Gear lubricants for a high temperature oven

[Steved]

Hello: We have a coating operation the requires the curing of the product at 395 C. The present lubricant is applied as a grease and eventually (3 months) turns to a powder that can contaminate our product. This requires an extensive and expensive oven cleaning approximately every 3 months. Does anyone else have a problem like this? Can anyone recommend a replacement lubricant?

Thanks and have a great week,
steved

 

[boo1]

Determine the real temperature range. The operating temperature may be less than what it seems. Use a contact or noncontact sensor to measure the operating temperature of the grease. Does it exceed 392ºF (200ºC)?
Consider
1. Is it intermittent or continuous? If it is continuous, then look for a top-tier product that meets the operational requirements.
2. Do heating and cooling cycles accompany machinery operating and nonoperating intervals? Consider if moisture may be induced through either atmosphere or impingement.
3. What is the reasonable relubrication interval or opportunity? If relubrication is going to be difficult, then consider a top-tier product to achieve a lower use cost even though it’s more expensive.
4. Consider any cosmetic issues. Can the product drip onto a component in process? Relubrication frequency and volume must be balanced against product contamination issues.


try:

http://www.schaefferoil.com/

 

[Steved]

Boo1:

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate the information. I went to schaeffer's web site and will contact them. As for your questions:
- The temperature range is from RT to 395C.
- It is intermittant, every 80 minutes, it heats and then cools - assuming the line doesn't stop.
- There are nonoperating intervals, mainly on weekends - excellent thought on the moisture.
-The lube can drop on the product but it is a very low risk. The lube is applied with a brush and then wiped.
Thanks again and have a great day,
steved

 

[JimMetalsCeramics]

Have you tried powder coating with Teflon?

 

[kenvlach]

Pretty sure 395^oC is too high for Teflon®. See
PTFE GRAPHITE MOLYBDENUM DISULPHIDE
thread404-32366

The Schaeffer Oil site mentioned by boo1 does show some suitable high temperature greases. If you can get by with a thin film dry lubricant, e.g., graphite, MoS₂, WS₂, etc., see
High Temperature Lubricant Manufacturers (200):

http://www.lubricants-ez.com/lubricants/0020633_0020579_1.html

and
Dry Film Lubricant Manufacturers (214 Companies Found):

http://www.lubricants-ez.com/lubricants/0020633_0020652_1.html

Some of these are extremely easy to apply aerosols: shake, spray & bake. Have used WS₂ from Cerac in Milwaukee, but there are many options.

 

[Steved]

JimMetalsCeramics and kenvlach:
I appreciate all the information, we will look into these suggestions.
Steved