Solid Lubricants: Markets and Opportunities

12 September 2000

Solid Lubricants: Markets and Opportunities; An Important New Study

    AMHERST, N.H.--Sept. 12, 2000--Higher tolerance designs and more aggressive operating specifications are creating increased demand for solid lubricants. Solid lubricants have been known and used since the 1950's, but the trend toward longer maintenance cycles and higher performance criteria are opening new applications for this class of high tech materials.
    Widely used in the transportation and manufacturing industries, solid lubricants are now viewed as the material of choice for a growing number of existing and emerging applications. Because they are environmentally favorable to traditional lubricants such as greases and oils, many companies select solid lubricants to reduce recycling and disposal costs.
    Growth applications for solid lubricants include deployable and rotating aerospace parts, over-the-road and off-highway trucking, and agricultural equipment. Opportunities also exist in new and emerging markets. As the baby-boom population ages, solid lubricants used in permanently-implanted artificial joints will enjoy double-digit growth.
    To take advantage of the opportunities presented by these new technology and market developments, suppliers must be fully aware of the market potential of solid lubricants, as well as the design and product objectives of major manufacturers. Suppliers must also be willing to act on this information by teaming with manufacturers to develop the assembly processes and pilot programs that will be required to bring these applications to market.
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