How do synthetic lubricants cut costs in a factory?

We’re often asked the question “How do synthetic lubricants cut costs” – especially when their initial cost is higher!

When estimating the life-cycle costs of machinery, you must take into account several factors. Of course, there is the initial purchase and installation of the equipment, as well as any aftermarket accessories attached to the machine. There is also the cost of ownership, including all the maintenance procedures that are performed routinely to ensure the pump, motor, conveyor, fan, gearbox, etc. is running correctly. Then there’s
the cost of the lubricant and the cost of oil changes.

Properly maintaining a piece of equipment is much easier said than done. When a simple oil change is required, several costs are incurred. Not only is there the cost of the lubricant and filter but also the labour associated with changing the oil. In larger-capacity reservoirs, it may take hours if not days to complete the lubricant change. These are the “hidden costs of an oil change.”

Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to explain the benefits of properly lubricating and maintaining equipment. An equipment failure can occur for a variety of reasons, yet in a recent study it was determined that as much as 43 percent of equipment failures are directly attributed to the incorrect choice and usage of lubricants. Now imagine how synthetic gear oils could extend gear life.

Why choose synthetic lubricants to cut costs.

The first property to consider when choosing synthetic lubricants to cut costs is the viscosity. It’s advisable to use the manufacturer’s specifications as a guide on this. Using synthetic oil will allow you to choose a lower viscosity oil, thereby reducing “drag” and improving efficiency which will result in lower energy costs. Whilst the cost of a synthetic lubricant may be a little higher than regular oil, the benefit can be very high.
 A study by Ernest Rabinowicz has shown that 70 percent of machines lose their usefulness due to surface degradation of internal parts. Proper oil conditioning can lessen this occurrence and thus extend machine life. Synthetic oils can cut costs because they’re less susceptible to oxidation at higher operating temperatures.

How much are synthetic lubricants likely to cut costs by?

Just by changing the oil, specifically from a mineral based lubricant to a synthetic, and even in some cases from one synthetic to another, anywhere from a 4% to a 12% Energy savings could be realized.

Other areas where synthetic lubricants can cut costs:

• Extend oil change intervals 
• Reduce the load on the environment 
• Extend equipment life 
• Reduce unplanned downtime 

With lubrication making up a mere 0.008% of total machine operating costs it would be a massive error to skimp on this.

Habot Synthetic Lubricants are a professional company who carry a top quality range of synthetic oils. We have the best synthetic lubricants to cut costs and boost your plants performance.