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January - February 2018
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products frequently gets pushed aside. Of
course, there are those who are constantly
looking for the best- performing products on
the market and taking proactive steps to save
the environment.
e other issue is that biodegradable oils
usually have a higher cost than mineral oils.
is hinders smaller shops from changing
to environmentally friendly lubricants.
e cost not only involves the oils but also
ensuring that all equipment is cleaned out
completely before making the switch, since
most vegetable oils and mineral oils don't
mix well.
Changing to biodegradable oils can be
costly and take time away from production.
Obviously, additional costs and downtime
are two things most plants never want to
hear and will be put off until absolutely
necessary unless financial justification can
be made.
Biodegradable oils have many advantages
over mineral-based oils. Anyone working in
a machine shop knows of the dreaded oil
mist. is mist consists of harmful volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) and can cause
dermatitis. With biodegradable oils, the
oil misting is lessened, which means fewer
VOCs entering the air and minimal skin-
related issues. Using a vegetable oil may also
improve lubricity.
When deciding which lubricant is right
for you, consider the application as well as
your company values. Some industries may
have policies on environmental impacts or
be forced to adhere to government regu-
lations. e process might even demand a
biodegradable fluid. Whatever the case, be
sure to evaluate all of your options.
ML
If you have a question for one of Noria's
experts, email it to editor@noria.com.
ML
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