The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted manufacturing operations worldwide, especially those in the automotive and energy sectors. Shortly after the onset of the virus, auto sales plunged by 71 percent in China, according to McKinsey. It wasn’t long until car sales in the U.S. and Europe fell, by 47 and 80 percent respectively.
With less need for mobility, global energy use saw a significant drop, too. The International Energy Agency estimated that oil and gas revenue fell by 50% to 85% in 2020, compared to 2019 levels.
However, as auto sales recover and energy needs return, demand for manufacturing is approaching and even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. But skilled labor shortages and supply chain issues continue to create major challenges from coast to coast.
TRIM® C390: A Manufacturer’s Secret Weapon
Labor, equipment, material, and tooling make up the bulk of an operation’s budget. Coolant, on the other hand, comprises less than 1 percent of overall costs. Though it’s a small line item, how fluid is used and maintained can critically affect your bottom line.
Formulated for the aerospace industry, coolants like TRIM® C390 are proving to be equally as beneficial to automotive and energy manufacturers. As one of the newest synthetics developed by Master Fluid Solutions, this low-foam formula, even in chilled systems, offers a long sump life and is compatible with metals and composites commonly used in these industries. Here’s everything you need to know:
Higher Throughput With Superior Quality
One of the most important KPIs for any operation is productivity, and that’s especially true in high-volume automotive and energy component manufacturing. C390 offers an unparalleled balance between cooling and lubricity, allowing operators to run machines faster than with other cutting fluids.
Poor coolant lubricity decreases tool life, increases supply costs, and leads to poor surface finishes on parts that will require additional rework. With C390, these problems disappear, allowing operators to produce more parts in less time and with even less effort.
Greater Corrosion Resistance and Cleaner Parts
Many older generations of inexpensive synthetic cutting fluids offer poor protection from rust and other forms of corrosion, requiring manufacturers to incur additional costs and process steps. C390 provides excellent in-process corrosion prevention for both ferrous and nonferrous metals, maintaining high-quality finishes for longer.
Plus, C390 offers protection without forming heavy residues on machine tools and parts like previous generation high lubricity synthetics. It’s easy to remove prior to finishing operations, allowing for flawless painting and mess-free assembly.
Ready for Additive Manufacturing
Manufacturers such as those in the aerospace, defense, nuclear parts, and components sectors are turning to additive manufacturing (AM) to expand their capabilities. Though 3D-printed parts are built layer by layer, many require additional reworking with traditional machining methods to perfect and finish each part.
Besides its compatibility with an array of metals, C390 works well with many materials used in AM, making it an ideal solution for hybrid manufacturers while minimizing supply costs.
As auto and energy sector manufacturers work through labor shortages and chaotic supply chains, the right cutting fluid can help operators anchor their fluctuating budgets. TRIM® C390 goes beyond that, providing a safety net by helping users future-proof their operation in uncertain times.
For more information or a trial of our products, call +1 800-537-3365 or email us at [email protected].
