Lubricant compositions for surface finishing of materials
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsMichael R. Douglass, David J. Baillargeon, Smruti A. Dance
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Abstract
Described herein are lubricant compositions that include combinations of lubricant additives that are effective at improving the surface finish of a range of manufactured materials and equipment. In particular, friction modifiers and antiwear additives are employed to decrease surface roughness of additive manufactured (AM), e.g., 3D printed, materials and equipment in concert with maximizing energy efficiency.
Claims33
A method of reducing the surface roughness of an additive manufactured (AM) article or material comprising:
- a. providing a lubricant composition comprising a lubricant fluid in combination with at least one surface reactive component,
- b. providing a preformed AM article or material having a first surface roughness;
- c. applying the lubricant composition to the preformed AM material after the AM process;
- and
- d. applying a load to the lubricated preformed AM article or material during its intended operation, wherein the lubricant composition reduces the surface roughness of the lubricated preformed AM article or material resulting in a second surface roughness that is less than the first surface roughness.
A method of reducing the surface roughness of an additive manufactured (AM) engine component comprising:
- a. providing an engine including a preformed AM component having a first surface roughness;
- b. applying a lubricant composition to the engine including the preformed AM component, wherein the lubricant composition comprises a lubricant fluid in combination with at least one surface active component;
- and
- c. operating the engine thereby applying a frictional force to the lubricated preformed additive manufactured component during its intended operation,
- wherein the lubricant composition reduces the surface roughness of the AM component resulting in a second surface roughness that is less than the first surface roughness.
A method of screening surface finishing lubricant compositions comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a lubricant composition comprising a lubricant fluid in combination with at least one surface reactive component,
- b. providing a preformed AM article or material having a first surface roughness;
- c. applying the lubricant composition to the preformed AM article or material after the AM process;
- and
- d. applying a load to the lubricated preformed AM article or material during its intended operation,
- wherein the lubricant composition reduces the surface roughness of the AM article or material resulting in a second surface roughness that is less than the first surface roughness.
A method of reducing the surface roughness of a 3D printed article or material comprising:
- a. providing a lubricant composition comprising a lubricant fluid in combination with at least one surface reactive component,
- b. providing a preformed 3D printed article or material having a first surface roughness;
- c. applying the lubricant composition to the preformed 3D printed material after the 3D printing process;
- and
- d. applying a load to the lubricated preformed 3D printed article or material during its intended operation,
- wherein the lubricant composition reduces the surface roughness of the 3D printed article or material resulting in a second surface roughness that is less than the first surface roughness.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.