How to Drastically Improve Metal Stamping Equipment Uptime  

May 30, 2025

Metal stamping operations use expensive equipment that is frequently operated around the clock to maximize profitability, leaving little time for routine maintenance, much less unscheduled downtime. Unfortunately, many commonly used industrial lubricants don’t hold up well against the extreme pressures and temperatures found in heavy-duty and severe-service manufacturing applications like metal stamping.  

 

Varnish Destroys Hydraulic Systems  

Metal stamping generates a lot of pressure, friction and heat that can wreak havoc on your oil and machinery, leading to reduced production output. Superior lubrication helps hydraulic equipment run smoothly and efficiently, reducing the risk of dimensional errors and residual stress on stamped parts and improving your uptime. 

For example, one Midwest automotive metal stamping operation uses large hydraulic presses to produce vehicle body panels. Efficient equipment operation is required to maintain a tight production schedule and maximize profitability. Unfortunately, the company was experiencing frequent and expensive unplanned outages due to excessive varnish and sludge damaging hydraulic control and safety valves.  

After reviewing the service history and testing the existing oil, AMSOIL Industrial Application Engineers recommended flushing the hydraulic system, installing AMSOIL Industrial HELIOS-VR Synthetic Varnish-Resistant Hydraulic Oil and performing routine oil analysis to monitor for varnish and sludge. HELIOS-VR performed flawlessly in service for more than eight years, requiring no oil changes or valve replacements, and saved the plant more than $2.7 million in reduced downtime and maintenance.1

Explore our HELIOS-VR metal stamping success story.

 

1Based on one customer’s experience using AMSOIL Industrial HELIOS-VR 46 for eight years in metal stamping presses.  
Actual savings will vary depending on your current oil, equipment and maintenance practices. 

 

AMSOIL Industrial Metal Stamping Solutions 

AMSOIL Industrial HELIOS-VR is designed to extend valve, pump and motor life by reducing varnish so hydraulic systems operate more efficiently and stay in service longer in severe-service applications. AMSOIL Industrial also offers a complete line of lubricants for your other manufacturing equipment. 

Crown Gearboxes
Synthetic Power Transmission EP Gear Oil  
EP-Series-S Synthetic Extreme-Pressure Gear Oil  

Hydraulic Cushion
HELIOS-VR Synthetic Varnish-Resistant Hydraulic Oil
PETRAULIC-VR Varnish-Resistant Hydraulic Oil  

Crown Hydraulics  
AW Clutch Brake Hydraulic Oil  

Overhead Cranes
Synthetic Power Transmission EP Gear Oil
EP Series-MPT Micropitting-Tech EP Gear Oil
GB Series Synthetic Gear & Bearing Oil  

Electric Motors  
Electric Motor Grease 

 

Download our metal stamping marketing handout for more details.

 

Proper lubrication management creates competitive advantages. Consult an AMSOIL Industrial Application Engineer today to identify the best solutions for your specific applications.