Efficient lubrication in times of labour shortages

The lack of skilled workers is affecting nearly every sector of the economy. You might face resource constraints in carrying out maintenance tasks due to the shortage of qualified personnel. The challenge at hand is maintaining optimal equipment functionality without risking unexpected downtimes. We offer solutions to help you ensure smooth equipment operation with limited skilled labour, extending lubrication intervals and averting unexpected downtime.

Select optimal lubricants for critical points

Every piece of machinery has one or more critical lubrication points. These are submitted to extreme conditions and if they are not lubricated on time, they will cause a breakdown. Saving on the cost of lubricants for these critical points can be counterproductive.

Interflon lubricants are engineered to withstand challenging conditions and excel in industries where continuous operation is the norm. Our unique MicPol® lubrication technology creates a strong, solid lubrication film that lasts longer than a conventional lubrication film, resists higher pressure, repels water and contamination particles and provides emergency running properties. Featuring MicPol, our lubricants reduce friction to a minimum, extend lubrication intervals, and maintain equipment cleanliness.

Transition to automated single point lubricators

Given the labour shortage, optimizing lubrication processes becomes imperative. Manual lubrication is not only time-consuming and costly, it can also be unreliable as lubrication points might be overlooked, and potentially hazardous when lubrication points are located at hard to reach places. This can lead to unforeseen downtimes.

If you want to save time, enhance workplace safety through fewer manual lubrication tasks, address the risk of missed lubrication points, extend machinery lifespan, and minimize unplanned halts, consider adopting Interflon Single Point Lubricators. These automated solutions replace costly manual lubrication efforts and offer reliability. This not only saves time but also prevents inadequate or excessive lubrication, as well as the use of incorrect lubricants, potentially reducing costs by up to 30%.

Prioritize thorough component cleaning before lubrication

When resources are limited and there's little time for lubrication, cleaning is often neglected. If you apply lubricant to a contaminated surface, the lubricating film won't adhere and will disappear quickly. In applications exposed to the environment, the accumulation of grime or corrosion can lead to additional issues. Either the lubricant won't penetrate the necessary areas, such as the pins and bushes of chains, or it will create an abrasive paste, acting like sandpaper rather than a lubricant. Even with limited resources, dedicating time to cleaning components prior to lubrication remains crucial. Ultimately, it will save you time and costs.

Interflon cleaners are environmentally friendly and effective, owing to their enzymatic biological action. Several of our cleaners hold ecological certifications, European Eco labels, and are approved for use in food processing and pharmaceutical plants.

Utilize appropriate lubrication tools

Applying the right lubricant in the right amount at the right moment is key for a correct lubrication. The choice of tools to apply these lubricants efficiently and effectively is equally important, especially during times of labour shortages. Consider the time it takes to change a grease gun cartridge or to refill a grease gun from a pot, tin, or barrel. How much grease truly reaches the bearing when using a grease gun on a grease nipple? How much time is spent manually greasing guides, open gears, etc., with a brush? And are you sure you are applying non-contaminated grease?

Employing suitable tools simplifies processes, saves time per lubrication point, and enhances workplace efficiency. Consider integrating tools such as the Interflon G-Coupler, Interflon Lube Shuttle, or Interflon Tube Dispenser to streamline the lubrication process.

Contact us to learn more

Want to know more about optimizing your lubrication processes? Contact us! Our Technical Advisors are active worldwide and happy to provide advice!