Solid lubrication tools and methods for their production and use
AssigneeGSTI Surface Technologies Ltd.
InventorsIsrael Chepovetsky, Gennady Chepovetsky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A solid lubricant tool for applying solid lubricant to the surface of a component is produced by compressing a mixture of powdered solid components under a pressure of at least about 30 kg/mm.sup.2 without application of heat to form unitary conglomerated lubricating element. The powdered solid components and processing are chosen such that the lubricating element has hardness as measured according to the Brinell scale (HB) of less than about 20. Preferred compositions include between about 5% and about 10% powdered graphite, and at least about 10% powdered tin, by weight. The tools may be used interchangeably with machining tools in standard machining equipment.
Claims21
A tool for applying solid lubrication to a surface, the tool comprising at least one lubricating element, a major part of said at least one lubricating element being formed from solid lubricant material, said solid lubricant material being implemented as a compressed conglomerate of components including, by weight:
- (a) between about 5% and about 10% powdered graphite;
- and
- (b) at least about 10% powered tin.
A method for producing a solid lubricant tool for application of solid lubrication by rubbing against a surface, the method comprising:
- (a) producing a substantially uniform mixture of powdered solid components;
- and
- (b) compressing said mixture under a pressure of at least about 30 kg/mm.sup.2 without application of heat to form a unitary conglomerated lubricating element,
- wherein said powdered solid components are chosen such that said lubricating element has a hardness as measured according to the Brinell scale (HB) of less than about 20.
A method for machining and lubricating a component, the method comprising:
- (a) machining at least part of the component by use of a machining tool mounted in a tool holder;
- (b) replacing at least part of said machining tool with a lubricating tool, said lubricating tool including at least one lubricating element formed from solid material with a hardness as measured according to the Brinell scale (HB) of less than about 20;
- and
- (c) lubricating at least part of the component by rubbing of the at least one lubricating element against the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.