The Lubrizol Corporation recently introduced a series of fully formulated industrial lubricants that meet the Siemens MD specification, formerly known as the Flender specification. The Lubrizol gear oils, FM2205A, FM2206A and FM2207A, are designed to ensure trouble-free performance in heavy-duty gearbox applications in industries such as mining, metal fabrication and general manufacturing.
With many of today's industrial gearboxes operating with higher power densities, reduced oil volumes and increased temperatures, further stress is put on gear teeth, bearings, elastomer seals and other components. The stringent Siemens MD specification for helical, bevel and planetary gear units exemplifies the challenge for gear oil formulators by demanding a high level of micropitting and dynamic foam resistance, as well as compatibility with the advanced materials now being used for the internal paint, elastomeric seals and liquid sealants in industrial gearboxes.
The specification has proven to be especially challenging since the additive chemistries designed to deliver performance in one aspect of the testing protocol can have a detrimental effect on other required performance areas.
"The industry has been searching for a gear oil additives solution capable of ensuring the long-term integrity of gearbox materials while providing guaranteed resistance to micropitting fatigue," said Tim Cooper, Lubrizol industrial product manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "Extensive laboratory testing has demonstrated that this new Lubrizol proprietary chemistry provides the desired levels of performance across a range of base stocks."
In order to assist oil blenders who do not have access to the appropriate base oils for blending the approved formulations, Lubrizol is making available Siemens MD-approved finished gear oils, which customers can upload into their supply chains and take advantage of a formal homologation with Lubrizol's oil re-brand program.
For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com.
