Space Tribology with Chris DellaCorte, Senior Research Tribologist, NASA

In this interview, we talk to Chris DellaCorte, Senior Research Tribologist at NASA's Glenn Research Center. We cover some background and definitions including the difference between solid and liquid lubricants, as well as research updates - his work on Nitinol, a new material for bearings, the S.A.R.J. relubrication project (pictured at right), new developments in the field, and what changes might come about as a result of the conclusion of the Shuttle Program. Listen to the episode for more details (click the link to open or save the file), click the play button above, or read/translate the transcript.

Visit our website for more information on space tribology, including two articles that Chris has written: History's Ultimate Lube Job, and A Blue Moon for Tribology. If you're interested in more information on space tribology, you can listen to the previous interview we did with Brandon Krick, a graduate student working on MISSE7 (Materials on the International Space Station Experiment).

October Webinar: Synthetics - Existing and Emerging Materials with Ken Hope

Join us on October 19, 2011 for this month's webinar on Synthetics: Existing and Emerging Materials given by Dr. Ken Hope.

Bio: Ken has almost 20 years of experience in the lubricant industry. Ken is the PAO Technology Research Fellow at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and is responsible for the product development, process improvement and technical service for PAO Technology. With STLE, among many other activities, he has organized the Lube School in Houston and participated as an instructor at the Houston, Chicago, and Oklahoma sections as well as instructed the synthetics module of the Basic Lubricants course at the Annual Meeting for the last 13 years.

Abstract: This presentation will provide an overview of the synthetic base oils that are currently in use, including a brief history of synthetics, the physical and chemical properties of synthetics, and advantages/disadvantages with regard to current and potential applications. Ken will also cover several new products that have come to the market within the last year such as polyalphaolefins and polyalkalene glycols, and take a look at future trends in lubricant applications as it applies to synthetics.

For more details, view the event flyer or event listing. Registration deadline is October 17. The event will take place on October 19, 2011, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT with a bonus Q&A session from 1-1:30 p.m. - this means you get more content for your time, and all the time you need for questions. If you need to leave at the end of the hour, you can always access the additional questions and answers through your Training Menu as we make the transcript available for the Q&A portion. You will attend this event through your STLE University Training Menu. Access information is sent to you upon purchase. Pricing is $39/$59 for members/non-members. You must log in to see the correct pricing. Your purchase includes access to the live event, reading/reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied in the recertification process.

Be sure to join us for this educational event featuring an expert in the field. We hope to see you online! Click here to register and secure your seat today. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. If you have any quesitons or would like to register multiple people, please contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

A Love/Hate Relationship with Oil Analysis

In the latest episode, Charles Gay, Senior Data Analyst at Analysts, Inc. discusses oil sampling and analysis. He covers his article released in the August issue of TLT, and expands on the subject matter, going into detail on the existence of a love/hate relationship with oil analysis. Sometimes, oil analysis and sampling can be misunderstood or misused, and Charles offers solutions to get a good sample, every time.

Charles started in the industry over 35 years ago, and has been an STLE member for over 25 years. He provides training and technical support both internally and externally for staff and customers at Analysts, Inc. He has presented at local STLE sections, is currently the Chair of the Atlanta section, and is CLS and OMA certified.

Click the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read the transcript. Make sure you read the TLT article, "20 Minutes with Charles Gay" which appeared in the August issue of TLT. You can also click here to view the most recent issue and explore the online archives. Visit our website for more information, articles and research on oil sampling and analysis. You can get a taste of some of the articles that have been written on the subject by reading: "Strategic Oil Analysis: Lubricant Sampling for Quality Results."

Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course - Reg Deadline, Oct 7!

Don't forget to register for STLE's upcoming Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course! This course is a great way to stay updated and to have proof of your expertise in the field (with an optional post-exam covering course concepts). Make sure to refer this information to your colleagues, as the pre-registration deadline is coming up very quickly - October 7, 2011! If you register by this date, you will get a free copy of the STLE White Paper, Development of Guildines for Using and Maintaining Metalworking Fluids. Be sure to get in while there's still time. The final deadline to register is October 25.

Also, if you'd like to sit for a certification exam (CMFS, CLS, or OMA I/II), you will need to register by October 14 (3 weeks before the date, to ensure there is enough participation to hold the exam sitting).

The instructors include Fred Passman and Gary Rodak. STLE staff will also be present for any administrative or course facilitation needs. Look for both Alicia and Kara at the course. We hope to see you there!

Metalworking Fluid Additvies: Amines & Microbicides with Jerry Byers

In this episode, Jerry Byers, Manager of Product Research & Development at Cimcool, discusses metalworking fluid additives, amines, microbicides, and the chemistry used to make these products. Given the fear that additives sometimes elicit (speaking specifically about diethanolamide), Jerry tries to dispel any misconceptions and argues for the proper use of both amines and microbicides. Download the episode, click on the play button above, or read the transcript to listen to our discussion.

Visit our website for more information about MWFs, additives, amines and microbicides. If you want to learn more about microbicides, check out Microbial Problems in MWFs or Current Trends in MWF Microbicides. You can also purchase the webinar given by Dr. Fred Passman on the subject of Biofilm Control. For a primer, you can purchase the Metalworking Fluids online course, or read the Lubricant Fundamentals article (which appears in TLT), Basics of MWFs.

For more information, check out these articles, as suggested by Jerry: Selecting the 'Perfect' Metalworking Fluid, A Watchful Eye on Amines, and Debunking the Myths about Formaldehyde Condensates and Metalworking Fluids. Jerry has also written a book, Metalworking Fluids, Second Edition - click here to read the review.

STLE Online Education Feature - Short Courses: Lubricant Composition and Metalworking Fluids

As we approach the Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course in November - if you are looking to attend the course, or if you just want to gain a background on metalworking fluids, take a look at our Short Courses - both the Lubricant Composition short course (which includes a discussion on additives, as well as other discussions on base oils and greases), and the Metalworking Fluids short course. The MWF Short Course covers the types and functions of metalworking fluids and guidelines for recommending a specific application, as well as metal removal fluids. In addition, a module on Metal Forming will be released soon. If you're looking to lay a good foundation of knowledge before the MWF Course or create a good jumping off point for your career, these are two good places to start. You can also take a look at our other short courses available including Basic Lubrication and Fluid Management & Recycling. These courses are not just good resources, but they can also be applied towards recertification, aiding your career in more ways than one. See below for screenshots from the Metalworking Fluids Short Course.

Extending Rolling Element Bearing Life: The Interdependence of Lubrication, Environment and Material with Dan Snyder

In this episode, we talk to Dan Snyder who discusses the interrelated forces that come into play when selecting and utilizing bearings. Having worked in the industry for 50 years, Dan has seen many changes and improvements that have greatly affected bearing performance. We take advantage of his experience while covering his thoughts on ISO 281:2007, bearing life factors, things to consider for different applications, and his advice for OEMs and end users. Click on the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript.

Dan's best practices for extending bearing life: "Be sure you identify the actual operating conditions for the bearing and select your lubrication accordingly. Use a good quality bearing from a reputable supplier, use recommended practices for both installation and lubrication and be aware how changes in machine use can affect bearing life. Today, maintaining the proper lubricant quality and cleanness through a rigorous condition monitoring program can go a long way."

What are your best practices?

STLE is dedicated to providing you with up-to-date information on the latest developments in the tribology community. Visit our website for more news and information on extending bearing life, and look below for resources to spark further discussion and debate, or just get informed on the key issues and concepts.

Resources

• Article: Selecting Rolling Element Bearings for Modern Applications - includes a quick-reference list of factors to consider at each stage of the bearing selection process


• Article: Optimizing Bearing Service Life - offers specific strategies on how to extend bearing life in practice


• Article: When Bad Things Happen to Good Bearings - key questions that form a simple guide you can use to diagnose a problem


• Article: Updating DaVinci: The Role of Computers in Bearing Design - includes interviews with 5 STLE members on their perspective and the evolution of bearing design


• Article: Lubricant Selection: Bearings, Gear Drives and Hydraulics - includes detail on lubricants and additives to use with different bearing types


• Article: An Engineering Guide for Bearing Selection - covers a different perspective on selection, including information on all types of bearings


• Article: ISO 281:2007 Bearing Life Standard: And the Answer Is? - an interview with some of those involved with the development of the standard, presenting their case in favor of it


• Article: In Search of a Fatigue Limit: A Critique of ISO 281:2007 - presents the argument for a lack of data to support the standard, and why it should be withdrawn


• Book: Life Factors for Rolling Bearings (on CD) - edited by Erwin Zaretsky and covers failure modes, materials and processing, bearing load, lubrication, and application of life factors. 300 pages. Available for purchase in the STLE Store


• Webinar: Bearing Damage Analysis with Dr. Paul Shiller - presentation covering how to analyze, diagnose and prevent bearing damage. Available for purchase in the STLE Store

Upcoming Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course - Registration Now Open!

Join us in Southfield, Michigan (USA) for the 2011 STLE Metalworking Fluid Management Certificate Course. The course gives you updated knowledge, techniques and best practices, as well as proof of your continuing education to take back to your workplace!

Registration is now open! Register now to ensure your place in this very popular education course. View the flyer, event details, or read the overview below for more details. Click here to register.

When: November 1-3, 2011 (2 1/2 day course)

Where: Engineering Society of Detroit, 20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450, Southfield, MI

Instructors: Fred Passman (bottom right) and Gary Rodak (top right)

Registration Deadline: October 1, 2011

Cost: $550 for members, $650 for non-members

A Certification Exam sitting will be offered the day after the course concludes on November 4. Click here to register (registration closes 2 weeks prior to exam date).

A hotel block has been set up at the Westin Southfield, which is only a 10 minute walk or 3 minute drive from the Engineering Society of Detroit's facility. Click here to see the map. The block rate is $105/night.

If you need some background or would like something extra - you can pick up the Metalworking Fluids, Second Edition, textbook, written by Jerry P. Byers. Click here to read a review of the book.

September Webinar: The USDA's BioPreferred Program with Rudy Pruszko

Join us on September 21, 2011 for this month's webinar on the USDA's BioPreferred Program, given by Rudy Pruszko. Rudy is an Industrial Specialist with the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University. He is currently working on the program as a project manager to assist in the development and implementation of supporting systems in the program, including the area of complex assemblies. The presentation will provide a brief background of the BioPreferred Program and the new USDA Labeling Program. For more details, view the flyer, event listing, or read the overview below.

What: USDA BioPreferred Program Certification - Double Your Market Advantage

Who: Rudy Pruszko, Industrial Specialist, CIRAS at Iowa State University

When: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CDT, with bonus Q&A 1-1:30 p.m.

Where: STLE University, broadcast directly to your computer

Abstract: See the event listing for more information

Cost: $39 for members, $59 for non-members

The registration deadline is Monday, September 19, 2011. Please note that there is limited space available, so register early to ensure your seat. To register, visit the STLE Store, find the event listing and click "Add to your products" to start the purchase process. Your purchase includes reading and/or reference materials, presentation slides, a recording of the event, the Q&A Session Summary (for easy reference later), and access to the assessment, which allows you to earn Education Credits (ECs), which can be applied in the recertification process. We hope to see you there! If you have questions, or would like to register multiple people, contact us at (847) 825-5536 or at klemar@stle.org.

The 2011 International Joint Tribology Conference

Attending the IJTC? Not sure yet? Have no idea what the IJTC is? This interview will provide all the information you might need. Our interviewee, Q. Jane Wang, is a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Northwestern University. She is currently serving as the Chair of the ASME/STLE Conference Planning Committee for the IJTC, making her well acquainted with the event both as part of the committee, but also a past attendee and presenter. She covers all the ins and outs of the conference including the different components - the keynote, symposia, technical tracks, presentations and exhibits.

Click on the slider bar above to play the episode in your screen, download the episode, or read and translate the transcript. You can read the article on the keynote speaker in the August issue of TLT. There are also other articles you can read on the IJTC to give you a sense of past events and highlights and developments from the last few years.

Visit our website for more news and information about the IJTC. New information is posted often, so be sure to bookmark the page to stay updated. On our website, you can register online, make hotel reservations, find information for authors and presenters, view photos from last year, and even get information on sponsorship if you're a company looking for some exposure at this truly unique meeting. Don't forget about Early Bird Registration, which can save you $100 on your meeting registration. It expires September 26.