Precision Lubrication Testing: ABNOX's Test Lab for Custom Solutions

“We have to apply 1 gram of this lubricant in 0.5 seconds every 2.5 seconds. Do you have a solution for this lubrication case?” – A typical request to Christian Waser, Application Engineer for System Solutions at ABNOX, who puts customer-specific applications through their paces in the internal test laboratory. “We pay close attention to every detail of the customer,” explains the experienced laboratory manager. With its own test laboratory, ABNOX is able to promptly present customers with a functioning solution, even for specific requirements. “This is where we stand out from other manufacturers,” says Christian Waser, whose goal is always to provide customers with the best possible support.

Can the customer idea be implemented?

The design of a professional greasing system depends on many influencing factors: The properties of the lubricating medium (every lubricant behaves differently) and the requirements for its consumption determine the design of the system. “Our customers also want to know whether their idea or their desired dosing system is technically feasible and whether an investment is worthwhile,” Christian Waser continues. The focus is on the following questions:

Can the lubricating medium...

• be conveyed from the original container to the application point?
• be applied to the desired spot without contaminating other spots with the medium?
• be applied evenly, reliably and in the desired quantity?

The goals of the client also differ: A small company that lubricates a sealing ring by hand has different needs to an automotive supplier that lubricates sunroof guides, for example.

Structure of test applications

Christian Waser reproduces overall situations in the laboratory. He sets up test applications and verifies whether the lubrication processes and procedures can be implemented. In the course of doing this, he manufactures one or the other test device himself. “In order to implement a modified nozzle or a customer part in the test application, for example, I sometimes use the 3D printer,” says the system specialist. He monitors all processes with a measuring system and records dosing quantities, pressures, conveying distances and the temperature.

Test report with photos or demo video

Tailor-made lubrication systems are therefore tested from A to Z in the ABNOX laboratory to ensure that customers’ requirements are met. After the test, you will receive a detailed report with the recorded parameters, photos or a demo video. Christian Waser sums it up: “Our customers are mostly very satisfied with the suggestions delivered to them.” Let’s keep this up: Since the laboratory went into operation in autumn 2019, every application tested in it has been ordered exactly as suggested by ABNOX.