What an awkward year we are about to put behind us… Since March when the new Corona virus was declared a pandemic we have all had to adjust to a new and very different world. On a personal level, most of us have experienced the effects of social distancing, such as not being able to meet with friends and family, no or very limited travel, etc. Some have, of course, also had to endure the medical effects from Covid-19, ranging from mild to very challenging symptoms, and as I write this the global casualties approach 1.6 M. At the same time the world is now starting to see the new vaccines come out and this is promising for 2021.
Wet and dirty conditions are found in a large range of segments where water, humidity, process liquids or dirt have direct or indirect access to the lubricant and components. Such conditions can damage components, as well as greatly reduce the effectiveness and performance life of the chosen lubricant. An appropriate lubricant can aid these challenges by providing good sealant properties and resistance to liquids.
Hycal 272 WR is a good example of the positive properties of an Anhydrous Calcium thickener combined with a high viscosity blend of mineral oil, polymer and an optimal combination of additives. This grade is a perfect choice for heavy loaded low speed plain bearings, pins, bushings and joints in wet and corrosive conditions. It is used in the marine, agriculture, forestry, and construction segments. The grease is available with and without solid lubricants and is easily pumpable in most centralised lubrication systems.
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Lithium based greases have dominated global grease technology for several decades reaching roughly 75% of total lubricating grease volumes. Increased Lithium demand to serve a burgeoning market for electric car batteries has increased interest in competing thickener technologies. Calcium-thickened greases are a serious alternative to many of the lithium greases with their excellent water resistance and surface adhesion. Anhydrous Calcium thickened greases with their low temperature lubricity, increased service temperature, shear stability and corrosion protection, are ideal for applications in the marine, agriculture, construction and forestry segments, among others. The thickener is also suitable for use in food grade and environmentally friendly greases. See Hycal (AXEL's Anhydrous Calcium technology) Features and Benefits below.
On October 15th, AXEL arranged a seminar presenting joint research projects with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). There were more than 30 attendants, of which approximately 1/3 were virtually present from across Europe and USA.
A Unique Formula Identifier (UFI) is a new labeling element for the European market. UFI needs to be added to the existing product labels of hazardous mixtures in conjunction with submitting product information to ECHA, Poison Centres Notification (PCN). The purpose is to be able to provide more in-depth information in case of an emergency. The deadline is January 1st 2021, for both consumer and professional use products. AXEL is finalising its work to fulfil the obligations for the deadline. There is an ongoing dialog with our customers to create awareness on their obligations and collect information required. AXEL's guide summarises the main information points related to the new requirements. You can contact us at HSE Support: hse.support@axelch.com.
AXEL Americas LLC, headquartered in North Kansas City, Missouri, was the proud recipient of the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) Founders Award. In recognition of the three NLGI founding Companies, the Founders Award is presented to a company that has had a positive impact on the NLGI in the tradition established by these founding fathers. Accepting this award on behalf of AXEL Americas was Tom Schroeder, President of AXEL Americas LLC. Congratulations to Tom and the AXEL Team and a special thanks to the NLGI for this important recognition.
On October 8, 2020 AXEL in Tulsa, Oklahoma celebrated one year with no OSHA recordables. While AXEL’s commitment to safety starts with leadership, it must be supported by our employees. The Tulsa employees picked up the proverbial safety culture torch and never looked back. Each employee, from management to our temporary staff, plays a huge role in driving the safety culture on a day to day basis. Along with that drive, AXEL ensures employees are provided the necessary tools and resources to be successful. Examples include safety initiatives like “I see it, I own it, I act”, on-going training, personal protective equipment, policies and procedures, and open lines of communicators to voice EHS concerns or needs. The Tulsa employees were presented with hard hat stickers signifying their 1 year accomplishment along with a banner that each employee signed to be proudly displayed.
