Driving during a heavy downpour without being able to regulate the wiper can be a hazard. The wiper is one of the many applications where the electrical switch plays a crucial role as a control device. From the window regulator to the critical ignition start mechanism, modern day cars possess numerous mechatronic components that are controlled and regulated by switches. Switches internally contain fixed and movable surfaces made up of copper, silver, gold and tin plated metals for regulating the flow of current. Contacting surfaces means friction, resulting in heat generation and surface wear. Over a period of time, this would finally lead to failure of then switch itself.
Contacting surfaces in switches are either finger sliding or button type. Automotive switches carry current from the order of a few milliamps to 60 Amps and beyond depending on the intended use of the switch. Housing of these contacts is made of special engineering plastics which are sensitive to lubricants. The electrical contact in the switch has to be protected against corrosion, silver sulphurisation and sliding wear. Most importantly, it should be noiseless and provide a smooth operating experience to the user. The need is for a special lubricant that can withstand the flow of current and harsh operating conditions inside a switch with minimum presence for a very long time.
Automotive switches need to operate in diverse environmental conditions. Be it burning hot terrain or cold freezing atmosphere, the switch needs to function seamlessly. Correspondingly, the lubricant too needs to have a wide operating temperature range . Since intermittent re-lubrication of automotive switches is impossible, the lubricant needs to maintain its composition until the lifetime of the auto component. With an ability to form a thin and an everlasting strong lubrication film which helps in increasing the area of contact, BECHEM contact lubricants improve efficiency of the system.
Electric arc formation in switches is a common phenomenon that generates heat and thermally decomposes contacting surfaces. Ionization of surrounding air and rise in temperature between contacting surfaces causes metal transfer resulting in the formation of new ‘peaks and troughs’. Lubricated surfaces generally restrict arc formation. However, lubricants unable to withstand high temperatures oxidize gradually leaving dry powdery residues. This results in increased contact resistance and further increase in temperature.
An outcome of the sustained wear and degradation of the plated contacting surfaces is drop in voltage. Performance of the lubricant has a direct impact on the voltage drop and consequently on performance of the automotive component.
BECHEM’s lubricants for electrical and mechatronic components are silicon free and have the ability to perform within wide operating temperature range (-40 C to +140 C). These intelligent lubricants, formulated with special low viscosity synthetic oil and organic polymer thickeners, protect contacting surfaces by providing excellent compatibility with engineering plastics and also possess excellent noise dampening properties.
BECHEM’s lubricants for switches are tested exhaustively for over 50,000 cycles (On/off cycle) equivalent to 7 to 10 years of life of the switch under various simulated driving conditions. Working closely with top auto and component manufactures, BECHEM has developed intelligent lubricants that suit their applications and systems. When you need your electrical switches to work unfailingly, trust the international leader.
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]]>From ignition starter motors to wiper and window regulator motors, from seats and mirror adjusting mechanisms to door lock actuators, electric motors are critical for the smooth functioning of a car. A host of child parts work in tandem with motors in these applications to deliver the desired movement consistently and effortlessly to the user. From rotary, sliding to oscillatory, these sub components are involved in various motion mechanisms. Wherever there is movement by contacting surfaces, friction is bound to be generated. The result, drop in efficiencies, wear of surfaces and finally failure of component.
However, these auto electrical components demand special lubrication that can withstand the test of time whilst absorbing loads, temperature build up and unwarranted vibrations. Material compatibility, ability to perform under varying temperatures (-40 to +140ºC), resistance to water and dust are some of the other defining characteristics that the lubricant needs to possess.
Lubrication requirements of various motor mechanisms are diverse. Take for example the ‘Worm and Worm Wheel gear arrangement’ that works in tandem in applications such as Wiper, Power Window, Seat Adjustment and Door Lock Actuator mechanisms. To begin with, the lubricant should have good material compatibility with plastics and electrical contacts else cracking of plastic parts or colour alteration of consoles are sure possibilities. Noise dampening property, resistance to wear and corrosion are some of the other critical requirements of the lubricant that ensure rattle and vibration free operation. The lubricant should also possess low internal friction characteristics that would enable low starting torque. Sintered Iron and Bronze Bushes, Thrust Ball Bearing, One Way Clutch/Bendix Drive (Starter Motor) etc. are some of the other motor sub assemblies that possess unique lubrication requirements.
BECHEM’s high performance lubricants with low oxidation properties can endure excruciating conditions and provide life time lubrication whilst meeting the demanding operating requirements of various automotive electrical motor applications.
With expertise of over 175 years, BECHEM’s state of the art R&D lab equipped with the latest mechanical and physio chemical testing installations employs both sophisticated in-house and internationally established test procedures to find the best compatible lubricant. Motors are subjected to endurance test for over 2.5 million cycles in various extreme test conditions to reflect the actual usage of the component during its lifetime. Working closely with top automotive and component manufacturers, BECHEM has developed the next generation of intelligent lubricants that provide unmatched performance and reliability for all automotive motor components. Lubrication recommendations by BECHEM’s specialists have proven and exceeded the expectations of auto and component manufacturers time and again.
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