Extending equipment life and reducing maintenance costs
Improved reliability and cleaner operation in wood furniture production
Initial situation
A South American manufacturer of wood office furniture, doors, and panels operates production lines equipped with CNC machines, presses, saws, and conveyors. These machines run under heavy loads in a fine-dust environment, creating tough conditions for maintenance.
The maintenance team faced recurring issues:
- Premature wear of bearings, chains and sliding parts
- Frequent reapplication of lubricants
- Unplanned downtime due to cleaning and repairs
Standard lubricants provided limited protection in these conditions and left sticky residues that attracted dust. This not only increased maintenance time and costs but also caused production delays.
Solution
Following a detailed assessment of the equipment and operating environment, Interflon developed a tailored lubrication program to extend component life, improve reliability and reduce maintenance workload, while keeping machines cleaner and safer to operate.
The solution used PFAS-free products with MicPol® technology, providing superior adhesion, reduced friction and longer-lasting protection in dusty, high-load conditions.
Products used
Interflon Lube TF (aerosol): Dry-film lubricant for chains, guides and adjustment mechanisms, reducing friction and preventing dust adhesion.
Interflon Grease MP2/3: High-load, water-resistant grease for bearings and other critical components.
Interflon Metal Clean F (aerosol): For fast, residue-free cleaning prior to lubrication.
Training: Maintenance staff received on-site training with clear procedures: clean components, apply Interflon Lube TF to chains and guides, and lubricate bearings with Interflon Grease MP2/3. This structured approach improved component protection, reduced lubrication frequency and mitigated dust-related problems.
Results
The new lubrication strategy delivered measurable improvements:
- Longer service life for bearings, chains, and guides
- Reduced unplanned downtime, supporting production continuity
- Lower maintenance costs due to fewer interventions and spare parts
- Cleaner, safer equipment with less dust accumulation
- PFAS-free, sustainable lubrication aligned with environmental goals
Conclusion
A structured lubrication program, supported by MicPol® technology and on-site support, enabled the customer to improve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance costs and maintain a cleaner, more sustainable operation. This case demonstrates how a targeted lubrication approach can deliver both technical and operational benefits, even in challenging, dust-intensive environments.
For more information or to discuss how a tailored lubrication program could support your operation, please contact our technical team.
