ACME Drawing lubricants are designed to provide a film between the tool and metal to prevent die galling, die wear and to reduce friction. This allows the proper flow of metal under pressure to plastically deform with minimum wear and friction.

Drawing oils are formulated in a range from low to high viscosities utilizing polar, extreme pressure (EP) lubricants, and combinations of both as required by application.

• Lubricant formulations that can be used for shallow drawing of aluminum and deep drawing of aluminum, copper, brass and bronze.
• Lubricants designed for stamping and drawing of non‐ferrous metals such as copper, brass and bronze.
• Products intended for the stamping and shallow drawing of carbon steels and alloy steels.
• Drawing oils for the stamping of alloy and stainless steels, shallow drawing of alloy and stainless steels and deep drawing of carbon steels, alloy and stainless steels.

Water soluble products using highly refined petroleum hydrocarbons blended with additives such as EP, polar, emulsifiers, corrosion inhibitors and protection from microbial infestation.

• Products intended for stamping operations on carbon steels, copper, brass and bronze.
• Soluble oils for severe drawing and blanking operations on carbon and stainless steels.

Vanishing oils are special purpose lubricants that are chemically inert, colorless and odorless liquids dry to the touch after one hour and used when cleaning of the workpiece is not required.

• Stamping of low carbon steel and nonferrous metals.

ACME product recommendations are based on these factors that must be considered to select the correct lubricant.

• Severities of the draw.
• Type of workpiece metal.
• Method of application.
• Post‐process compatibility.
• Regulatory issues

Severity Classification Guideline

Low Severity – based on low‐carbon commercial quality steel.

• Maximum localized stretch of 10% in a 1 inch length.
• Drawing a cup with 10% reduction in diameter.

Moderate Severity ‐ based on low‐carbon commercial quality steel.

• Maximum localized stretch of 20% in 1 inch length.
• Drawing a cylindrical shell with 20% reduction in diameter.

High Severity – based on low‐carbon drawing quality sheet steel.

• Maximum localized stretch of 30% in 1 inch length.
• Drawing a cylindrical shell with 30% reduction in diameter.

Maximum Severity – based on low‐carbon drawing quality sheet steel.

• Maximum localized stretch of 40% in 1 inch length.
• Drawing a cylindrical shell with maximum reduction in diameter (reduction of 40% or more.

Stainless Steels lubrication requirements are more critical because it is usually necessary to preserve the high‐quality surface. Stainless steels have higher strength, greater hardness, lower thermal conductivity, and higher coefficient of friction. More heat is being generated at the surface being formed, and less is being conducted away than in forming a comparable workpiece from low‐carbon steel.

Aluminum, aluminum alloys, cooper and copper alloys lubricants must be compatible and suitable with the particular forming operation. Avoidance of staining or corrosion is an important consideration.

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ACME alkaline metal cleaning products remove soils, particulates and surface residues on workpieces that have accumulated during the metalworking process.

• Reduce surface tension.
• Provide active and available alkalinity.
• Buffer a highly alkaline solution.
• Disperse and emulsify removed soils.
• Readily rinsed off with water.
• Provide a clean uniform surface.

Selecting the Correct Cleaner for Your Process

• Safe to use on ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
• Soil – grease, oil, soaps, lubricants, hard water salts, carrier coatings.
• Method of application – Soak, Spray, Electrolytic
• Surface condition required after cleaning
• Chemical Restrictions / Disposal
• Non-chelated for easy waste treatment.
• Low foam and spot free solutions available.

ACME Industrial Maintenance Cleaners

• Floor Cleaners
• Truck Vehicle / Wash
• DFE – (Designed For the Environment) Certified Green Cleaners available

Alkaline Cleaning Explained

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ACME offers water soluble products which are recommended as a general purpose corrosion inhibitor in soluble and slushing oils. These products are highly effective corrosion inhibitors that will provide outstanding protection as measured by humidity cabinet and salt spray tests.

ACME Synthetic water soluble corrosion inhibitors thin film adheres to the surface and provides protection between different machining operations. This film can be welded thru without sparking.

Other types of rust preventative products available are:

• Severe Anti-Corrosion Inhibitors (SACI)
• Outdoor Storage Inhibitors
• Acid Fume Environment

Factors for determination of product choice:

• Protection Required. (Length and condition)
• Type of film desired.
• Type of metal and its sensitivity to corrosion.
• Film dry time and conditions.
• Application equipment, method and temperature.
• Special storage conditions.
• Removal requirements.
• Special properties beyond RP, such as lubrication.
• Odor and flash point.

Other considerations:

• If parts are wet with a coolant, then water displacing properties may be necessary.
• Parts that are stacked or bundled may not be able to get the RP to mated surfaces.
• Dissimilar metals can set up a galvanic corrosive condition.
• Chlorides and sulfates can accelerate the corrosion process.
• Acidic atmospheres/conditions. Acid baths, battery charging stations.

Corrosion Identification Information

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ACME can provide Synthetic Air Compressor Oils that are formulated with different base fluids: PAO (polyalphaolefin), Synthetic Blends, Diester, Polyglycol/Ester Blends, Polyalkylene Glycol and Alkylate. Every base fluid has its own unique properties and is primarily used in specific applications. Please contact us for specific product recommendations dependent upon specific applications.

• PAO with advanced additive technology is recommended for rotary screw, centrifugal and reciprocating compressors. Products have low pour points, high viscosity index, excellent water demulsibility. Used in Food Grade compressors lubricants and is NSF Certified and meets USDA 1998 (H-1) guidelines, Kosher approved. Available in ISO Grades 32, 46, 68, 100 and 150
• Synthetic Blends are a blend of synthetic and petroleum base fluids and are useful in multi-purpose applications. Treated with an additive to provide corrosion, oxidation inhibition, anti-wear, defoamer, sludge and deposits protection. Available in ISO Grades 32, 46, 68, 100, and 150.
• Diester base stocks combined with additive technology that cover applications for rotary vane, rotary screw and reciprocating compressors of all ages and designs. Provide low temperature fluidity, better thermal conductivity to reduce operating temperature, reduced friction, high temperature thermal stability and greater resistance to mechanical stress. Available in ISO Grades 32, 46, 68, 100 and 150.
• Polyglycol/Ester blend series provides superior performance in the areas of oxidation resistance and deposit formation for rotary screw compressors. Available in SAE Grade 5W-20 and 10W-20.
• Polyalkylene Glycol formulated to combat problems associated with high pressure reciprocating compressors pumping natural gas, carbon dioxide or process gases. Resistant to hydrocarbon dilution and adsorption of gas stream components which maintains the proper viscosity for wear protection and resists wash-out and carryover. Typically requires a waste stream analysis for proper recommendation.
• Alkylate fluids are formulated for use in reciprocating, rotary and centrifugal refrigeration compressors using ammonia, R12, R22, R114 and R502. The products are extremely stable at compression temperatures and provide excellent low temperature properties.

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“The nature of different economies across Europe is very apparent,” Valentina Serra-Holm, president of the trade group, told ACI’s European Base Oils and Lubricants Interactive Summit held here Nov. 29. “As an industrial heartland, Germany is different in nature to a service-led economy such as the U.K., and lube production and consumption differ in these countries due to the very nature of their economies.”

Germany is the strongest performer in the region, according to the report. “After the financial crisis in 2009, the country’ lube market recovered fast and has stabilized at a high level, confirming Germany as the largest producer in the region,” Holm said. The key to that success has been the ability of German producers to focus on high quality specialty products to meet the increasingly challenging demand of the industry, she noted, especially in niche, high value added applications.

In 2016, German lubricant demand amounted to 960,000 tons. “The market is dominated by industrial lubes, with turbine oils, hydraulic oils and general machine lubricants having decreased [in volume] due to improved efficiency, while metalworking fluids have increased.”

The U.K.’s lubricant sales have not been affected by the economic uncertainty of the country’s planned exit from the European Union, and the country’s total lube sales increased marginally during 2016, the study found. In 2016 lube demand for the country stood at 570,000 tons. Engine oil sales had declined from 1995 to 2010, but the trend then reversed, Serra-Holm observed, due to an increase in initial factory fill oils spurred by the excellent performance of the U.K. automotive industry.

After an initial recovery post-crises, the French market suffered a decline. Volumes generally stabilized since 2014, though the market shrank slightly in 2016. Higher sales of industrial and automotive lubricants was not enough to offset a decrease for process oils In 2016 France consumed around 550,000 tons of finished lubricants.

UEIL found that Spain and Italy have shown similar recovery paths. Driven by the automotive sector, Spain’s lube market grew in 2016, while the Italian recovered both in the automotive and in industrial sectors. In 2016 Spain consumed 460,000 tons of finished lubes, while Italy consumed 440,000 tons.

UEIL is set to publish its first annual statistical lubricant demand report in full later this year.

Continue reading: Challenges, Opportunities Seen in Western Europe

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A recent report by Morgan Stanley stated: “The exploration and production (E&P) outlook is attractive.”

“Energy sentiment has improved from two months ago, as the oil supply and demand balance has tightened and revisions turn positive,” the report continued

“Expectations for U.S. oil production growth have also been tempered, as the U.S. E&P industry faces execution challenges from tighter services markets and also feels investor pressure for improved capital discipline.

“OPEC remains committed to production cuts, with steadily improving (and high) compliance. Simultaneously, global oil demand growth continues to surprise to the upside, and is on trend to continue to significantly exceed the historical average into 2018,” the report stated.

“Investor interest has increased, though many remain unconvinced about the sustainability of the current rally. We believe that fundamentals appear to be the strongest they have been since the start of the downturn and, in our view, capable of underpinning some increase in long-term oil price expectations,” the report stated.

Adding to the optimism is the monthly report of the Texas Petro Index, which shows another month of recovery.

Upstream oil and gas activity in Texas increased into the 10th straight month, according to the Texas Petro Index, which rose to 181.4, 21.4 percent higher than last year.

“Crude oil prices in Texas have been the essence of stability for more than a year,” said Karr Ingham, the economist who created the TPI and updates it monthly, noting that average monthly oil prices in Texas have increased slowly but steadily since dipping to a low of $27.08/bbl in February 2016. “Demand is beginning to show signs of recovery and foreign oil suppliers led by OPEC appear to be committed to maintaining announced production cuts.”

Read more: Oil and Gas Industry Future Looks Attractive 

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Giant, deployable, solar-powered wings on this satellite, and spacecraft like it, help propel these units after launch. To prevent wear, these units are treated with low-vapor pressure lubricants—substances traditionally made of oil or grease to reduce friction and wear in machines with moving parts.

Since spacecraft don’t have access to routine maintenance after launch, they must be able to persist and function, untouched, over as long as a decade or two. No matter how carefully selected, greases or oils will likely creep away from bearing surfaces. So spacecraft bearings are typically lubricated with materials like molybdenum disulfide, a solid, inorganic, dry lubricant that can tolerate prolonged exposure to the vacuum of space. Self-lubricating coatings composed of molybdenum disulfide and titanium nitride have been developed for similar applications. Some radiation-resistant, liquid, perfluorinated oils are similar to molybdenum disulfide in that they can endure hostile temperatures and vacuums and dramatically extend the life span of bearings.

Really though, there aren’t many practical lubricants for cosmos travel quite yet. And that’s why lubricant innovation now lies at the heart of space exploration. Only with advanced lubricants can spacecraft function over long periods in the face of low ambient pressures, low or no gravity, extreme temperatures, radiation, and atomic oxygen.

Solid Technology

In the 1960s, Robert Nelson, a Stanford University professor, introduced a methodology to create a dry-film lubricant, tungsten disulfide—a technology used in NASA’s Mariner space program. Applications for the product expanded into aerospace, defense contracting, robotics, and automotive industries. And by the mid-1980s, molybdenum disulfide—a cheaper dry lubricant—entered and eventually dominated the market.

Since then, graphite, molybdenum disulfide, talc, and poly(tetrafluoroethylene) have joined the solid-lubricant arsenal, finding use in cars and jets. When it comes to aerial transportation, though, chemical components must contend with a unique set of challenges to help stand up to evolving demands.

In 1983, researchers Carl E. Snyder Jr. and Lois J. Gschwender argued that fluoropolymers had an unrealized market potential in aerospace applications because of their excellent performance and stability in extreme environments (Ind. Eng. Chem. Prod. Res. Dev. 1983, DOI: 10.1021/i300011a001). At the time, only poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and fluorinated ethylene propylene were popular as additives used to thicken lubricant greases. Snyder and Gschwender, though, discussed the potential merits of fluoropolymers in hydraulic fluids for commercial aircraft—responsible for energy transmission, lubrication, heat transfer, and contamination control.

Perfluorinated lubricants now comprise a complete range of oils and greases and are used when lasting longevity and extreme resistance are necessary. Examples include automotive heating and cooling systems, or in aerospace, where temperatures exceed 121 °C or fall below –18 °C. They are the go-to materials when contact with oxygen, nitrous oxide, or concentrated ammonia is unavoidable (perfluorinated compounds are nonflammable). “Supersonic flight and space travel would probably not have been possible without the use of perfluorinated materials that can withstand such harsh operating environments,” wrote Durham University chemistry professor Graham Sandford in his 2000 report, “Organofluorine chemistry” (Philos. Trans. R. Soc., A, DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2000.0541).

Airlines are now able to realistically invest in a supersonic-focused future that could slice global travel time in half by the mid-2020s. Engineers at Boom Technology, a three-year-old aerospace company, are working to produce a 45- to 55-seat civilian supersonic aircraft capable of flying up to Mach 2.2 (which is 2,337 km per hour). While the retired British-French turbojet Concorde broke the sound barrier on its cross-ocean trips (flying at Mach 2.04), Boom will be able to do so with a commercial jet that’s economically feasible.

“Technological progress in aerodynamic simulation, carbon-fiber composites, and modern turbofan engines allow us to now design a supersonic jet 30% more efficient than Concorde,” says Erin Fisher, flight control engineer at Boom. “Our lubrication system utilizes state-of-the-art seals and high-thermal-stability oils.”

Read more: Helping Technology Move Smoothly – High-performance lubricants have been – and always be – key to advancing space exploration

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“For example, new vehicle sales and an evolving vehicle parc in markets such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand drive volumetric PCMO demand, while a continuing shift to synthetics in the United States and Canada suppress volumetric growth, but boost revenues and opportunities for suppliers,” comments George Morvey, Industry Manager in Kline’s Energy Practice. “These trends are filled with clues about where and how to place your products, marketing strategy, and sales efforts.”

“An evolving parc in India can mean a shift from 2-wheelers to passenger vehicles, more lower viscosity grade PCMOS, such as 5Ws and 0Ws, growth in the franchised workshop channel during the warranty period, and opportunities in the independent workshop channel post warranty. Even in the 2-wheeler parc, vehicle demand is growing in the scooter segment, with OEMs targeting female and elderly owners,” observes Morvey. “Does  your product portfolio and market message resonate with this class of customer? Could a fresh strategy and approach to scooter engine oil sales create a new sales channel for your brand? What impact will alternative-fueled vehicles have on demand for automotive lubricants?”

Smaller local brands and large multinationals alike must be watching for such clues in order to grow their business. In terms overall, global supplier rankings remain fairly stable in i2016. Having just successfully celebrated its first decade as the leading global supplier of finished automotive and industrial lubricants, Shell begins its journey once again in the #1 position in 2016, followed by ExxonMobil and BP.

Continue reading: Hidden Opportunities for All Players Behind Low Volumetric Demand for Finished Lubricants, Observes Kline

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ACME Premium AW Hydraulic Oils ISO Grades 22, 32, 46, 68, 100, 150 and 220

Formulated with Group II paraffinic base oils combined with a premium antiwear hydraulic oil package. Products will provide protection against oxidation, wear, corrosion and are compatible with seals materials typically found in hydraulic systems. They meet requirements for Denison HF-0, HF-1, HF-2, U.S. Steel 127, 136, DIN 51524-2, DIN 51524-3, VickersM-2950-S, I-286-S and Cincinnati Milacron P-68 (AW32), P-69 (AW46), P-70 (AW68) specifications.

ACME Synthetic Ashless Hydraulic Oils ISO Grades 15, 32, 46, 68 and 100

Formulated with the highest quality synthetic hydrocarbons combined with rust and oxidation inhibitors to protect against rust, wear, the formation of sludge and are compatible with seal material typically found in hydraulic systems. They meet requirements for Denison HF-O, Vickers and Cincinnati Milacron P-68, P-69 and P-70 specifications.

ACME Food Grade Hydraulic Oils ISO Grades 15, 32, 46, 68 and 100

Formulated specifically for hydraulic systems operating in the food service, beverage and packaging industry. These fully synthetic lubricants are NSF Certified and meet U.S.D.A. 1998 (H-1) guidelines (lubricants with possible incidental food contact). They meet requirements for Denison HF-O, Vickers and Cincinnati Milacron P-68, P-69 and P-70 specifications.

ACME Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils ISO Grades 32, 46 and 68

Premium environmentally responsible hydraulic fluids designed to provide exceptional performance in hydraulic and circulation systems. Engineered to meet performance requirements and satisfy the rigorous criteria for biodegradability and toxicity. These oils meet the requirements for ultimate biodegradability and non-toxicity making them an excellent choice for systems operating in environmentally sensitive areas.

ACME Fire Resistant Hydraulic Oils ISO Grades 46 and 68

Based on quality synthetic, organic, esters and carefully selected additives to achieve excellent hydraulic fluid performance. They are fire-resistant with self-extinguishing properties, non-irritating, biodegradable, non-toxic to aquatic life and contain no hazardous ingredients. They are not water soluble and can be removed from collector systems by standard skimming techniques.

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ACME Extreme Pressure Gear Oils ISO Grades 68 (AGMA 2EP), 100 (AGMA 3EP), 150 (AGMA 4EP), 220 (AGMA 5EP), 320 (AGMA 6EP), 460 (AGMA 7EP) and 680 (AGMA 8EP)

Formulated to meet the demanding requirements of gear sets operating under severe service conditions. These gear lubricants provide excellent (EP) properties to prevent scuffing, welding and galling of gear teeth. The enhanced additive package provides superior thermal stability, cleanliness and corrosion protection in the presence of water, contaminates and high temperatures. These products meet the requirements; U.S. Steel 224, 222, 223, AGMA 9005, DIN 51517 part 3 (CLP)

ACME ISO 460 (AGMA 7C) Worm Gear Oil

Formulated to provide protection against oxidation, thermal instability, provide film strength, color stability, resistance to gumming, deposit formation, excellent lubricity and prevent sliding wear in worm gear applications.

ACME Synthetic Gears Oils ISO 68 (AGMA 2EP), 100 (AGMA 3EP), 150 (AGMA 3EP), 150 (AGMA 4EP), 220 (AGMA 5EP), 320 (AGMA 6EP), 460 (AGMA 7EP) and 680 (AGMA 8EP)

Formulated with a PAO base fluid which provides outstanding oxidation, thermal stability and a naturally high viscosity index. Further enhanced with an additive package for increased oxidation stability, extreme pressure properties, and maximum protection against wear, corrosion and foaming. These products meet the requirements of U.S. Steel 224, AGMA 9005-D94 and API Gear Service Category.

ACME Synthetic Food Grade Gear Oils ISO 150, 220, 320, 460 and 680

Formulated for gear systems operating in the food service and packaging industry. They will provide oxidation stability, anti-wear, extreme pressure properties and are extended life lubricants. They are Kosher approved, NSF Certified and meet USDA 1998 (H-1) guidelines (lubricants with incidental food contact).

Synthetic Polyglycol Gear Oil Formulations ISO Grades 220, 320, 460 and 680

Available where conditions demand the properties of this fluid. Provide better wear protection, thermal and oxidation stability, reduced sludge and deposit formation. Incompatible with petroleum oils, do not mix.

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