Injection moulding machinery manufacturer Engel (Schwertberg / Austria; www.engelglobal.com), in collaboration with Austrian oil and petrochemicals group OMV (Vienna; www.omv.com), has developed a synthetic machine oil "OMV hyd HLP-SH 46", which offers what Engel describes as "permanent oil filling" rated for a permanent duty of at least 40,000 operating hours. The oil is available immediately for the Engel "Victory Electric" series of machines.

According to Engel, the new lubricant extends oil change intervals to eight years, provided users send OMV an oil specimen once a year for analysis. If the condition of the oil fails to meet the required quality standards, OMV will replace the filling free of charge. The annual test also provides a "snapshot" of the condition of the machine´s components.

Even though synthetic oils are more expensive, Engel says the subsequent maintenance costs are much lower than using mineral oils, which have to be changed much more frequently. The lubricating properties of synthetic oils also have a positive effect on the function and service life of all wearing parts in the lubricating circuit, further reducing maintenance and servicing costs.

Engel expects to extend the service to include its all-hydraulic machines in the future.