Surface quality and dimensional accuracy are non-negotiable when producing machined parts and equipment. After producing parts, corrosion can undermine productivity and increase costs by compromising part surface protection and tarnishing product appearance.
Surface Integrity
Metalworking operations demand precision, so maintaining pristine surfaces after machining is essential to maximize productivity and profitability. A single micron of deviation can be the difference between a flawless part and a costly reject. Corrosion introduces pitting and uneven surfaces, making finishing operations more difficult and expensive.
Corrosion of Different Metals
Steel, cast iron and other ferrous metals are highly susceptible to oxidation and rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen. While more resistant, even stainless steel can suffer from staining and localized corrosion under aggressive conditions. Yellow metals like brass and copper face tarnishing and chemical attack from certain coolants or environmental contaminants. Each metal type requires tailored protection strategies to prevent degradation during manufacturing and storage.
Corrosion Happens Everywhere
• In-process: Coolant breakdown, improper concentration or contaminated fluids.
• Post-machining: Handling with bare hands, residual moisture and exposure to humidity.
• Storage and transit: Parts sitting in uncontrolled environments with airborne contaminants.
Environmental Factors
Humidity is an obvious culprit, but salt from coastal air or winter roads, acidic industrial contaminants, tramp oil in coolant systems and even fingerprints from handling can all trigger corrosion. Without proactive measures, these factors can combine to accelerate corrosive effects and create costly failures.
Preventive Strategies
Rust preventives serve as a barrier, protecting exposed surfaces from environmental attack. Metalworking fluids often include corrosion inhibitors to protect parts after machining. These additives form a thin barrier that resists oxidation; however, parts exposed to harsh environmental conditions or extended storage require a standalone rust-preventive boost. Solvent-based and oil-based treatments can provide weeks to years of extended protection depending on the formulation and application. Each offers trade-offs in drying time, film thickness, storage duration and removability.
Benefits of Rust Preventives
• Surface Protection: Maintains finish quality.
• Extended Storage Life: Protects parts during process downtime, storage and transit.
• Improved Efficiency: Minimizes interruptions caused by corrosion-related defects.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Protects machine tools and fixtures from rust damage.
• Reduced Scrap: Prevents costly rework and material loss.
• Fewer Warranty Claims: Due to premature rust on delivered parts.
Reliable Corrosion Protection
AMSOIL Industrial BENZ GARD is a non-flammable, water-based rust preventive designed to protect metals against oxidation for up to two years of indoor process, storage and shipping, and up to six months outdoors. Its phantom emulsifying system rapidly displaces water and cures as a durable, dry, waxy protective film that does not re-emulsify with water and can easily be removed with standard alkaline cleaners. It is compatible with most metals and downstream processes to help maintain part integrity, improve throughput, reduce scrap and maximize operational efficiency.
BENZ GARD is ideal for manufacturers seeking a cost-effective solution to long-term corrosion challenges that will not compromise productivity. Integrating BENZ GARD into your production process can help protect your precision machining investment and ensure delivered parts meet customer specifications.
Common Applications:
• Machined parts awaiting assembly or shipment.
• Stamped components.
• Tools and dies in storage.
• Steel exposed to ambient air.
Technical Highlights:
• Protects up to 24 months indoors, 6 months outdoors.
• 1-2 mil wax film.
• 1-hour dry time.
• 24-hour cure time.
• Fingerprint suppression.
• Easily removed with alkaline cleaners.
Consult an AMSOIL Industrial Application Engineer to learn more about BENZ GARD and other AMSOIL Industrial solutions designed to help reduce downtime, protect assets and improve profitability.
| *Technical properties are general characteristics of the product and not manufacturing specifications. Variations that do not affect product performance should be expected. Product formulations are subject to change without notice. Customers are responsible for determining product suitability for use with their equipment. |