COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK FOR

Comparing Lubricant Technologies in Aluminum Extrusion.

In the aluminum extrusion industry, selecting the right lubricant technology is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and cost-efficiency.

The following framework provides a holistic approach to evaluating different lubricant options, considering not only their performance but also their impact on safety, environment, productivity, ease of use, and supplier benefits.

How it works

Why Compare Systematically and Holistically?

Selecting the most suitable lubricant for aluminum extrusion is a complex decision that goes beyond just evaluating performance. A systematic and holistic comparison that covers the following five criteria is essential because it will help you make sound decisions:

1. Productivity & Performance: The right lubricant can enhance productivity, improve product quality, and protect tooling, leading to longer equipment life and better output.

2. Safety & Environment: Worker safety, health, and environmental impact are critical considerations that affect compliance and sustainability.

3. Ease of Use: Simplifying the application process and reducing downtime can significantly improve operational efficiency.

4. Cost Efficiency: Understanding the true cost implications, helps in making economically sound decisions.

5. Supplier Benefits: Reliable technical support, efficient logistics, and robust service from suppliers ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations.

Each of these five categories takes specific parameters into consideration to ensure a thorough assessment:

Explore the Parameters

How to Compare: Key Parameters

Category
Parameters

Productivity & Performance

  • Productivity: The effect of the lubricant on overall production efficiency.
  • Finished Product Quality: The influence of the lubricant on the quality of the extruded product.
  • Tooling Protection: The ability of the lubricant to protect tooling from wear and damage.

Safety & Environment

  • Worker Safety: The level of risk posed to workers during the application and handling of the lubricant.
  • Worker Health: The impact of the lubricant on worker health, including exposure to harmful substances.
  • Environmental Impact: The ecological footprint of the lubricant, including disposal and emissions.
  • Work Area Cleanliness: The ease of maintaining a clean work environment when using the lubricant.
Ease of Use
  • Ease of Use: The simplicity of applying and managing the lubricant in daily operations.
  • Application Method: The efficiency and practicality of the application process.
  • Lubrication Points: The number of points that need to be lubricated and the ease of accessing them.

Cost Efficiency

  • Lubricant Cost per Unit: The price of the lubricant per unit of measure.
  • Lubricant Consumption per Period or Output: The amount of lubricant used over a specific period or per unit of output.

Supplier Benefits

  • Technical Service and Support: The quality and availability of technical assistance from the lubricant supplier.
  • Logistics: The reliability and efficiency of the supply chain and delivery processes.

Scoring and Weighting

Step 0: Download the Interactive Excel Tool

Download Interactive Tool

Step 1: Evaluate the Parameters for each Technology

Rate each parameter on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.

Step 2 – Get the score by category.

The scores are then aggregated to give a category score, calculated using Equation 1:

Category Score = (Sum of Parameter Scores) / (Total Possible Score)

Step 3 – Define category priorities.

Each category is assigned a priority percentage based on the company's specific needs and priorities, with the total adding up to 100%. If equal weight is desired, each category would have a 20% priority.

Step 4: Get the final weighted evaluation

Final Weighted Evaluation = Σ (Category Score × Priority Percentage)

Step 5: Compare overall performance

This final score helps in making an informed decision by comparing the overall performance of each lubricant technology.

Figure – Radial graph of the different technologies to compare their performance in the defined categories.


Conclusion

Our comprehensive framework for comparing lubricant technologies in the aluminum extrusion process ensures a balanced evaluation, taking into account cost, safety, productivity, ease of use, and supplier benefits.

By systematically scoring and weighting these parameters, companies can make well-informed decisions that align with their operational goals and priorities.

Navigate the content

DISTINGUISH TECHNOLOGIES

1. Acetylene Flames

2. Boron Nitride

3. Graphite Sticks

4. Graphite Suspensions

5. Water-Based Lubricants

UNDERSTAND THE FRAMEWORK

1. Why compare

2. How to compare

3. What to compare

4. Download Whitepaper

5. Download Interactive Tool

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