Maya Ellison
Plastic components should be lubricated to reduce friction and wear, lower power consumption, and increase component life. It is important to choose the right lubricant for plastic parts, as some lubricants can cause the plastic to crack, become discoloured, or lose structural integrity. The most important factor in choosing a lubricant is its compatibility with the plastic material. Synthetic lubricants, such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types, are a good choice for long-term applications as they have high aging resistance. Silicone-based lubricants are also compatible with plastic and are a great choice for low-load applications. Other options include mineral oils, dielectric grease, and Krytox.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Importance of lubricating plastic components | Reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases part life |
| Plastic components that do not require lubrication | Self-lubricating plastic materials, such as PTFE (Teflon) |
| Choosing a lubricant for plastic parts | Must be compatible with the specific plastic to prevent stress cracking and failure of the part |
| Factors contributing to compatibility | Lubricant's chemistry (base oil, thickeners, and additives), viscosity, and resistance to aging |
| Lubricants that work well with plastics | Silicone-based, most synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils |
| Lubricants generally not compatible with plastic | Esters and polyglycols, although there may be exceptions depending on the plastic type |
| Additives in lubricants | Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can weaken plastic parts; PTFE solid additives can provide benefits such as dry lubrication |
| High-viscosity oils | Less likely to penetrate and adversely affect plastic materials; suitable for higher loads |
| Low-viscosity oils | Suitable for lighter loads to prevent viscous drag |
| Greases | NLGI 1 or 0 helps reduce friction and grease-induced noise |
| Aging resistance | Synthetic lubricants have high aging resistance and are suitable for long-term applications |
| Mineral-oil-based lubricants | Do not attack most plastics and offer good performance at a lower cost |
| Synthetic lubricants | Preferred for high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long operations; examples include hydrocarbon (PAO) and PFAE types |
| Silicone-based lubricants | Excellent compatibility, suitable for low load applications, and a wide temperature range |
| Commercial lubricants | WD-40, OKS400, Superlube |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a lubricant
When choosing a lubricant for a plastic miter box, it is important to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. The compatibility is largely determined by the chemical structure of both the lubricant and the plastic. Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics. On the other hand, esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, although there may be exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic material.
It is crucial to consider the conditions under which the miter box will be operating. Both lubricants and plastic materials are more susceptible to change in high temperatures and adverse environments, especially when subjected to high dynamic loads. Therefore, when evaluating the compatibility of a lubricant, it is recommended to observe the changes in the physical properties of the plastic material under varying conditions of environment, speed, and load. These properties can include weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation.
To ensure the compatibility of lubricants with plastics, manufacturers typically monitor the changes in these physical properties under different conditions. Each manufacturer sets its own allowable limits for these changes, usually ranging from 7% to 10%. It is advisable to choose a lubricant that falls within these acceptable limits to maintain the integrity and functionality of your plastic miter box.
Additionally, the choice between a dry lubricant and a wet lubricant should be considered. Dry lubricants, such as PTFE solid additives, can provide effective lubrication without the risk of penetrating, cracking, or adversely affecting plastic materials. They are particularly useful in reducing startup friction. Wet lubricants, on the other hand, offer a more affordable option but may not provide the same level of protection against friction and wear.
Lastly, some specific product recommendations include Bostik Glidecote, which is designed for lubricating table saws, and silicone-based sprays like Sil-Glyde. While Sil-Glyde is known to attract dirt and dust, it can provide excellent lubrication for the rails of a miter box. For a quick and temporary solution, WD-40 can be used until you can acquire the recommended products specifically designed for lubrication in similar applications.
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Compatibility with plastic
Compatibility is a key consideration when choosing a lubricant for plastic parts. The wrong lubricant can cause immediate destructive effects or irreparable damage over time. Therefore, it is important to select a lubricant that is compatible with the specific type of plastic.
The chemical structure of the lubricant is the primary factor in determining compatibility with plastic. Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics. Silicone-based lubricants, in particular, exhibit excellent compatibility across a wide temperature range and are effective in low-load applications. They are also inert towards plastics and elastomers, meaning they do not produce structural variations. PFAE lubricants are highly compatible, even with hard-to-match plastics, and can withstand extreme temperatures, but their high cost makes them less economical for general use.
Mineral-oil-based lubricants are generally compatible with most plastics and offer good performance at a lower cost. However, for applications requiring high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long-term use, synthetic lubricants like hydrocarbon (PAO) types are recommended. These synthetic lubricants have high aging resistance, making them ideal for long-term applications. They are less likely to attack plastic parts over time compared to other types of lubricants.
It is important to note that some lubricants can cause plastics to swell, crack, or discolour over time. This process can be accelerated by outgassing byproducts of plastic, such as formaldehyde and styrene. Therefore, it is recommended to perform compatibility testing before finalizing a lubricant for a plastic part. This testing involves exposing the plastic to the lubricant at high temperatures to simulate accelerated life and stressful conditions.
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Lubricant viscosity
The viscosity of a lubricant is influenced by several factors, including contamination with water, particles, or other lubricants, as well as oil ageing. Additionally, temperature has a significant impact on viscosity. Higher temperatures result in lower viscosity, and the formulation and quality of the lubricant determine the extent of this decrease. To account for temperature variations, the viscosity index (VI) was developed. VI is the rate of viscosity change in response to temperature change. A higher VI indicates a more stable viscosity across a wider temperature range, making it more desirable. Lubricants with a lower VI may experience drastic viscosity decreases with increasing temperature, leading to increased mechanical friction and wear.
The viscosity requirements for machinery depend on its design and operating conditions, particularly temperature. By selecting a lubricant with the appropriate VI, machinery performance can be optimised, and maintenance costs minimised. There are various viscosity grading systems, such as SAE grades for gear oils and crankcases, AGMA grades for gear oils, and SUS. Additionally, viscosity can be calculated using equations like the Walther equation, which considers contact pressure and temperature.
Overall, understanding lubricant viscosity and selecting a lubricant with the right VI are crucial for ensuring the efficient operation and longevity of machinery.
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Lubricant application
Lubricating plastic components is essential for reducing friction and wear, lowering power consumption, and increasing the life of the parts. It is important to choose the right lubricant to avoid causing damage to the plastic.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, it is crucial to consider the compatibility between the lubricant and the plastic material. Manufacturers typically determine the compatibility by monitoring changes in the physical properties of the plastic, such as weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation, under different conditions of speed, load, and environment. The allowable range of changes is typically between 7% and 10%.
To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to use lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), as these typically work well with plastics. For example, silicone-based lubricants offer excellent compatibility and are suitable for a wide temperature range, typically from -90° to 425°F. On the other hand, esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic materials.
Additionally, the choice of lubricant depends on the specific application. For high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long-term operations, synthetic lubricants like hydrocarbon (PAO) types are recommended. PAOs offer compatibility with most plastics, high aging resistance, and long-term lubrication within a broad temperature range.
It is worth noting that some plastic parts, such as the cover on a miter saw blade, may not require lubrication. In such cases, simply blasting the area with compressed air might be sufficient to address any movement issues.
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Long-term maintenance
To ensure the long-term maintenance of your plastic miter box, it is important to address any issues that may arise and take preventive measures. Here are some detailed instructions to help you maintain your plastic miter box:
Cleaning and Lubrication:
If your plastic miter box is not sliding smoothly, it may be time to clean and lubricate it. Start by inspecting the sliding rails and removing any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated. You can use a brush or a compressed air duster to blow away any particles. Once the area is clean, apply a small amount of lubricant to the sliding rails. There are various lubricants available, such as silicone-based sprays, dry lubricants, or wet oils. Choose a lubricant that is suitable for plastic and will not attract dirt or dust. It is important to follow the instructions on the lubricant's packaging and test it on a small area first to ensure it does not damage the plastic.
Protecting the Saw Blade:
The hard plastic of the miter box can dull the edge of your saw blade over time. To prevent this, consider using the miter box only to start the cut and then finishing it outside the box, following the existing line. This will reduce the amount of contact between the blade and the plastic, prolonging the sharpness of your saw blade.
Storing and Handling:
Store your plastic miter box in a safe place, away from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as this can cause the plastic to warp or become brittle. When using the miter box, avoid applying excessive force or pressure, as this can lead to cracking or breaking. Handle the box with care and ensure that the surface you are working on is stable and secure to prevent any accidental damage.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
Regularly inspect your plastic miter box for any signs of wear and tear. Look out for cracks, chips, or shredding along the edges of the box. If you notice any damage, take the necessary steps to repair or replace the affected parts. Additionally, keep the moving parts of the box, such as hinges or sliding mechanisms, well-maintained by applying lubricant as needed and ensuring they are free of debris.
By following these long-term maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your plastic miter box and ensure it remains in good working condition for your projects.
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Frequently asked questions
Lubricating plastic components reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases the life of the component.
The most important factor when choosing a lubricant is its compatibility with the plastic. Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics.
Esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can penetrate and weaken plastic components.
You can use dielectric grease, Krytox, Dow Corning Molykote 55 Oring lube, or silicone grease or oil.
Manufacturers must determine the plastic’s physical properties, including volume, weight, elongation, strength, and hardness, before and after exposure to the lubricant.
