Below you'll find the top resources from 2012 as determined by the attendance and interest for in-person education, online courses, webinars, books and podcasts. If you feel that one of your favorites was left off the list, feel free to mention it in the comments. There was a lot of competition for the top spots as we had a great schedule this year, and that wouldn't have been possible without all our volunteers and instructors. Thank you all for making this a great year! For a full list of our offerings and to explore on your own, visit the STLE Store or see our Events Calendar for upcoming events.
Popular Courses at the 2012 Annual Meeting
-Advanced Lubrication 301: This course will be offered again in 2013
-Basic Lubrication 103 (Overview): Basic 101 & 102 were condensed to create this course, and it was still well-attended. The classic Basic 101 & Basic 102 courses will be offered in 2013
-Automotive Lubrication 201 - Diesel: the 2013 course will focus on Gasoline engines
-Synthetics 203: Non-Petroleum Fluids & Their Uses - this course will be offered again in 2013, with Synthetics 204 being offered again in 2014.
-MWF 115: Basic Metal Removal Fluids was also well-attended this past year. And if you liked that course, you may be interested in MWF 250: Understanding & Controlling Metal Removal Fluid Failure.
[Click here] for a full list of the courses to be offered at the 2013 Annual Meeting, including course instructors, module descriptions and agendas. Registration is now open, and the early bird deadline will save you some money on your registration, so be sure to include it in your 2013 budget!
Highest Attended Webinars of 2012
The Food Grade and Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series were some of the highest attended, attracting 100+ attendees each! Individual events also did quite well.
-Food Grade Lubrication Series: the series covered all aspects of lubrication and related regulations. If you're interested in purchasing, you can get the series at a 10-15% discount. The series included: Grease and its Use in Food Processing, Food Grade Lubricants, and Food Grade Lubricants & Their Regulations.
-Condition Monitoring Series: This series covered a lot of ground on interpreting data and reading reports. If you're interested in purchasing, you can get the series at a 10% discount, or you can purchase each event on its own as it piques your interest. The series included: Alarm Limits, Spectrographic Data Interpretation Part I: Contaminants & Wear, Spectrographic Data Interpretation Part II: Additive Metals, Physical Properties Data Interpretation, Additional Testing (FTIR, AN, BN, and Particle Counts) and Advanced Report Reading.
-VOC Emissions from Metalworking Fluids
-Hydraulic Fluid Properties and Hydraulic Systems - A Vital Link
-Tribological Perspective on Engine Friction Reduction
-Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oils: Emission Strategies and Their Effects on Engine Oils
-Basics of Additives
If you're interested in other topics, feel free to check out our other post which features all webinars to-date, grouped by topic. You can also start planning your attendance with our 2013 schedule, with events listed through April. If you don't see something you like, make a suggestion and we'll work to include it later in the year.
Top Online Education Course of 2012
-Fundamentals of Lubrication Certificate Course: this interactive, four-module online course covers friction, lubrication and wear with handy Check Your Knowledge and quiz questions along the way to aid with material retention and understanding. At the end of each module, you'll find a quiz to reinforce the material, and when you get to the end of the course, you can take an assessment to demonstrate the knowledge you just learned, and earn a certificate which you can print and hang in your office or provide to management. This course (and all of our online courses/webinars) also applies towards your recertification efforts, giving you 2.5 hours towards the 8 required hours towards requirement #12. See your designation's recertification requirements for details.
If you liked the Fundamentals, you may also like our other online courses, which are shorter and provide the information you need, when you need it.
-Metalworking Fluids Short Course: includes modules on types and functions of metalworking fluids and the guidelines for recommending specific metal removal fluids for an applications.
-Lubricant Composition Short Course: includes modules on base oils, additives and greases.
-Fluid Management & Recycling Short Course: includes modules on justifying the implementation of a program/cost savings and best practices for implementing a program at your site.
-Basic Lubrication Short Course: taking less time and with fewer quizzes than the Fundamentals course, this covers the same material in half the time for those who need to get the info and go.
Popular Books in 2012
-Basic Handbook of Lubrication, 3rd Edition: Perfect or Spiral Bound
-Machinery Oil Analysis
Most Accessed Podcasts in 2012
-Biobased Fuels & Biobased Lubricants with Dr. Joseph M. Perez, Penn State
-Metalworking Fluid Microbicides with Dr. Fred Passman, BCA, Inc.
-Metalworking Fluids and Chemical Additives with Dr. Neil Canter, Chemical Solutions
-Nanotribology & MEMS: There's Still Plenty of Room at the Bottom, with Dr. Michael Dugger
-What's it like to be an STLE member? Get details directly from new members who joined during the Member Get A Member Campaign - see why they joined and the benefits they've enjoyed since they joined.
Be sure to check out our Best of 2011 Education for more info on what was popular last year, and those that maintained their "cool-kid" status from year to year.
What was your favorite of the year? Why was it your favorite?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
Webinar Archive - Suggestions Just For You
Maximize Your Professional Development with the STLE Webinar Archive
All events from 2011 and 2012 have been grouped by topic, so you can find archived events that may be of interest to you. Archived webinars include presentation slides and recording of the presentation (audio synched with slides), assessment/survey (for recertification), and related articles as well as presenter contact information, so you can follow up with any questions.
If you haven't attended a webinar yet, and you're not sure if it's for you, check out some of the testimonials we've received (we're blushing!):
- "STLE Webinars provide extremely useful information with access to industry leaders - all from the comfort of my own office, so I can participate from a remote location. I get to learn new concepts and brush up on the fundamentals without traveling." - Attendee
- "Webinars provide good information that's easy to access, and at a reasonable price." - James Fields, President, J. Follace Oil, Inc.
Looking for something specific? See below for webinars that fall into your area of interest. The link will take you to the event information, and then you can visit the STLE Store to purchase.
FUNDAMENTALS
BEARINGS & GEARS
CONDITION MONITORING
— Advanced Data Interpretation/Alarm Limits (start of the CM Data Interpretation Series, 10% discount on all 6 recordings; as listed below)
— Additional Testing (FTIR, AN, BN, Particle Counting)
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
FOOD GRADE - available as part of the Food Grade Series - includes 3 events below
GOING GREEN
GREASE, COATINGS
SYNTHETICS & HYDRAULICS
METALWORKING
SALES
For more information, see the in-progress schedule for 2013. January through April feature some
great topics, but we're still working on the rest of the year. If you have suggestions, now would be
the time to speak up!
Have you attended any of the above? What'd you think?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
How to Live with a Tribologist
What can you learn from a spouse or loved one who is a tribologist/lubrication engineer? Lots!
Wendy Schrama (wife of Rick Schrama, a long-time STLE member) previously gave a very entertaining talk at the Hamilton Section, and we decided we wanted to learn more about what it takes to support a spouses' passion for tribology throughout 30+ years of marriage.
Sniegowski: Tell us a little about yourself.
Sniegowski: How familiar were you with tribology before meeting your husband?
Sniegowski: What are some quirky or unique qualities you find in a tribologist?
Sniegowski: Any advice for others in the same situation?
Schrama: Do not expect to learn it all. But you can learn and relate by thinking of tribology and it's role in the real world - like with your knees or a car engine. It might help make sense of it all. You also need to realize that tribology is a massive subject, and a very complex science. Not even a tribologist can know it all.
Our final note: And that's what makes it so interesting!
Have you had a similar experience? How do you explain your profession to your family?
Wendy Schrama (wife of Rick Schrama, a long-time STLE member) previously gave a very entertaining talk at the Hamilton Section, and we decided we wanted to learn more about what it takes to support a spouses' passion for tribology throughout 30+ years of marriage.
Sniegowski: Tell us a little about yourself.
Schrama: I have been a Registered Nurse since 1976 and have worked in all areas of nursing. To keep my mind active I became addicted to learning and obtained three degrees. I am presently studying law at a college and plan to become a paralegal. Rick and I have an engineering consulting business and since Rick has semi-retired our business, Tribological Services, has become our focus.
Sniegowski: What made you decide to speak on this topic? How’d you get the idea?
Schrama: The idea of sharing what life is like with a tribologist and how I have managed to “survive” has always been a part of me. Rick, who sits on the Board of the Hamilton Chapter of the STLE asked me if I would be willing to speak on this topic for the section's Spousal Night (spouses are invited to attend the regular monthly meeting). They usually get a magician or an illusionist to entertain the guests, but this was different. I was flattered to be asked, so I said yes - Rick had already come up with the title.
Sniegowski: How familiar were you with tribology before meeting your husband?
Schrama: I had no clue! After we met, I went to see Dofasco's new hot mill. When I got home, Rick asked me if I saw the bearings. I pretended I did, but was thinking “what's a bearing?” In short...I knew nothing at all. However, I'm addicted to learning and Rick had a bunch of tribology magazines laying around, so I read some of the articles. I then started to read some of the chapters he was writing for various books. As time went on, I understood more and more about the complex - and I mean very complex - world of tribology. It also helped when I heard how tribology plays a role in the engine of a car and in the human body. With both there is lubrication, wear and friction and having real world examples was key.
Sniegowski: What are some quirky or unique qualities you find in a tribologist?
Schrama: Tribologists (or just my husband) tend to keep everything they have. Rick's home office (and the garage, for that matter) are packed full or articles, publications and books (see right!)
Sniegowski: How was your talk received at the section meeting? What kind of response did you get?
Schrama: I wanted the talk to be light-hearted, as this was supposed to be an enjoyable night. Within 10 seconds I had the audience laughing and the more they laughed, the more enjoyable the talk became. I saw a woman nodding her head at each slide, and someone else mentioned another unique quality - tribologists do not stop talking!
Sniegowski: Any advice for others in the same situation?
Schrama: Do not expect to learn it all. But you can learn and relate by thinking of tribology and it's role in the real world - like with your knees or a car engine. It might help make sense of it all. You also need to realize that tribology is a massive subject, and a very complex science. Not even a tribologist can know it all.
Our final note: And that's what makes it so interesting!
Have you had a similar experience? How do you explain your profession to your family?
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
December Webinars: GHS Regulations, CM & Grease Compatibility
Join us this holiday season for some great education, including a hot topic in the metalworking fluids industry - OSHA's New GHS Regulations, the last event in the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series: Advanced Report Reading, and Grease Compatibility. Registration is now open for all 2012 events. Be sure to get in some continuing education before you leave for your holiday break. I hope you have a good holiday season and safe travels, and here's to a productive 2013!
OSHA's New GHS Regulations - Challenges for Metalworking Fluid Formulators
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 5, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: John Howell, Safety, Health and Environmental Specialist at GHS Resources, Inc.
Overview: Among the many challenges metalworking formulators need to understand is how to use the new GHS mixture rules to classify metalworking formulations. Another challenge is where to find raw material classification information if its not yet been provided by your raw material supplier. We will go through OSHA's new tiered approach for mixtures: use test data when available; use bridging principles if applicable and, if neither of these first two approaches work for you, how to estimate hazards based on known ingredient information. We will learn how to use the European Chemicals Agency's Classification and Labeling Inventory to ascertain classification information for raw materials and then work through the algorithms for skin and eye irritation and for acute toxicity. This will give formulators a head start in understanding how metalworking products will be classified under the new rules.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 3
Advanced Report Reading (last event in the CM Data Interpretation Series)
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 11, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, CLS & Editor of TLT
Overview: The final module of this series will impart tips on quickly and effectively reading a standard oil analysis report and move into a review of generalized examples applicable to virtually any application.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 10
[Click here] to register for the entire series - you get access to all 6 recordings for a 10% savings! The events include: Advanced Data Interpretation, Spectrographic Data Interpretation I: Contaminants & Wear, Spectrographic Data Interpretation II: Additive Metals, Physical Properties Data Interpretation, Additional Testing and Advanced Report Reading. You can also purchase each event individually.
Grease Compatibility
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 12, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Heinrich Braun, Global Technical Grease Team Lead, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties
Overview: Grease compatibility is an important consideration when converting from one grease to another. Mixing incompatible greases can produce a lubricant with significantly inferior performance to its constituents, and thus have a negative effect on the ability of the grease mix to perform in the application. This webinar will address grease compatibility based on grease constituents, common observations when mixing incompatible greases, as well as some best practices of grease compatibility testing.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 10
What are you looking forward to in 2013? What are your new year's resolutions? Leave a comment below!
OSHA's New GHS Regulations - Challenges for Metalworking Fluid Formulators
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 5, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: John Howell, Safety, Health and Environmental Specialist at GHS Resources, Inc.
Overview: Among the many challenges metalworking formulators need to understand is how to use the new GHS mixture rules to classify metalworking formulations. Another challenge is where to find raw material classification information if its not yet been provided by your raw material supplier. We will go through OSHA's new tiered approach for mixtures: use test data when available; use bridging principles if applicable and, if neither of these first two approaches work for you, how to estimate hazards based on known ingredient information. We will learn how to use the European Chemicals Agency's Classification and Labeling Inventory to ascertain classification information for raw materials and then work through the algorithms for skin and eye irritation and for acute toxicity. This will give formulators a head start in understanding how metalworking products will be classified under the new rules.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 3
Advanced Report Reading (last event in the CM Data Interpretation Series)
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 11, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, CLS & Editor of TLT
Overview: The final module of this series will impart tips on quickly and effectively reading a standard oil analysis report and move into a review of generalized examples applicable to virtually any application.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 10
[Click here] to register for the entire series - you get access to all 6 recordings for a 10% savings! The events include: Advanced Data Interpretation, Spectrographic Data Interpretation I: Contaminants & Wear, Spectrographic Data Interpretation II: Additive Metals, Physical Properties Data Interpretation, Additional Testing and Advanced Report Reading. You can also purchase each event individually.
Grease Compatibility
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 12, 2012; 12-1pm Central with additional Q&A from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Heinrich Braun, Global Technical Grease Team Lead, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties
Overview: Grease compatibility is an important consideration when converting from one grease to another. Mixing incompatible greases can produce a lubricant with significantly inferior performance to its constituents, and thus have a negative effect on the ability of the grease mix to perform in the application. This webinar will address grease compatibility based on grease constituents, common observations when mixing incompatible greases, as well as some best practices of grease compatibility testing.
Fee: $39 members/$59 non-members
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to register - registration deadline December 10
What are you looking forward to in 2013? What are your new year's resolutions? Leave a comment below!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
November Webinars & Upcoming Regional Education Courses
This month for webinars, we continue our Condition Monitoring series along with three other events focusing on hydraulic fluids and bearings. Registration is now open for all events. You can also get a preview of upcoming education courses below, including our Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course (registration now open) and the courses that will be offered at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Detroit, MI. Scroll down for more details.
Webinars
Classification and Testing of Industrial Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Fluids
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 7, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: John Sherman, Technical Manager, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, BASF Corporation
Overview: Fire is a major hazard of many industrial applications requiring the use of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. This STLE Webinar will review the types of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids currently used for general industry, their classification and protocols for certification including specific test requirements.The properties of the types of fire-resistant fluids as well as aspects of their condition monitoring will also be reviewed.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 5
[Click here] to register for this event
Additional Testing: FTIR, AN, BN, and Particle Counts (fifth event in the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series)
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 14, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, Editor of TLT
Overview: The fifth module of this series will wrap up the individualized parameter review by discussing interpretation of results such as particle count, optical particle classification, acid number and base number.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members for this event; $210 for members and $330 for non-members for the series.
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 12
[Click here] to register for the series
[Click here] to register for this event
Bearing Damage Analysis, Part II - Going Beyond Rolling Element Bearings
Date/Time: Thursday, November 15, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Paul Shiller, Professor, University of Akron
Overview: The purpose of this webinar is to help identify some of the more common types of non-rolling element bearing damage, explain possible causes, and discuss corrective actions. Damage will be discussed in four areas; mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrical and will cover these and other topics: wear from foreign material, fatigue, overload, handling and installation damage, misalignment, corrosion and inadequate lubrication. Discussion areas on "non-rolling" elements will include plain bearings, journal bearings and sliding contact bearings. The discussion may also include other lubricated contact applications: sliding guides, shafts, seals, and ball joints.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 12
[Click here] to purchase Part I: Bearing Damage Analysis in Rolling Element Bearings
[Click here] to register for this event
FREE Webinar: Rolling Element Bearing Test Program Development & Data Analysis for OEM Engineers
Date/Time: November 30, 2012, 12-1pm CT
Presenter: Chris Napoleon, President & Chief Engineer, Napoleon Engineering Services (NES)
Overview: This webinar will focus on different bearing testing strategies and how the data is analyzed to provide a design or test engineer with information that supports the qualification process of rolling element bearings. We'll look at the logic tree associated with bearing qualification then focus on the dynamic tests that can be done, test plan development and methodology, data analysis and comparison of test data to field data. This webinar is ideal for those individuals who are trying to understand or develop a rolling element bearing qualification program for new product development or negotiating through the global supply chain.
Fee: FREE to attend for STLE members and non-members
[Click here] to register
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to download Chris' previous presentation, The Value of Inspection and Testing on Global Bearing Sourcing
Upcoming Local Education Courses
Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course
Date/Time: 2 1/2 day course held February 19-21, 2013 (Tues-Thurs)
Location: Hampton Inn at the Airport, 8600 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Instructors: Dr. Neil Canter and Dr. Frederick Passman
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive overview of metalworking fluids, and is led by industry-renowned experts. The course is tailored to provide you with a comprehensive look at the latest techniques and practices that are sure to improve your metalworking fluid operation. The course gives you the opportunity to review the various operations that use metalworking fluids, explore the fundamentals of fluid and additive chemistry, analyze factors that affect the quality of metalworking fluids and the work environment, learn about the unique aspects of metalworking fluid microbiology and toxicology, and review a broad range of condition monitoring tests, learning how to use condition monitoring to manage metalworking fluids in individual sumps and large central systems.
Course Fee: $600 for STLE members; $735 for non-members (includes 1 year of free membership)
Inclusions: Course book/materials, lunch on full course days, breaks, additional resources
You can also sample the local Philadelphia Section's monthly technical meeting on February 21. Click here for details.
[Click here] for course details
[Click here] to view the course flyer
[Click here] to register
Annual Meeting Education Courses
We took your feedback from last year and have added or changed the following elements:
Sunday, May 5
Will you be attending any of our upcoming events? Which course and why that one?
If you're not attending anything, what would you like us to offer that you don't see offered?
Webinars
Classification and Testing of Industrial Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Fluids
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 7, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: John Sherman, Technical Manager, Fuel and Lubricant Solutions, BASF Corporation
Overview: Fire is a major hazard of many industrial applications requiring the use of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. This STLE Webinar will review the types of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids currently used for general industry, their classification and protocols for certification including specific test requirements.The properties of the types of fire-resistant fluids as well as aspects of their condition monitoring will also be reviewed.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 5
[Click here] to register for this event
Additional Testing: FTIR, AN, BN, and Particle Counts (fifth event in the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series)
Date/Time: Wednesday, November 14, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, Editor of TLT
Overview: The fifth module of this series will wrap up the individualized parameter review by discussing interpretation of results such as particle count, optical particle classification, acid number and base number.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members for this event; $210 for members and $330 for non-members for the series.
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 12
[Click here] to register for the series
[Click here] to register for this event
Bearing Damage Analysis, Part II - Going Beyond Rolling Element Bearings
Date/Time: Thursday, November 15, 2012; 12-1pm CT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Paul Shiller, Professor, University of Akron
Overview: The purpose of this webinar is to help identify some of the more common types of non-rolling element bearing damage, explain possible causes, and discuss corrective actions. Damage will be discussed in four areas; mechanical, chemical, thermal, and electrical and will cover these and other topics: wear from foreign material, fatigue, overload, handling and installation damage, misalignment, corrosion and inadequate lubrication. Discussion areas on "non-rolling" elements will include plain bearings, journal bearings and sliding contact bearings. The discussion may also include other lubricated contact applications: sliding guides, shafts, seals, and ball joints.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 12
[Click here] to purchase Part I: Bearing Damage Analysis in Rolling Element Bearings
[Click here] to register for this event
FREE Webinar: Rolling Element Bearing Test Program Development & Data Analysis for OEM Engineers
Date/Time: November 30, 2012, 12-1pm CT
Presenter: Chris Napoleon, President & Chief Engineer, Napoleon Engineering Services (NES)
Overview: This webinar will focus on different bearing testing strategies and how the data is analyzed to provide a design or test engineer with information that supports the qualification process of rolling element bearings. We'll look at the logic tree associated with bearing qualification then focus on the dynamic tests that can be done, test plan development and methodology, data analysis and comparison of test data to field data. This webinar is ideal for those individuals who are trying to understand or develop a rolling element bearing qualification program for new product development or negotiating through the global supply chain.
Fee: FREE to attend for STLE members and non-members
[Click here] to register
[Click here] for more information
[Click here] to download Chris' previous presentation, The Value of Inspection and Testing on Global Bearing Sourcing
Upcoming Local Education Courses
Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course
Date/Time: 2 1/2 day course held February 19-21, 2013 (Tues-Thurs)
Location: Hampton Inn at the Airport, 8600 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Instructors: Dr. Neil Canter and Dr. Frederick Passman
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive overview of metalworking fluids, and is led by industry-renowned experts. The course is tailored to provide you with a comprehensive look at the latest techniques and practices that are sure to improve your metalworking fluid operation. The course gives you the opportunity to review the various operations that use metalworking fluids, explore the fundamentals of fluid and additive chemistry, analyze factors that affect the quality of metalworking fluids and the work environment, learn about the unique aspects of metalworking fluid microbiology and toxicology, and review a broad range of condition monitoring tests, learning how to use condition monitoring to manage metalworking fluids in individual sumps and large central systems.
Course Fee: $600 for STLE members; $735 for non-members (includes 1 year of free membership)
Inclusions: Course book/materials, lunch on full course days, breaks, additional resources
You can also sample the local Philadelphia Section's monthly technical meeting on February 21. Click here for details.
[Click here] for course details
[Click here] to view the course flyer
[Click here] to register
Annual Meeting Education Courses
We took your feedback from last year and have added or changed the following elements:
- We revamped those courses that received constructive criticism from the previous year.
- We've added two entirely new courses - including a new bearings course from ABMA and a co-hosted course with ASM International addressing corrosion.
- We're offering 12 courses this year, including 2 more course options than ever before, which means more choice for you, so you can find a course that matches your professional development needs.
- All education courses come with a boxed lunch and coffee (set up before the course starts, so you can get the most out of the morning and afternoon!).
Sunday, May 5
- An Introduction to Corrosion - NEW (co-hosted with ASM International)
- Basic Lubrication 101
- BioFuels & Lubes
- Condition Monitoring 301: CM in the 21st Century
- Metalworking 105: Metal Forming Fluids
- Synthetic Lubrication Overview
- Grease and Rolling Element Bearings - NEW (co-hosted with ABMA)
- Basic Lubrication 102
- Advanced Lubrication 301
- Automotive Lubrication - Gasoline
- Hydraulics
- Metalworking 250: Understanding and Controlling Metal Removal Fluid Failure
Will you be attending any of our upcoming events? Which course and why that one?
If you're not attending anything, what would you like us to offer that you don't see offered?
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
2012 IJTC Keynote Summary
If you missed this year's IJTC, or if you missed the keynote while you were there, you may be interested in taking a look at this one-of-a-kind presentation now.
Frankie Flood, professor at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and this year's keynote presenter, was kind enough to provide a copy of his presentation, and a link to the video that was also played during the presentation - The Making of a Medallion.
The talk features multiple projects, provides some great insight into UMW's programs and conveys the overall theme of the talk entitled Material, Form and Function: The Art of Tribology. You can get more information at Flood's website, his blog, or read our pre-conference interview with him. Enjoy!
The Making of a Medallion from frankie flood on Vimeo.
Frankie Flood, professor at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and this year's keynote presenter, was kind enough to provide a copy of his presentation, and a link to the video that was also played during the presentation - The Making of a Medallion.
The talk features multiple projects, provides some great insight into UMW's programs and conveys the overall theme of the talk entitled Material, Form and Function: The Art of Tribology. You can get more information at Flood's website, his blog, or read our pre-conference interview with him. Enjoy!
The Making of a Medallion from frankie flood on Vimeo.
Presentation Summaries from IJTC 2012
We're looking to provide some more information post-conference for those who attended the 2012 IJTC. To that end, if you're a presenter and would like to provide an executive summary of your presentation, or you attended a session(s) that you'd like to write about, just let us know. Below you will find two presentations that were given by STLE member, Chad Chichester.
Not All Silicone Fluids are Created Equally
Silicone fluids have been used for decades as lubricants in severe duty applications. Their extremely high viscosity indices and high onset oxidation temperatures, perform well in applications in extreme environments and conditions, specifically where operating temperatures are very low and/or very high. However, silicone lubricants often fall under scrutiny and are incorrectly criticized for having lower load carrying capacities, resulting in higher equipment wear rates. This assertion is not necessarily accurate for all silicone fluids used in lubricant formulations.
This presentation provided an initial overview of basic silicone molecular structure, including pendent structures of dimethyl siloxane, phenylmethyl siloxane, and trifluoropropyl siloxane, as well as alkyl and alkoxy end group structures. Lubrication characteristics of dimethyl, phenyl methyl, and trifluoropropyl silicone fluids used as lubricants were discussed and compared to some organic base fluids. Lubricant test results, like viscosity index, SRV, and 4-ball wear scar comparing various silicone fluids to organic fluids were also shared. Furthermore, test results from newly synthesized silicones were provided showing improved load carrying and wear properties. This information supports the statement that not all silicone fluids are created equally, and that some may provide as good, or in some cases superior lubricant performance compared to existing organic lubricating fluids.
Reliability and Maintainability of Wind Machines Through Proper Lubrication
Generally speaking, large wind energy applications combine low (rotor) speeds and high (generator) speeds for geared turbines, as well as high loads. Wind equipment is expected to operate for twenty years in remote locations, under extreme environmental conditions (wind, sun, rain) that lead to high and low temperatures, and humidity. These challenges translate to difficult maintainability and ultimately unsatisfactory reliability.
This presentation explored benchmark results used in developing unique solid lubricant packages used in lubricant grease and anti-seize paste formulations. These solid lubricants contribute to reduced wear and friction and decreased equipment failure (ex. main rotor bearing wear, pitch bearing riffeling, and threaded connector seizure and galling). To conclude, an executive summary of Department of Energy Award Project DE-EE0001364, which focused on alternative lubricating fluid chemistries intended to be used as “lifetime” wind turbine gearbox lubricants was presented. The intended outcome is to provide the audience with the knowledge to apply the aforementioned lubricant technologies, with the aim of improving reliability and maintainability to better optimize utilization of wind machines.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Your Post-Conference To-Do List
Here is a quick list of things you should do once you get back from any industry conference - once the jet lag or the gallons of coffee wear off...
- Sort through business cards you got at the event. Hopefully, you made notes on the back of each card to make the next step easier. Put them into piles - those that require immediate attention and those you can wait a day or two to follow up with.
- Send some emails and connect online with those you met at the conference. You should include some of the items you discussed or at least where you met. Make it personalized so that person feels like the interaction was important. Use business cards to find these folks online - via LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.
- Follow up on action items - chances are you added some to-dos to your list while at the conference, so be sure to make good on what you promised.
- Review your notes and share what you learned - organize and start to create a report for yourself on what you attended, what you learned, what you'd like to learn more about, and so on. Some supervisors ask that you create a report of the event, but even if they don't, consider copying them anyway. It never hurts to provide some tangible ROI (in preparation for next year), and you can send notes to your colleagues to share ideas and information from the meeting. You may also consider posting your summaries, photos and other media on a blog or on STLE's blog to share with other conference attendees - it's a great way to maintain the dialogue and make new contacts. If you want to be a conference blogger, just let me know via email klemar@stle.org. We'd love to have your perspective!
- Search for blogs and other items published by fellow attendees - make comments and follow up with their input - you may make even hear about something you missed.
- Start planning for next year - if you are considering presenting, attending or participating in some other way, start planning for it now. You'll have an advantage when your work starts to pile up later in the year.
- And, if you feel like it, unpack somewhere before or between steps 1 and 6.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course to be held in Philadelphia, PA
Course Details
Course Fee: $600 for STLE members; $735 for non-members (includes 1 year of free membership)
Inclusions: Course book/materials, lunch on full course days, breaks, additional resources
You can also sample the local Philadelphia Section's monthly technical meeting on February 21. Click here for details. Please note: registration for the meeting is separate from the course. You'll need to register through the Philadelphia Section.
[Click here] for course details
[Click here] to register - registration deadline is January 16, 2013 (deadline is for course registration, hotel booking and CMFS exam sitting).
Benefits
“Having little experience with Metalworking Fluids, this course appeared to be a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of these products, without having a lean towards one manufacturer or type of product. The presenters appeared very informed on their topics, and the case studies were a good way to help observe how to investigate different issues tied to metalworking fluids. I also appreciated the electronic copies of the presentations to have as references. I would recommend this course to people in a position such as myself, where one has some familiarity with Metalworking Fluids, but does not have intricate knowledge of them.” -Mitchell Hunt, John Deere
"I learned more than I thought I would and I have a greater appreciation for formulators and troubleshooters in Metalworking Fluids." - Course Attendee
"I took this course in order to increase my knowledge of the metalworking fluid market. As an additive supplier I wanted to gather insight on the issues my customers face with their own customers. What I received was my expectations and more. I not only learned problem solving for a machine shop but learned more about microbiology and ways to combat it with metalworking fluids. I thought the instructors were very knowledgeable and were able to reach a diverse audience with both basic terminology and also expanding the terminology for those who were advanced. The information presented at this course is so good, I believe I will take the course in the future to help review the topics presented and I am sure I will pick up new ideas.” -Jason Pesek, Polartech
"The course is taught by industry veterans whose insight and experience is both enlightening and intriguing to anyone with basic knowledge of the field and seeking to further develop their skills." - Course Attendee
"STLE's Metalworking Fluids Management Certificate Course is a keystone for any one involved in the business. The instructors and staff are very informed and helpful." - Tim Harris, Chrysan Industries
"The course was hugely beneficial. Lots of info I didn't know I was missing. Course material will be useful for me and other people in the lab." - Lina Nashif, Lube-Tech
Will you be attending the 2013 MWF Management Certificate Course? If so, what would you like to learn?
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| View the Course Flyer |
The Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course is back for 2013, and registration is now open!
Date/Time: 2 1/2 day course held February 19-21, 2013 (Tues-Thurs)
Location: Hampton Inn at the Airport, 8600 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153
Instructors: Dr. Neil Canter and Dr. Frederick Passman
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| View the Course Agenda |
Overview: This course provides a comprehensive overview of metalworking fluids, and is led by industry-renowned experts. The course is tailored to provide you with a comprehensive look at the latest techniques and practices that are sure to improve your metalworking fluid operation. The course gives you the opportunity to review the various operations that use metalworking fluids, explore the fundamentals of fluid and additive chemistry, analyze factors that affect the quality of metalworking fluids and the work environment, learn about the unique aspects of metalworking fluid microbiology and toxicology, and review a broad range of condition monitoring tests, learning how to use condition monitoring to manage metalworking fluids in individual sumps and large central systems.
Course Fee: $600 for STLE members; $735 for non-members (includes 1 year of free membership)
Inclusions: Course book/materials, lunch on full course days, breaks, additional resources
You can also sample the local Philadelphia Section's monthly technical meeting on February 21. Click here for details. Please note: registration for the meeting is separate from the course. You'll need to register through the Philadelphia Section.
[Click here] for course details
[Click here] to register - registration deadline is January 16, 2013 (deadline is for course registration, hotel booking and CMFS exam sitting).
Benefits
- Actively participate in case studies, quiz balls, open panel discussions and more - giving you an opportunity to apply and discuss the concepts you've just learned
- Grow your network during lunch by interacting and having discussions with course participants and instructors
- Solve common MWF problems and challenges - including those you've experienced on a daily basis
- Stay up-to-date with an overview of hot topics in the industry and how they apply to you and your work
- Document what you've learned with an optional post-course exam (different from the CMFS exam sitting)
- Maximize your time by attending training and taking the CMFS exam in one fell swoop (exam is offered only if requisite attendance is met, and is separate from the course post-exam; the sitting will take place on Thursday afternoon, after the course has concluded).
“Having little experience with Metalworking Fluids, this course appeared to be a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of these products, without having a lean towards one manufacturer or type of product. The presenters appeared very informed on their topics, and the case studies were a good way to help observe how to investigate different issues tied to metalworking fluids. I also appreciated the electronic copies of the presentations to have as references. I would recommend this course to people in a position such as myself, where one has some familiarity with Metalworking Fluids, but does not have intricate knowledge of them.” -Mitchell Hunt, John Deere
"I took this course in order to increase my knowledge of the metalworking fluid market. As an additive supplier I wanted to gather insight on the issues my customers face with their own customers. What I received was my expectations and more. I not only learned problem solving for a machine shop but learned more about microbiology and ways to combat it with metalworking fluids. I thought the instructors were very knowledgeable and were able to reach a diverse audience with both basic terminology and also expanding the terminology for those who were advanced. The information presented at this course is so good, I believe I will take the course in the future to help review the topics presented and I am sure I will pick up new ideas.” -Jason Pesek, Polartech
"STLE's Metalworking Fluids Management Certificate Course is a keystone for any one involved in the business. The instructors and staff are very informed and helpful." - Tim Harris, Chrysan Industries
Will you be attending the 2013 MWF Management Certificate Course? If so, what would you like to learn?
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Surviving a Conference: Essential Tools You Must Have!
Whether you're attending the upcoming #IJTC2012, or you're planning on attending #STLE2013 in Detroit, MI, here are some great tools that could come in handy as you walk around the show or prepare for your trip:
What are your tips, tricks and best practices for attending a conference? What apps, tools, resources or websites would you recommend for the upcoming meeting? Leave a comment and make suggestions for your fellow travelers!
- TaxiMagic: a travel app to help you get from the conference to the airport and back
- GroupMe: free group text messaging - use with co-workers or colleagues on site to coordinate plans
- Evernote: take notes and share with others at the conference (if you're into sharing)
- Cardmunch: iPhone app that allows you to scan a card on the spot, connect with that person on LinkedIn and make notes about the conversation and when/where you met them. You can also send emails to the contact from the app and forward the contact to your other accounts or to someone else.
- #IJTC2012 and #STLE2013: use the Twitter hashtag to keep up with the conference - including sessions you cannot attend, connecting with other attendees and making your own comments/notes for post-conference use. If following, use a social media management/monitoring tool to keep up with discussions and tweetable tidbits (i.e. Tweetchat, Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, etc.); you can also use Storify to organize all the relevant items mentioned about the conference that you've found on social media
- Flickr: share photos in real time on STLE's photo stream either by uploading your own photos or by tagging yourself and friends in the photos we post. You could use any photo-sharing site - another popular site is Picasa. If you want it on the go, you can use Instagram.
What are your tips, tricks and best practices for attending a conference? What apps, tools, resources or websites would you recommend for the upcoming meeting? Leave a comment and make suggestions for your fellow travelers!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
20 Minutes with Frankie Flood, #IJTC2012 Keynote
How were you first introduced to tribology? How did you get into this field? I was introduced to the formal field of tribology by a engineering colleague at my University. But I was introduced to tribology as a real world application as a young boy when I rebuilt my first combustion engine. Since then my knowledge of the field of tribology has grown through my personal research. Using machine tools to create my artistic work as well as teaching industrial processes and methodologies to my students as ways of creating new designs, ideas, and objects has lead to interesting investigations into tribology.
Did anyone inspire you, or serve as your mentor? If so, who? I have had several mentors that have helped me achieve my professional goals and helped me navigate the institution, but the largest inspiration has been my parents in supporting my interests as a child and encouraging me to follow my academic interests. My talk will discuss some of my early experiences which helped guide me to this point.
What led you to teaching? I was fortunate enough to have several teachers throughout my life that encouraged me to pursue my interests in the academic setting. These same teachers were passionate about what it was that they taught and practiced. I remember being enthralled by the knowledge and experience that they had and how exciting it was to learn new things from them. The sharing of knowledge is at the core of human existence and I can’t think of any other profession that I would rather be a part of. Seeing my students eyes light up when there is a moment of discovery and getting to pursue the things that I am passionate about makes my job the best in the world.
What is a typical work day like for you and what do you enjoy most? I teach three studio courses in Art & Design (Jewelry and Metalsmithing specifically) per semester so every other day is a complete day of teaching from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. Our studio courses are two and half hours long and usually involve several demonstrations on metal working techniques and hands on lab based work. The days that I am not teaching are usually filled with meetings with graduate students/faculty meetings/ and time developing UWM’s new Digital Craft Research Lab. I usually reserve part of Friday and Saturday for time in my personal studio to develop my own work and research.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is the fact that it centers around the act of learning. I feel that it is important to cultivate the idea of becoming a lifelong learner. I really enjoy the interactions with my students. Being able to work in a collaborative environment with students who are actively engaged in solving design or technical problems makes me look forward to my daily routine. It is such a privilege for me to be able to learn from these interactions as well. I also enjoy my personal time in my studio as this is time for me to experiment and test different ideas with a hands on approach to design, material, and technique.
Why do you study metallurgy and tribology? What’s the link for you between these fields and art? My interest in machines started at an early age. I was always interested in how things worked and when I was introduced to the field of metalsmithing I was hooked. The techniques of metalworking always relied on a basic scientific knowledge of what was happening when you “worked” the metal. The challenge of knowing what is happening to a material as you work with it is still something that intrigues me and that I utilize in the creation of my ideas, work, and research. The link between metallurgy and tribology with the field of art is understanding material, design, and function
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| Pizza cutter made for Bravo's Top Chef, Mike Isabella |
Where do your project ideas come from? What’s your inspiration? My project ideas usually come from some kind of technical exploration or a need to express an idea about a certain topic. The investigation of learning about how machines “work” and the ideas of function have always been topics of interest. I am inspired by the objects that we surround ourselves with in our daily lives, and the routines, rituals, and leisure that we engage in with these objects. These objects and their function shape our world and define us and that is such an interesting source of inspiration to me.
What kinds of materials do you use? Why these materials? I primarily utilize metal (specifically 6061/6062 aluminum) for most of my creations, but also utilize plastics and composites in the creation of my work. Aluminum has always been a metal of choice for me due to it low weight, ability to be colored via anodizing, workability, etc. It is easy to machine and this allows for a wide range of surfaces to be developed into a object. Aluminum has also always been a metal used primarily in industry and so many of my pieces are responses to the mass produced objects of industry.What comes first: the project design or the material? Does the choice of material influence your design? The project design and function always dictates material choice. That said, the materials that I utilize always have meaning and therefore cannot be divorced from the thought behind a piece.
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| Flood in his studio, next to his pizza cutter designs |
How do you determine when a project is finished? A project is finished when it has been completed to a level that I am content with in terms of final finish (aka. craftsmanship), function, design, and design intent. If any one of these are not up to my personal standard then the piece is not considered complete.
How do you encourage innovative thinking among your students or colleagues? I try to encourage innovative thinking in my classroom by asking my students to design without limitations and to ask themselves “what if...?”. If we only use the techniques, materials, and procedures we already know then we are limited and not exploring “what could be”. I ask my students to dream big and then together, as a group, we will solve the issues or barriers that keep us from doing what we set out to do. There is no barrier too large that can’t be solved and often the limitations that you are faced with will force you to solve the problem in creative and innovative ways. I also stress the importance of “making” or prototyping. Working with a material and seeing how things react informs the design and problem solving process as well as future knowledge. There is no substitute for the hands on approach to learning.
What should other researchers take away from your approach/methods? Generating ideas is at the center of solving problems and creating innovative solutions, but the creative process also involves testing, making, responding, and remaking. I hope to encourage researchers to embrace making, current technology and do it yourself ingenuity. Increasing the ability of our students to problem solve through their knowledge of material, design, and function will have a large impact on the ideas and objects that are developed in the future and will lead to new jobs and fields of study.You'll have a chance to meet Frankie at the 2012 IJTC, which will be held October 8-10, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Click here for more information or to register for the conference. If you have any questions for him, feel free to pose them in the comments below.
Monday, September 24, 2012
October Webinars: Learn More About Gears, Grease and Condition Monitoring
The third event in the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation will take place on Wednesday, wrapping up our webinars for September. Looking forward to October, we'll feature the following events:
FREE Membership Webinar on STLE's Certification Programs
Date/Time: October 3, 2012; 12-1 pm CDT
Presenter: Alicia Shearer, STLE's Certification Programs Administrator
Overview: In this webinar, you'll learn how to navigate the in's and out's of STLE's certification programs including the CLS (Certified Lubrication Specialist), OMA (Oil Monitoring Analyst) and CMFS (Certified Metalworking Fluid Specialist) Programs. These certifications have been shown to increase your salary and provide a boost to your career. For each program, you will learn: Who is it for? Preparation Resources, as well as how to find exam sittings, register for an exam and what happens once you obtain your certification - notification as well as recertification requirements.
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Fundamentals of Industrial Enclosed Gears & Their Lubrication
Date/Time: October 11, 2012; 12-1pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30 pm
Instructor: Lawrence Ludwig, Chief Chemist/Technical Director, Schaeffer Manufacturing Company
Abstract: In this webinar you will learn about basic gear fundamentals, the different types of industrial gear lubricants that can be used, some of the important properties and industrial gear lubricant should possess and the proper selection of the type of industrial gear lubricant to use.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Fundamentals of Grease
Date/Time: October 25, 2012; 12-1pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Robert M. Gresham, STLE's Director of Professional Development
Abstract: This presentation will give you a working knowledge of greases, provided through an overview of grease types, their manufacture, testing, and industry applications.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Physical Properties Data Interpretation (part of the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series includes 6 events including Alarm Limits, Spectrographic Data Interpretation I/II: Contaminants & Wear, Additive Metals, Physical Properties, Additional Testing and Advanced Report Reading)
Date/Time: October 31, 2012; 12-1 pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, CLS & Editor of TLT
Abstract: The fourth module of this series will transition over to correct interpretation of the changes found in the physical and chemical properties of the oil, such as viscosity, FTIR (soot, oxidation, nitration and sulphation) and checks for fuel, water and glycol.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
If you have any questions, just contact Kara Sniegowski at klemar@stle.org or at (847) 825-5536. 2013 planning is going on now, so feel free to also send topic suggestions.
FREE Membership Webinar on STLE's Certification Programs
Date/Time: October 3, 2012; 12-1 pm CDT
Presenter: Alicia Shearer, STLE's Certification Programs Administrator
Overview: In this webinar, you'll learn how to navigate the in's and out's of STLE's certification programs including the CLS (Certified Lubrication Specialist), OMA (Oil Monitoring Analyst) and CMFS (Certified Metalworking Fluid Specialist) Programs. These certifications have been shown to increase your salary and provide a boost to your career. For each program, you will learn: Who is it for? Preparation Resources, as well as how to find exam sittings, register for an exam and what happens once you obtain your certification - notification as well as recertification requirements.
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Fundamentals of Industrial Enclosed Gears & Their Lubrication
Date/Time: October 11, 2012; 12-1pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30 pm
Instructor: Lawrence Ludwig, Chief Chemist/Technical Director, Schaeffer Manufacturing Company
Abstract: In this webinar you will learn about basic gear fundamentals, the different types of industrial gear lubricants that can be used, some of the important properties and industrial gear lubricant should possess and the proper selection of the type of industrial gear lubricant to use.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Fundamentals of Grease
Date/Time: October 25, 2012; 12-1pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Robert M. Gresham, STLE's Director of Professional Development
Abstract: This presentation will give you a working knowledge of greases, provided through an overview of grease types, their manufacture, testing, and industry applications.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
Physical Properties Data Interpretation (part of the Condition Monitoring Data Interpretation Series includes 6 events including Alarm Limits, Spectrographic Data Interpretation I/II: Contaminants & Wear, Additive Metals, Physical Properties, Additional Testing and Advanced Report Reading)
Date/Time: October 31, 2012; 12-1 pm CDT with additional Q&A time from 1-1:30pm
Instructor: Evan Zabawski, CLS & Editor of TLT
Abstract: The fourth module of this series will transition over to correct interpretation of the changes found in the physical and chemical properties of the oil, such as viscosity, FTIR (soot, oxidation, nitration and sulphation) and checks for fuel, water and glycol.
Fee: $39 for members; $59 for non-members
[Click here] for event information
[Click here] to register
If you have any questions, just contact Kara Sniegowski at klemar@stle.org or at (847) 825-5536. 2013 planning is going on now, so feel free to also send topic suggestions.
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