The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the technical society for individuals in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering — is hosting a co-branded event, the 2023 STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference (TFC) and Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference, on November 12-15 at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower in Cleveland, Ohio.   

From manufacturing to maritime, the quest for sustainable solutions has given rise to the development of environmentally friendly lubricants. Among these, Environmentally Considerate Lubricants (ECL) and Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) have gained prominence for their positive impact on both equipment performance and the planet. Let’s delve into the differences and advantages of these lubricant classifications.

Mechanical motion components, though relatively small, contribute immensely to the safety of multiple systems like automobiles, manufacturing systems, elevators, water treatment facilities, etc. Motion components experience wear and tear over time caused by:

• Friction as motion surfaces come into contact with adjacent components.
• Corrosion due to exposure to chemicals, humidity, and corrosive gasses
• Fatigue emanating from repetitive stress and strain.
• Improper lubrication and system overloads

The Timken Company has acquired Des-Case Corp., a Nashville, Tenn.-based manufacturer of specialty filtration products for industrial lubricants. Founded in 1983, the company serves customers across a variety of industrial end markets. Des-Case's revenue for the calendar year 2023 is expected to be around $40 million.  

NTN is pleased to announce that two of its North American manufacturing facilities have been recognized for supplier quality excellence by Toyota Motor North America (Toyota). Toyota has awarded NTN Driveshaft, Inc., and American NTN Bearing Manufacturing Corporation each with a Certificate of Achievement for receiving an “A” grade for supplier quality in 2022.

This review of Ref. 1 summarizes the conclusions of test data and numerical simulations showing that Stribeck curves for counterformal contact are different from Stribeck curves for conformal contact.

Shorter delivery times because of more efficient production was the explicit aim of the Iwis Czech plant. Iwis has invested massively in the automation of production in Strakonice in recent months to further reduce manual operations. New automatic machines for inner and outer links were taken into operation to produce JWIS-branded accumulation chains, and chain assembly was also further automated.

SKF has signed a distribution agreement with Certas Energy, a part of DCC plc and the largest independent distributor of fuels and lubricants in the UK. As part of the agreement, Certas Energy will act as a SKF RecondOil certified partner in the UK, offering the units to industrial customers on an “oil as a service” basis.

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) – the premier technical society serving the needs of the tribology and lubrication engineering field – is pleased to announce the release of its 2023 Report on Emerging Issues and Trends in Tribology and Lubrication Engineering. The key conclusion from the 56-page report is that the application of existing and novel tribology approaches has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and, as a consequence, play a prominent role in helping organizations implement sustainability practices and achieve climate change mitigation goals.

Andantex USA Inc. will be renamed Redex USA Inc., according to Thomas Osygus, vice president of sales and marketing, Redex USA. "Our name is changing, but we will continue to offer the same high-quality motion control systems you’ve come to expect from us for over 40 years."