Maya Ellison
Lubricants are essential for tapping operations as they can extend tap life, increase production, improve workpiece size control, and enhance thread accuracy. While the choice of lubricant depends on the material being tapped, the use of improper lubricants can lead to issues such as chip stick or cling and increased breakage chances. When it comes to tapping plastic, it is crucial to select a suitable lubricant to avoid negative reactions such as stress cracking and part failure. Incompatible lubricants can also cause plastic degradation and discolouration. Therefore, it is recommended to use synthetic lubricants with plastic parts, especially for long-term applications, as they offer high ageing resistance and are less likely to cause plastic degradation. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are suitable for standard plastic applications, while silicone-based lubricants are suitable for a wide temperature range. PFAE lubricants are highly compatible with challenging plastics but are costly, making them suitable only for critical applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lubricants that work with plastics | Silicone-based, perfluorinated PFAE, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), mineral oils |
| Lubricants that do not work with plastics | Esters, polyglycols |
| Plastic-compatible products | PFAE lubricants |
| Plastic materials that are self-lubricating | Teflon (PTFE) |
| Lubricants to avoid | Extreme pressure (EP) additives, large amounts of additives offering metal deactivation and corrosion protection |
| Best choice for extended periods | Synthetic lubricants |
| Suitable for standard plastic applications | Mineral-oil-based lubricants |
| High-aging resistance | PAO |
| Less likelihood of plastic penetration and deterioration | High-viscosity oils |
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What You'll Learn
Silicone-based lubricants are suitable for plastics
When it comes to lubricants for tapping plastic, silicone-based lubricants are a suitable option. Silicone is the name for a range of substances that are organic compounds containing atoms of silicon. One of the most prominent qualities of silicone-based lubricants is their compatibility with plastics.
Silicone greases, in particular, are lubricants that blend well with plastics. They increase the lifespan of plastic components and significantly improve their performance. This is because silicone grease tends to be inert towards plastics, meaning it does not produce structural variations. This makes it ideal for use not only with plastics but also with mixed couplings such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic.
The low coefficient of friction is another key characteristic of silicone-based lubricants when used with plastics. The wide bond angles between silicone and oxygen in the siloxane polymer result in very low static and dynamic friction coefficients. This property is especially advantageous in the presence of friction between elastomeric surfaces, such as rubber seals or sealing rings sliding on plastics.
Silicone-based lubricants are also non-reactive to most substances, making them suitable for use with plastics. They maintain their lubricating properties in extreme temperature ranges and do not oxidize. Additionally, they can protect items from moisture due to their water-resistant properties.
When selecting a lubricant for tapping plastic, it is essential to consider the specific application and requirements. While silicone-based lubricants offer excellent compatibility and performance with plastics, they may not be suitable for all situations. It is always recommended to refer to product specifications and guidelines to ensure the appropriate use of lubricants.
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Mineral-oil-based lubricants are a good option
Mineral-oil-based lubricants are also suitable for applications where machinery must move at higher operating speeds, under higher temperatures, and for extended periods. They are a good choice for maintaining plastic parts over extended periods, as they offer the highest levels of ageing resistance.
Additionally, mineral-oil-based lubricants work effectively with plastics in terms of chemistry. They are also safe to use, as they do not cause the plastic to degrade or discolour.
However, it is important to note that the compatibility of mineral-oil-based lubricants with plastic depends on various factors such as the environment, speed, load, and the specific type of plastic in use. Manufacturers should closely monitor the physical properties of the plastic, including hardness, strength, elongation, weight, and volume changes, to ensure compatibility and avoid negative reactions such as stress cracking and total part failure.
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Synthetic lubricants are best for long-term use
Lubricants are essential in tapping operations to achieve longer tap life, better workpiece size control, and more efficient chip removal. While various lubricants are available, such as straight cutting oil, coolants, and cutting fluids, the choice of lubricant depends on the specific application and material being tapped.
When it comes to tapping plastic, it is important to note that plastic components do require lubrication to reduce friction, wear, and increase component life. Contrary to common assumptions, plastic parts do not necessarily require special lubricants, but compatibility with the specific plastic is crucial. Using an incompatible lubricant can lead to stress cracking and failure of the plastic part. Therefore, it is essential to select a lubricant that is specifically compatible with the type of plastic being tapped.
Synthetic lubricants, such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types, are highly recommended for long-term use in plastic applications. Synthetic lubricants offer superior aging resistance compared to other types of lubricants. As machines operate at higher speeds, temperatures, and for extended periods, synthetic lubricants provide enhanced performance and compatibility with most plastics. PAO lubricants, in particular, exhibit high aging resistance and can maintain lubrication over a wide temperature range, making them ideal for long-term use.
The compatibility of a lubricant with plastic depends on various factors, including the lubricant's chemistry, viscosity, and resistance to aging. Synthetic lubricants, such as silicone-based lubricants, most synthetic hydrocarbons, and mineral oils, are generally compatible with plastics. On the other hand, lubricants based on esters or polyglycols may not be suitable for certain plastics. It is crucial to verify compatibility under anticipated loads, speeds, and environmental conditions to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential damage to the plastic components.
To ensure the effectiveness of the lubricant, proper application methods and pressure are essential. For tapping, it is recommended to use multiple nozzles around the tap, positioned close to the surface and angled towards the hole. The lubricant should reach the cutting lands of the tap consistently, especially during horizontal and vertical tapping. Maintaining the cleanliness of the lubricant and the machinery is also crucial to prevent contamination and optimize tapping results.
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Avoid lubricants with esters and polyglycols
Lubricants are crucial in tapping operations as they extend the life of the tap, increase production, improve workpiece size control, and facilitate more efficient chip removal. For non-ferrous and non-metallic materials, coolants or cutting fluids (light oil or soluble oil) are recommended. However, when it comes to lubricants for plastic parts, it's important to avoid those containing esters and polyglycols.
Esters and polyglycols are generally incompatible with plastic materials. While there may be exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic, these lubricants typically cause issues with dimensional stability, structural integrity, and discolouration. They can lead to swelling, cracking, and changes in the physical properties of plastic, such as hardness, strength, elongation, weight, and volume.
The incompatibility of esters and polyglycols with most plastics can be attributed to the additives they contain. Additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide can pierce and weaken plastic components. Therefore, when selecting a lubricant for plastic, it's crucial to consider not just the base oil but also the additives in the formula. Some additives, such as PTFE, can be advantageous in specific cases by providing dry lubrication.
Compatibility testing is essential to ensure the right lubricant is chosen for the specific plastic part. Manufacturers should test the lubricant and plastic under high temperatures and stressful conditions to observe any changes in the plastic's physical properties. This testing helps determine the suitability of the lubricant and prevents issues arising from exposure to high temperatures and adverse environments.
To maintain the integrity of plastic parts, it is recommended to use mineral-oil-based lubricants or synthetic lubricants, specifically hydrocarbon-based ones. These options are known for their compatibility with most plastics and superior long-term performance across a wide temperature range.
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PFAE lubricants are compatible with challenging plastics
When choosing a lubricant for plastic components, the most critical factor is its compatibility with the specific type of plastic in use. Plastic parts must be lubricated to reduce friction and increase component life, just like metal parts. Lubricants that are ester or polyglycol-based are typically incompatible with plastic, although exceptions exist depending on the plastic type.
PFAE lubricants are known for their compatibility with even the most challenging plastics. PFAE lubricants are silicone-based products that balance adhesion with adequate wetting of plastic surfaces. They can be used at elevated temperatures of up to 260°C and are suitable for essential applications. Their primary limitation is their high cost.
Other lubricants that work well with plastics include mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and silicone. Synthetic lubricants are preferred when machinery operates at higher speeds, temperatures, and for extended periods. PAO, for example, has high-aging resistance and is compatible with most plastics.
To determine compatibility between lubricants and plastics, manufacturers should observe changes in the plastic's physical properties, such as volume, weight, elongation, strength, and hardness, under various conditions. Incompatible lubricants can cause stress cracking and total part failure.
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Frequently asked questions
The best lubricants for tapping plastic include mineral-oil-based lubricants, silicone-based products like PFAE, and synthetic hydrocarbons (PAO and SHC).
Lubricants that are ester or polyglycol-based are typically incompatible with plastic. Extreme pressure (EP) additives are also not advised for lubricating plastic parts.
It is important to consider the compatibility between the lubricant and the specific type of plastic being used. Manufacturers should monitor changes in the physical properties of the plastic, such as hardness, strength, elongation, weight, and volume, under various conditions.
Appropriate lubrication can prolong the lifespan of plastic parts, reduce friction, improve heat resistance, and decrease maintenance costs.
Some plastic materials, such as Teflon (PTFE), are self-lubricating but can still benefit from additional lubrication in certain conditions.
