since THIX is a water-based emulsified thixotropic gel, the volume applied was not critical. Once applied, THIX remained in place regardless of the part’s orientation. The gel as a whole reduced assembly friction by 70% thereby eliminating rolled O-rings and misaligned parts. Installation torques were achieved consistently. After assembly, THIX began to evaporate and lose its lubrication – leaving at most a negligible residue, which will not attract dirt or contaminate the hydraulic system, will not fluoresce, and cannot reduce torque over time.

    The crane manufacturer experienced an immediate improvement in cost of quality and on-time delivery metrics. As a result, THIX has been implemented throughout the entire assembly floor and is currently being trialed at other locations worldwide.

    Read the full case study and learn more about using P-80 THIX for assembly and maintenance of construction equipment.

    Want to try P-80 for your assembly or repair needs? Request a free sample.

    Contact IPC’s technical team to help you find the best solution for your assembly needs.

     

     

Detergent Selection Guide

= Used ; = Preferred
SOILS Micro-90® Micro® Green Clean Micro® A07 Surface-Cleanse/930® LF2100® Zymit® Low-Foam Zymit® Pro
Adhesives
Biofilm
Biological soils: Blood, Feces, Mucous, Sebum, Sweat, Urine
Dyes, Inks
Eggs, Butter, Fruit Stains
Emulsifiers
Fat
Fingerprints
Flavor, Fragrances
Gelatin
Gels
Grass
Insoluble Salts
Milkstone
Oils
Oxides
Paraffins
Petrolatum
Proteins
Scale
Shop Dusts, Soldering Flux
Silicons
Starch
Tar
Tissue
Titanium Dioxides