"Nothing Runs Better Than
A Well Oiled Machine!"

PART II

Things You Should Know
Before Lubricating Your Machine

In the last issue of The Needles Eye web magazine we covered the two most important lubricating properties evident when choosing the correct oil for your Union Special sewing equipment.  The first being Viscosity, or flowability to support the load of the equipment and Neutralization, the basic acidity properties to determine deterioration rate of internal parts

In this issue we will cover the remaining seven oil properties important to choosing the correct oil for your Union Special equipment.

Viscosity Index:  Is used with the Viscosity of the oil and is an empirical number indicating the rate of change in the viscosity within the given temperature.  A low viscosity index signifies a relatively large change in viscosity within a given temperature, and of course a high viscosity index signifies a low change within a given temperature.  The minimum viscosity index for Union Special oil is 90.  The number 90 represents a moderate change in the 90 to 125 second flow rate (viscosity) at a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit.  In other words, the oil that is specified for the Union Special equipment will break down slowly and lubricate the internal parts consistently at the 100° temperature.

Copper Corrosion:  Like the acidity or Neutralization number, this specification is designed to prevent deterioration on internal parts of the machine except it is aimed at parts that contain copper as a constituent.  The maximum copper corrosion specification number is 1A and is how long it takes the oil to start to deteriorate the copper and parts containing copper, internally in the machine.  In this case the lower the number and letter the longer time it takes to start deterioration and the better the oil, and of course higher the number and letter the shorter time it takes and the poorer the oil.  Most high speed industrial sewing machines require oil with low specification numbers because of the use of copper and parts containing copper that are used to reduce the heat build up on shafts, levers, bushings, connecting rods etc.

Aniline Point:  This is the rough measurement of aromatic hydrocarbons present in the oil.  The aromatic hydrocarbons tend to leech or deteriorate the plasticizers found in rubber seals and “O” rings, polyurethane tubing, timing belts and other plastic parts exposed to it.  The maximum aniline point is 175° - 225° and is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at which aniline (a colorless, poisonous, oily derivative of benzene), and a basic solvent will dissolve in oil.  In this case the higher the temperature range the better the oil and of course the lower the poorer the oil.  Most high speed machine use rubber seals and “O” rings to reduce oil leakage as well as polyurethane tubing for oil flow and timing belts to drive their shafts.  With average oil temperatures of around 100° Fahrenheit, having a high range in the aniline point will help to reduce the deterioration on these parts.

Color:  Color limit is chosen primarily to minimize the staining potential of a fresh oil.  Many factories prefer to use a white mineral oil to minimize staining, but this must be done with great care.  Because of the wide range of characteristics of white mineral oils available, it is important that the selection of the oil be based on the understanding that trade-offs between minimal staining qualities and lubricating abilities of the oil may need to be made.  In other words, an oil that will not stain the product being sewn may cause premature wear in the internal parts because of not lubricating properly.  The color specifications for Union Special oil is 1.  This number identifies the oil color according to an arbitrary number scale of 0 to 8.  The colors range from a clear water white at the low end of the scale to a very dark brown at the high end of the scale.  In this case the number 1 indicates that the oil is relatively clear but with a light straw tint.

Flash Point:  The flash point of an oil is the lowest temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at which the oil gives off enough vapors that will ignite when a small flame is passed periodically over it.  This is primarily used as a precaution against the possibility of creating a fire hazard.  The minimum flash point is 350° Fahrenheit.  In other words, the machine could cause a fire hazard if the temperature of the oil reached above 350°.  In most cases high speed sewing equipment rarely reaches above 120° Fahrenheit, so by having a high Flash Point helps to reduce the chances of fire.

Pour Point:  The pour point is the lowest temperature in degrees Fahrenheit that an oil will flow through the equipment properly when it is chilled without disturbance at a fixed rate.  The maximum pour point is 20° Fahrenheit.  For example, if a piece of sewing equipment was stored in a warehouse where the temperature would get below 20°, and then brought in the factory to be put in use, the oil would not flow properly to the parts until the machine and oil inside had time to warm up.  Or if the machine were used in a temperature below 20° the oil would not be able to flow properly to lubricate the internal parts. In both cases premature wear of parts will occur.

Compounding:  Generally compounding is the use of additives in the oil. No compounding or additives are necessary for the high quality oil used in the Union Special machines.

Note 1:  The use of non-corrosive additives in oils that meet all of the other specifications is acceptable.  The additives should be completely soluble in the oil and not removable by wick feeding, nor should they separate. These additives may include:

1. Oxidation inhibitors

2. Rust inhibitors

3. Film strength

4. Lubricity additives

5. Foam inhibitors

Note 2:  Oils that contain the following type additives should not be used at any time:

1. Extreme pressure additives that are corrosive

2. Tackiness or adhesive additives

3. Lead soap additives

4. Detergents

Now that we have covered the nine lubricating properties of the Union Special Spec. 175 oil, keeping your equipment lubricated properly will be easy.

But remember!  The oil in your equipment will only lubricate properly if it is  changed on a regular basis.  It is recommended that the oil be changed every 6 months or
1000 operating hours, whichever comes first.  This includes machines that have been in storage or not in use on the sewing floor.  Even though the machine has not been used, the oil will still breakdown and loose its lubricating properties. 

Listed below are the recommended properties for the Union Special Spec 175 oil.