EoW January 2010

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technologynews
The continuing
development of dry
lubrication
The Condat group allocates significant
resources to its research and develop-
ment laboratories, for:
Strategic and prospective research •
to find new lubricating solutions
and develop lubricant technology
Applied research to characterise and •
develop new products
Analysis and SAV to review and •
maintain current lubricants in use
During the last two years, over €500,000
has been invested in a Laboratory
of Analysis, to gather information from
the group’s production units in Brazil,
China and USA.
Its role is to analyse the finished goods
manufactured in Condat factories, and
to control the raw materials used in
their composition. It also follows the
evolution of products currently in use.
The Condat Laboratory of Analysis
controls and measures the powders
and pellets of the Vicafil and Steelskin
ranges:
Size and shape of powder granules •
(calcium and sodium) is analysed in
3D by granulometers with double
cameras, from 64 different angles
Hardness of the particles: if the grain •
is too crumbly it breaks down too
quickly, creating dust and excessive
consumption. If it is too hard, it will
not circulate in the die, increasing
die wear and wire breakage
Quality and quantity of fat content, •
is measured using infrared spec-
trometers and chromatography
of phase gases. Quality of the
fat content influences product
resistance to high temperature and
regulates the lubricant film. Fat
quantity influences the cleanness
of the wire after drawing: the higher
the fat content, the cleaner the wire
Thermal decomposition: the tem- •
perature at which changes of
product behaviour (solid, crystalline,
liquid phases) are observed, to
establish melting points, fusion
points, and decomposition of the
different elements to optimise soap
consumption or residue left on the
drawn wire.
Condat AS – France
Fax: +33 47807 3885
Email:
Website :