Dilution Information
This page provides general information about diluting McLube’s water-based formulas only. Refer to respective technical data sheets for more information about diluting solvent-based products, and always consult your McLube Technical Representative for process assistance and starting ratios beforehand.
Dilutions provide many benefits for manufacturers; however, optimal dilution ratios vary widely from plant-to-plant, process to process. Always take a careful, methodical, and gradual approach to testing dilution ratios in a lab setting before moving to the production floor.
Ensure consistency of dilution procedures across all shifts, job shops, and facilities.
Consistency of dilution breeds consistency in performance of a given release agent, lubricant, or anti-tack coating. McLube Product Specialist will work side by side with you to determine the optimal dilution ratio for your process and help to train operators to ensure consist results.
McLube can also deliver your process aid ready-to-use. If you prefer not to dilute in-house, all McLube products are available in ready-to-use concentrations.
The Pros and Cons of Diluting In-House
Savings
Diluting process aids in-house saves shipping cost.
Control
Process engineers and operators gain more control over their process aids.
Consolidation
Process engineers can tailor one McLube product to suit different applications and processes, simplifying inventory, supply chain, and SDS management.
Adds a process step
Dilution has its benefits but also adds a process step.
Available Equipment
Some manufacturers prefer ready-to-use products because they do not have the necessary equipment to dilute properly.
Consistency
Some prefer ready-to-use process aids due to process sensitivity and challenges with diluting consistently.
Safety and Handling
DO NOT handle hazardous materials unless you have the proper knowledge, expertise, and fire and safety equipment necessary to do so. Review up-to-date safety information, including SDS, before dilution or other disposition of the products. Ensure your mixing equipment and safety equipment are operational and suitable for your purposes.
Good industrial practice suggests the use of OSHA-approved personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, at all times.
Cleaning and Preventative Maintenance
Regularly clean mixing equipment, vessels, and recirculating systems to avoid contamination of the release agent or process aid used. Keep lids closed when the material is not in use to avoid contamination and spills. Consult with your McLube products specialist on a suitable cleaning agent for the McLube products you use. Ideally, dilution equipment is cleaned after each use. Product left to dry on dilution equipment may be difficult to remove or contaminate the next batch of diluted product.
Establish a routine schedule of preventative maintenance on all equipment, including mixing tanks, vessels, and any equipment used to agitate the products.
Learn more about McLube Industrial Cleaners and Mold Cleaners.
Mixing
Refer to the product TDS for specific instructions. Mix prior to and periodically during dilution. Ensure all solid, active ingredients are dispersed from the bottom of containers (if applicable).
When diluting, Add water to product, DO NOT add product to water (reduces the risk of de-emulsification).
AVOID using high RPM or high-shear mixing. This can damage the product and render it ineffective.
Tips for finding the optimal dilution ratio for your process
- Consult your McLube Technical Representative before attempting dilution or if your material or process has changed.
- Test dilutions in a lab setting before running trials on the production floor to reduce scrap and protect your tools.
- Refer to the product TDS Sheet for recommended starting dilution ratios.
- Achieve success at the recommended starting ratio before attempting further dilution.
- TDS sheets may also specify a dilution ratio not to exceed. For some products, we recommend achieving success at full strength before attempting dilution, particularly for assembly and insertion lubricants.
- Establish a repeatable procedure for testing your dilutions. Consider quality control measures, such as measuring solids content to ensure that the correct dilution is used on the production floor.
- Systematically test higher dilution ratios weighing cost savings vs. performance of the resulting coating.
- Molders and manufacturers often achieve the greatest success with dilution when they place one supervisor or team in charge of all dilute/ dilution equipment to ensure consistency.
- Ensure all shifts, job shops, and/or facilities follow the same dilution procedures when the same product is used in multiple locations for the same application.
