Case Studies


Manufacturing

Case Studies:

Double-Cut Topaz 82 Stands the Test of Time, Improving Product Lifespan and Promoting Cleaner Workspaces

OPPORTUNITY:

The customer is a decades-old car part production facility, primarily specializing in aluminum die cast and forged parts for engines, transmissions, suspensions, and more. Years ago, this customer began to seek out methods for product and workspace improvement through their coolant. Specifically, they looked to extend tool life, develop longer term post-part production rust protection, increase the fluid’s ability to withstand multiple recycling applications, while also providing a cleaner work environment for operators. They also currently utilized two different coolants for their cutting and grinding operations, adding complexity that could be eliminated with a single product that could function for both processes.
Working closely with their DuBois technical team, the manufacturer began conducting tooling studies to compare the tool life between the incumbent and recommended coolants. They also began closely monitoring the haze present in manufacturing areas: no haze indicating an improvement to the cleanliness and air quality.

THE DUBOIS SOLUTION:

The DuBois technical team evaluated the parts and processes in use and ultimately recommended the customer trial Double-Cut Topaz 82. Double-Cut Topaz 82 is an outstanding synthetic fluid, developed for a wide range of cutting and grinding applications. It works well on ferrous metals and is particularly effective on cast iron. This versatile lubricity, partnered with it’s superior heat dissipation, extreme pressure characteristics, low foam build, and resistance to bacteria and fungus, made it an ideal choice.

RESULTS AND BENEFITS:

In testing, the DuBois technical team and the customer identified that the Double-Cut Topaz 82 did have the lubricity needed to increase broach too life, without having too much lubricity to hinder grinding operations, making it a viable product to replace both incumbents. The teams began implementing the product and reviewing the results over time. In this transition, tool life across all applications improved 2%, and machining centers became visibly cleaner. The haze previously seen throughout the plant disappeared, machining centers appeared visible cleaner, and associate complaints regarding the air quality and workspaces fully went away. The product has now been successfully operating for 8 years, consistently providing high quality results.