October 2024

In this update, we’ll take a look at the new ACEA 2024 Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines and their impact on your commercial operations. Also explored are the benefits of OEM-approved oils for improving efficiency in quarrying and earthmoving, with tips for optimizing open-gear lubrication. For those working in the metalworking sector, read on to learn how proper metalworking fluids boost productivity, including sustainable solutions.

 

ACEA Unveils 2024 Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), responsible for setting engine oil performance standards, has rolled out its 2024 Oil Sequences for Heavy-Duty Engines, which replace the 2022 edition. While ACEA is based in Europe, its specifications are recognised and used worldwide, making these updates relevant across global markets, including here in New Zealand.

A notable change is the addition of a new engine oil category, F01, which has certain viscosity specifications meant to improve fuel economy and satisfy the most recent Euro VI emissions regulations. These updates ensure that oils continue meeting the changing needs of modern diesel engines, especially with regard to lowering emissions and enhancing overall performance.

The updated sequences accommodate a wide range of applications, including heavy-duty on- and off-highway engines, and support various fuels, including biodiesel blends. For engines that run on biodiesel, the F01 category is particularly important since it improves wear resistance and offers stability in high temperatures.
With these changes come new tests that mimic real-world conditions, such as engine wear and soot control, and are included with these modifications to make sure that oils continue to function at their best even in challenging settings.

 

Improving efficiency and uptime in the Quarrying and Earthmoving Sectors

Why OEM-Approved Oils are Essential for Heavy-Duty Equipment

For earthmoving and quarrying equipment, using OEM-approved oils is more than just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

• Warranty Compliance: Your equipment’s warranty may be voided if non-OEM-approved oils are used. Most manufacturers mandate approved oils to ensure ongoing warranty coverage.
• Protection & Compatibility: OEM-approved oils undergo rigorous testing to satisfy the exact specifications of your equipment manufacturer. This guarantees optimal performance and protection tailored to your machinery.
• Improved Performance: Since these oils are specifically formulated to match the engine’s design, things like equipment longevity, dependability, and efficiency are all increased. In demanding industries like earthmoving and quarrying, where machinery reliability is critical, using the right oils helps prevent costly breakdowns, minimizes downtime, and reduces the risk of accidents.

If non-OEM-approved oils are used, your equipment’s warranty may be voided. The majority of manufacturers require authorised oils to guarantee continued warranty coverage.

 

 

Improving Open Gear System Efficiency 

The challenging working conditions they operate in necessitate a customised approach to optimise the availability and performance of open gear systems. Here are some tips for improving your open gear systems:

• Select High-Performance Lubricants: Heavy loads, dirt, and moisture are common in open gear systems, so lubricants that can handle high-load and high-contamination are key to keeping performance at its best. Pairing them with automatic lubrication systems ensures consistent application and helps prevent mistakes or unexpected downtime.
• Preventive Maintenance & Monitoring: Preventative maintenance, such as condition monitoring and routine oil lab checks, can predict problems early on. This can ultimately help you avoid costly failures and unplanned downtime in the future.
• Ensure Proper Alignment & Load Distribution: Regular evaluations of gear alignment and load distribution help minimise wear and extend the lifespan of your gear systems. Implementing best practices in lubricant storage and handling is also essential to maintain product integrity. Proper staff training can further safeguard against contamination and degradation.

Using these tactics, you can improve operating efficiency and save on maintenance costs while greatly increasing the performance and availability of open gear systems.

 

Which Metalworking Fluid Is Best for Your Industrial Operations?

The importance of cutting fluids (coolants) should not be understated, even though cutting tools and raw materials are frequently given top billing in the budget and operational planning. This means too often, they end up an afterthought, with operators using the same fluids they’ve always used. Eventually, this can cost you in terms of productivity, material efficiency, and even profits.

Cutting fluids affect all parts of the process, including the machines and the metals being machined, and they can have a big influence on the machinist’s work. Using a suitable coolant can extend the longevity of your equipment and machinery, improve productivity, reduce operating costs, and safeguard worker health.
So, how do you choose the right metalworking fluid for your specific needs?

 

Understand Your Operation’s Needs

Every shop has its own unique set of operational challenges and objectives. Choosing the right coolant starts with knowing the type of materials you work with most often.
Just as manufacturers of cutting tools and metals recommend tool selection, they also provide guidance on which coolants work best with their materials to avoid adverse reactions. Furthermore, equipment manufacturers frequently offer guidance on the particular coolant characteristics that work well for their machines. These considerations are essential when making your selection.

For example, if your operation requires frequent changes between different materials, versatility becomes key. In this case, a multipurpose cutting fluid like TRIM® MicroSol® 585XT, a semisynthetic microemulsion coolant, is ideal. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it also passes stringent aerospace approval tests, making it a great all-rounder.

 

Focus on What You Want to Improve

The right cutting fluid can transform how easily a material is machined and improve the overall working environment in your shop.

For shops where smoke and oil mist are an issue, affecting air quality and worker health, consider switching to TRIM® MicroSol® 692XT. These coolants are made to improve the shop environment, reject tramp oil, and produce less smoke and mist. Investing in a tramp oil removal system may also further enhance your shop’s air quality.

If you know the importance of reducing cobalt leaching during tungsten carbide grinding, switching to TRIM™ GRIND WCS is a great solution. It’s formulated to minimise cobalt leaching and improve both piece part integrity and “G RATIOS.” It also resists oxidation, enhances operator safety, and provides exceptional sump life, keeping your machines cleaner and more efficient for longer periods.

When machining copper or yellow metals, TRIM™ E711 offers excellent protection against staining and darkening of non-ferrous materials. It also helps extend sump life by efficiently rejecting tramp oil. This stable, non-sticky coolant is perfect for CNC and Swiss-style machines, ensuring consistent, clean performance without the usual residue.

 

Factor in the Environment

Reducing environmental impact is increasingly important across the manufacturing industry. Recent advancements in cutting fluids have produced products that perform just as well as, or even better than, traditional petroleum-based or synthetic options—at comparable costs. Many of these new fluids are made from renewable sources and reduce environmental waste.

One example is TRIM® HyperSolTM 888NXT, which was recently awarded the USDA BioPreferred designation. This fluid boasts a 54% biobased content, demonstrating how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

 

Although they are sometimes viewed as commodities, cutting fluids should be treated with the same importance as cutting tools due to their impact on machine performance, productivity, and even the shop environment. Making coolant selection a top priority can save a lot of money and prolong tool life.

Explore our full TRIM® range of cutting fluids here, or give us a call on 0800 10 40 17 for technical advice.