Service

Independent Testing

International Chemical Company utilizes the services of many independent laboratories to gauge the effectiveness of formulations under development, to verify the results of on-site customer testing prior to implementation and to periodically test the ongoing health of implemented chemistry during operation. We also fully support our customers employing the services of their own independent labs to validate the performance of ICC products currently in use.

Metal-Forming, Drawing and Stamping Oils and Lubricants

Performance tests for synthetic, straight and soluble metal-forming, drawing and stamping oils and lubricants include rigorous and sometimes punishing assessments. Individual tests include the following:

Pin and Vee Block Friction and Extreme Pressure (EP): This test is designed to evaluate the wear and friction rates, as well as extreme pressure properties of metal-forming, drawing and stamping lubricants. The testing equipment rotates a ¼" diameter test pin against two ½" diameter vee blocks. The area of contact is established as load is applied via a mechanical gage by a ratchet wheel and eccentric arm.

4-Ball Wear and Extreme Pressure (EP): The load-wear index, last non-seizure load and weld point are all determined with this test. During a pre-determined duration of time, the testing equipment rotates a ½" diameter ball while in contact with three similar, stationary balls in the test cup. The contact surfaces are covered with the test lubricant while the load is applied. The test is complete at the point where the rotating ball fuses or "welds" to the three stationary balls. The load being applied at this point, in addition to the elapsed time, determines the load-wear index, final non-seizure load and weld point.

Limiting Dome Height: Press performance of a test lubricant is determined by clamping test blanks over a hemispherical punch. The height of the drawn dome at the point of maximum applied load is the measure of formability due to the applied lubricant. This test is vital for determining the viability of metal-forming, drawing and stamping lubricants.

Lubricant Ranking: This test is used for comparative purposes in the event that two or more metal-forming lubricants are approved for use in a given operation. Multiple measurements are made, with the most important being coefficient of friction.

Twist Compression: This test also calculates the coefficient of friction of a test lubricant via measurements of torque and applied pressure. The test lubricant is applied to a flat test sheet against which a cylinder is rotated at varying speeds and pressures. It is a very simple and reliable test for determining the viability of metal-forming, drawing and stamping lubricants.

Timken OK Load: Used for determining the potential performance and/or presence of extreme pressure additives in metal-forming, drawing and stamping lubricants, this is a standard test measuring the point at which a spinning bearing creates a scour mark on the stationary test block following the application of a metal-forming, drawing or stamping lubricant.

Metalworking, Machining and Grinding Coolants

Performance tests for synthetic, straight and soluble metalworking, machining and grinding coolants include rigorous and sometimes punishing assessments. Individual tests include the following:

Pin and Vee Block Friction and Extreme Pressure (EP): This test is designed to evaluate the wear and friction rates, as well as extreme pressure properties of metalworking, machining and grinding coolants. The testing equipment rotates a ¼" diameter test pin against two ½" diameter vee blocks. The area of contact is established as load is applied via a mechanical gage by a ratchet wheel and eccentric arm.

Tapping Torque: The efficiency of a machining coolant may be measured by rotating a test tool against pre-drilled test bars of aluminum or steel and measuring the applied torque and depth of cut. The deviation from the average mean value of multiple machining coolants may be measured, thereby yielding results that may be used for comparative purposes.

Cast Iron Rust Chip: This test is used to measure the oxidation protection of water-soluble metalworking, machining and grinding coolants. Standardized cast iron rust chips, as stipulated by ASTM specifications, are placed in a laboratory petri dish containing filter paper. Both the filter paper and rust chips are soaked with a water-soluble coolant and covered. After a pre-determined duration of time has passed, the rust chips are rinsed from the filter paper which is then inspected for rust spots. The size and quantity of residual spots determines the rust and corrosion protection of the coolant.

Vibratory, Burnishing and Finishing Fluids and Compounds

Performance tests for vibratory, burnishing and finishing fluids include rigorous testing in equipment that is designed to simulate industrial applications. By stipulating the type and shape of media, operational temperature, cycle time and desired results, an independent lab may replicate a manufacturer's operations in order to validate performance. The quality of processed parts may be determined by the customer following this test. Incremental changes may be made to any variable (media, temperature and cycle time) to compare results and determine the ideal operational conditions.

Rust Inhibitors and Corrosion and Oxidation Protection

Performance tests for evaporative, synthetic, straight and soluble rust inhibitors and preventatives include rigorous and sometimes punishing assessments. Individual tests include the following:

ASTM B117-11 Salt Spray (Fog): A sodium chloride solution is misted onto test parts at elevated temperatures. This is a widely utilized test in the metal manufacturing industry to gauge the effectiveness and protective qualities of an applied rust preventative film.

ASTM D1748 Humidity Cabinet: Test parts are suspended from a rotating apparatus and subjected to 120°F and 100% humidity.

ASTM D2247 Humidity Cabinet: Test parts are suspended from a rotating apparatus and subjected to 100°F and 100% humidity.