The world of automotive lubricants has dramatically changed in the last few decades. People used simple oils many decades ago for the high-tech synthetic blends we use today. Much of this is owed to the automotive lubricant manufacturers who keep going the extra mile to meet the demands of modern engines. The rise in technology has been a significant factor in the improvements of lubricants of various types.
Nowadays, specific lubricants are made for each operation to ensure stable performance. If you are wondering how this change occurred, keep reading this blog. In this blog, we will discuss how manufacturing has evolved with the help of technology.
The Early Days of Lubricants
Lubricant manufacturing was a relatively simple process back in the day. Natural oils such as animal fats and crude oil were content for automotive lubricant manufacturers. Such oils were satisfactory for the first engines, which were crude in design and very low in power. Their aim was merely friction reduction. No strict rules and tests were established to ensure the quality or performance standards.
With the engines becoming faster and more powerful, simple oils were not enough. The first manufacturers had to find ways of making better lubricants that would handle the new heat and wear of new engines. This is what drove them to find different materials and methods for enhancing oil quality.
The move to refined oils
The first significant innovation in the industry was the discovery of refining. Refining helped the manufacturers to purify crude oil. The purification process made the oil cleaner and more effective. Refined oils were able to work better in engines and last longer. This was a great step forward toward refining the industrial processes.
By the 1900s, automobile engines had grown in complexity. They needed more than just friction-reducing oils. Companies started to add things to their oils to improve their lubricity. These things were later termed additives. The additives enhanced the way lubricants worked in several ways. Some protected the engine from rusting, while others prevented damage caused by high temperatures.
This was a giant leap forward in the process of lubricant manufacturing. It meant that manufacturers were not just selling oil anymore but producing high-quality products. The industry became more advanced, and research became one of the important elements in the process.
The Rise of Synthetic Lubricants
The more time passed, the more apparent it became that there was a shortage of natural oils. They worked pretty well in many applications but couldn’t keep up with the demands of high-performance modern engines. That is where synthetic lubricants came into play. Synthetic lubricants were the ones manufactured in laboratories. They were designed to outperform natural oils, especially in extreme conditions. These lubricants were able to bear higher temperatures and last far longer than natural oils. They also reduce engine wear more efficiently.
The development of synthetic lubricants seemed to revolutionize the industry. Based on this, the manufacturers were able to come up with oils for very specific applications. The application-based oils are used in racing cars, trucks, or industrial machines. Synthetic oils were also seen to meet the stringent rules on the environment because these produce less waste and run longer.
Integration of Technology
Today, technology has been at the core of how lubricants are manufactured. The entire manufacturing process, from research to production, has been revolutionized. Modern tools and machines have made everything faster, safer, and more precise. One of the main changes is using advanced testing. In earlier days, nobody knew how good a lubricant would perform before being put into an engine. But today, we know it all, all thanks to the advancement in technology.
Nowadays, modern computer models predict how the lubricant might act under all conditions. The integration of these systems saves both time and money. Automotive lubricant manufacturers have also become capable of producing improved products quickly. Another major constituent of modern manufacturing is robots and AI models. The robots run by AI can mix ingredients with perfect accuracy. They also work around the clock without slowing down or getting tired. This has made the process of production a lot more effective. Robots reduce human error, too, meaning they produce higher-quality products.
The Importance of Quality Control
As the engines have improved, so has the demand for high-quality lubricants. Hence, quality control becomes a crucial part of the manufacturing process. Manufacturers use different ways to test the quality of their products. They have sensors that monitor the production process in real-time. So, if something goes wrong, the sensors alert the operators straightaway. This guarantees that every batch of lubricant will meet the most demanding standards.
The automotive lubricant manufacturers also do some final testing on the products. These tests affirm whether the lubricants can endure extreme temperatures and long duration of use. The initial problems will be detected when the manufacturers fix the faults before they reach the customers.
The Drive for Sustainability
Of late, the industry has made big strides toward eco-friendliness. People want green products, and automotive lubricant manufacturers are keeping up with demand. One of the ways manufacturers are doing this is by using renewable materials. Instead of just depending on crude oil, they are exploring plant-based oils and other sustainable sources. These materials can be turned into high-quality lubricants without harming the environment.
The recycling business also takes a step forward. Used oil can be cleaned and reused instead of letting it go into the ground. Some have implemented reuse systems for older lubricants. It helps to save the planet, but it saves resources too.
Future of Automotive Lubricants
The future for automotive lubricants looks quite bright. Since technology is on the rise, manufacturers will always find new ways to improve their products. For instance, some labs have started using artificial intelligence to design better lubricants. Artificial intelligence can analyze big masses of data and find patterns that may elude humans.
The second area is electric vehicles. EVs, while not having the traditional engines, still have moving parts and require lubrication. Manufacturers are coming up with special products for EVs. New lubricants for these new electric motors and battery systems will be designed to meet specific needs. Self-driving cars can also revolutionize the industry. The self-driving cars will rely on complex sensors and systems, which might need special lubricants to work well. Companies that innovate as times change will be ahead of the curve of the future.
The Role of Attitude of Manufacturers
The automotive lubricant manufacturers have grown to industrial sizes by now, so they have a big responsibility. Through innovation and modern technology, further improvements can be made in lubricant formation. The attitude of the manufacturers needs to be positive towards the technology due to this. If they can overcome the challenges faced by the integration of technology, it will truly boost the growth of the industries.
Technology can help them create eco-friendly products. It can help them manufacture parts that can meet the needs of electric vehicles. This will lead to the development of industries at an exponential rate. Thus by embracing technology and holding themselves to quality, manufacturers can guide us to a better tomorrow.
Atlantic Grease and Lubricants: OEM Certified Lubricant Supplier
Atlantic Grease & Lubricants is the leading manufacturer of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricants. Our constant innovation enables us to meet the demands of OEM manufacturers. Quality is the crux of our formulations here at Atlantic Grease and Lubricants. Our state-of-the-art facilities help us produce high-quality lubricants. Our 25+ OEM certifications from major American and European car manufacturers testify to our quality. Log on to our site today and contact us for a solution to your lubrication needs.