OPTIMIZED APPLICATION
IRMCO tube bending lubricants have a strong affinity for metal tube surfaces, providing a micro-layer of lubricating film on metal surfaces during demanding tube-bending applications. The unique attributes of IRMCO tube bending lubricants allow for optimized application, resulting in less chemical waste and more precise and economical delivery.
The thick viscosities of IRMCO GEL® & EXTREME® products help prevent excessive lubricant consumption and “stay put” – eliminating lubricant “weeping” or dripping off machinery onto floors. The unique chemistries and low viscosities of IRMCO FLUIDS® allow for optimized application through minimum quantity application (MQL) application systems – providing exceptionally clean tube surfaces.
All IRMCO tube bending lubricants can be applied manually via brush and through IRMCO’s specially designed IRMCO I.V. lubricant delivery system. IRMCO GEL® & EXTREME® lubricants can also be applied easily through conventional drum pumps.
IRMCO GEL® & EXTREME® PRODUCT CLASSES
- IRMCO FLUIDS® 090 SERIES: this series of fluids is most suitable for smaller, electric and hybrid benders that utilize “micronized-spray”/“minimal quantity lubrication” (MQL) application through narrow diameter delivery lines through the mandrel. These types of benders would be commonly found in “job shops” or in industries where smaller diameter tubes are processed. The 090-SERIES is suitable for mild steels and standard stainless-steel alloy tubes.
- IRMCO EXTREME® 460 SERIES: this opaque white series of fluids is most suitable for aluminized steel and aluminized stainless-steel tubes ≤ 6” O.D. IRMCO EXTREME® products are easily delivered through the mandrel and offer exceptionally clean bending and weld through performance.
- IRMCO GEL® 980 SERIES: this series of clear, nearly colorless gel products is most suitable for mild steels and standard stainless-steel alloy tubes ≤ 6” O.D. IRMCO GEL® 980 is easily and optimally applied through the mandrel via the IRMCO I.V. applicator system. IRMCO GEL products offer exceptionally clean bend and weld-through performance.
- IRMCO GEL® 986 SERIES: this specialty product is a very viscous, crème-colored product that is most suitable for mild steel and standard stainless steel alloy tubes ≤ 8” O.D. IRMCO GEL® 986 is easily applied through the mandrel or can be applied manually via swabbing. This niche product was developed as an option for larger diameter tube applications where chlorinated paraffins and pigments are not desired.
BENEFITS OF IRMCO FLUIDS
REDUCED TOOLING COST & DOWNTIME
IRMCO tube bending lubricants provide a highly protective and lubricious film on tooling surfaces – protecting mandrel balls and wipers dies from elevated friction-reducing wear and downtime related to maintenance.
Click – Case Studies
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CLEAN RUNNING
IRMCO tube bending lubricants do not contain oil – contributing to improved part cleanliness and weld-through capability over straight oil and emulsifiable oil-based chemistries and pigmented emulsions. In some applications, the residue left behind is so minimal – cleaning of the tube is eliminated.
FINISHING PROCESS COMPATIBLE
IRMCO tube bending lubricants typically load pretreatment cleaning baths less than oil-containing lubricants. This can extend cleaner bath life greatly and minimize sludge and scale development in tanks, risers and enclosures.
Less temperature is needed to remove IRMCO fluids from metal surfaces – making IRMCO fluids more compatible with transition metal coating (TMC) processes as well as low-temperature conventional iron and zinc phosphates. IRMCO fluids are very compatible with aqueous immersion, spray and ultrasonic cleaning and automotive e-coat processes.
