Self-Lubricating Die and Mold Components (METRIC SIZES) Self-lubrication vs. Manual lubrication Oil-groove lubrication is costly and less effective Before the introduction of self-lubrication, lubricating was done manually by a wiper that was machined into the soft die component and then hardened. Another popular method of lubrication was " X " pattern lubrication groove. For both methods, an oil hole was drilled to the back of the component and a lubrication line was attached. Oil was applied either by dispensing equipment or done manually by the die maintenance operator or press operator. Lost time as it relates to indirect hours for manual lubrication, down-time costs as associated with reduced production, grease contaminated product, and the high cost of the grease over the life of the tool are the main causes for its downfall. Self-lubrication eliminates these problems. Self-lubrication is clean and more efficient Self-lubrication does not show problems due to lack of lubricant or failure of lubrication devices. Oil free performance is especially appreciated at locations where access for lubrication is difficult. There are a wide range of self-lubrication materials, but the most efficient and popular self-lubrication are the graphite plugs placed strategically into either bronze or steel wear surfaces. Lubrication oil is impregnated into the graphite plugs at high pressure where it is reserved until required for the sliding surface. As the heat develops in the sliding motion of the tool, the oil is drawn from the graphite plugs allowing lubrication to the surface. The oil and graphite are imbedded into the bronze or steel grain, and this provides the lubrication needed for continuous performance of the tool. Application of a light, 20wt.oil on the self-lubricating surface is highly recommended as a pre-lubrication until the self-lubrication process begins. Self-lubrication saves cost 1. Set-up Cost Reduction Due to the elimination of extra lubrication devices, hours of designing can be reduced. Production hours can also be reduced due to the deletion of the unnecessary parts of the additional lubrication devices. These reductions contribute to shortened lead-time. 2.Operational Cost Reduction Elimination of grease and oil maintenance for bushings, pins and sliding wear surfaces reduces indirect hours associated with grease and oil maintenance. Since lubrication is not required and wear problems can be eliminated during machine operation, maintenance hours and replacement costs for lubrication devices are reduced. Materials The preferred materials are bronze and other copper alloys, though hardened steel and other tooling materials can be graphite plugged. Which material should be used depends on the application. Also, the purity of the graphite determines the performance of lubrication. The purer the graphite prior to oil impregnation, the better the ability to hold oil and the better performance. Applications for self-lubricating components Popular applications for self-lubricating components range from automotive sheet metal dies to home appliance dies, and from plastic-injection molds to oil drilling equipment. Self-lubrication is becoming more and more the preferred method for die, mold, special machine. And many applications for self-lubrication are yet to be discovered. The following product areas are where self-lubricating graphite plugs have been employed.   1. Bushings Guidance of die sets and pads, ejector systems and plastic mold sections, special machine and machine- tools, and in a variety of applications where bushings exist. 2. Wear Plates Typically for large cast and steel  die sets for guidance of the two sets or for sliding action within the die or large plastic mold. Used frequently in large appliance and farm implement dies. -Wear Plate (HWPE) -Steel Wear Plate (LFRP) -Cam Lower Slide Plate (LCLP) -Thin Wear Plate (HTWP) Cam Slide Plate (HSP) 3. Cam Slides -Cam Slide Plate (LHPA) -Cam Side Slide Plate (LHPC) -Cam Upper Plate (HUP, LCUP) -Cam Side Block (CSR) -Cam Upper Plate (HCU) -Cam Side Plate (LCSD) -Mini Slide Plate (LMSP) -Mini Upper Plate (LMUP) -Cam Stroke Plate (HCSP, HCSP-S) -Cam Stroke Steel Plate (HCSS, HCSS-S) -Cam Bottom Plate (HCB/HCB-S) -Cam Bottom Steel Plate (HCBS/HCBS-S) -Guide Plate (HGL) -Cam Pad Guide Plate (HPG) -Guide Bar (LGBF) -Cam Pad Guide Plate (LPGB/LPGC) -Cam Forced Return Plate (HRP 800/900) -Cam Center Guide Block (CCG) -Cam Positive Return Piece (LCRP) -Cam Positive Return Block (HCR/HCRS) -Cam Positive Return Follower (LCRF, CRFA/CRFB, LCPR, LCPL, CPLS) 4. Sliding Materials for Machine -Slide Guide Rail (LGSR) -Guide Block (LGBX) -Guide Rail (LGR/LGRX) -Sliding Plate (SP) -Sliding Liner (SL) -L Type Liner Plate (LTP) -Guide Rail for Plastic Molding (LGPM) -Lower Plate (LLP) -Slide Block (LSB) 5. Cam Units (Aerial, Horizontal, and Inclined type) -Easy installation without modification into press Die sets. -Solid lubricants embedded in the sliding surfaces prevent galling and allow operation without   any additional lubrication. -Positive return springs ensure the sliders return to origin at the end of each cycle. -New slender design uses less mounting area. -Steel construction provides high strength and durability. 6. "NAAMS" Products (All sizes and styles are available) LuBo self-lubricating die and mold components offer industry self-lubricating, maintenance-free performance resulting in overall cost savings and operational safety. **Product specifications may be changed without pre-notice for improvement.