30 years of simalube: a success story in industrial lubrication

30 years ago, the introduction of the simalube lubricant dispenser set a milestone in industrial maintenance and servicing. Since then, this automatic lubricant dispenser has become an indispensable component in many industrial applications. In this article, we take a look at the history, the technical innovations and the significant benefits that simalube has brought over the last three decades.

The beginnings:
A revolution in lubrication

In 1994, the Swiss company simatec launched the first simalube lubricant dispenser on the market. The concept was simple but revolutionary: an automatic dispenser that continuously and precisely delivers lubricant to machines and systems. Based on the unique technology of the gas development cell, the simalube set new standards in terms of functionality, reliability and sustainability. This solved many of the problems of manual lubrication, such as irregular lubrication intervals, over- or underdosing and the high amount of work involved.

Technological innovations and development

The simalube lubricant dispenser impresses with the following features, some of which have been unique since its launch:

Stepless adjustment of the running times from 1 - 12 months
Environmentally friendly and reusable, which reduces the ecological footprint
Transparent housing thanks to which the function can be easily monitored visually
Compact size
Easy disposal

More about simalube

Over the years, simatec has continuously developed the simalube lubricant dispenser and adapted it to the needs of the industry. Here are some of the remarkable technological advances:

1998: The 60 ml simalube is launched under the name “shorty”

2005: The simalube family grows, the 30 and 250 ml sizes are added

2008: simalube lubricant dispensers receive Ex approval for zones 0, 20 and M1 and thus meet the highest requirements for explosion protection

2013: simatec presents another world first. The simalube 15 ml is still the smallest single-point lubricant dispenser in the world today.

2015: With the simalube IMPULSE pressure booster, simatec opens up applications in which the lubricant is supplied via longer lines.

2021: The simalube IMPULSE connect, combined with the simatec World of Maintenance app, marks simatec's move towards digitalized products and services.

2023: The simalube family is being completely redesigned; the design and drive head are new.

Evolution of simalube

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The advantages of simalube

The advantages of the simalube lubricant dispenser are manifold and contribute significantly to the efficiency and longevity of machines and to reducing lubrication costs. Thanks to the extremely low CO2 emissions and the reusability of the products, simalube is best in class when it comes to sustainability. The most important properties are listed here once again:

Continuous lubrication: Ensures constant lubrication without manual intervention.
Reduced maintenance: Less time spent on machine maintenance and inspection.
Extended service life: Protection against wear and damage thanks to optimum lubrication.
Increased safety: Prevention of accidents due to less manual lubrication work in hazardous areas.
Cost savings: Savings in labor and material costs due to more efficient lubricant consumption.

Areas of application and success stories

Today, millions of people travel on escalators or in elevators that are lubricated by simalube lubricant dispensers. Wind turbines, lubricated with simalube lubricant dispensers, now supply hundreds of thousands of households with sustainably produced electricity. Do you buy food, clothes or furniture? It is highly likely that these products were handled in logistics centers where simalube products ensure smooth operation. And last but not least, state-of-the-art cars powered by batteries, in whose production processes simalube lubricant dispensers play an important role, are driving on our roads.

simatec offers customized solutions for many other applications, consisting of lubricant dispensers, high-performance lubricants and the necessary accessories.

simalube applications

Future prospects

Even after 30 years, simalube remains synonymous with innovation and reliability in lubrication technology. With an increasing focus on Industry 4.0 and the digitalization of maintenance processes, simalube is well positioned to continue playing a key role in automatic lubrication in the future. The integration of IoT technologies and data-driven maintenance systems will open up new opportunities to further increase efficiency and sustainability.

Conclusion

Three decades after its introduction, the simalube lubricator has established itself as an indispensable tool in industrial maintenance. With continuous innovation and a strong customer focus, simatec has proven that even a component as specific as a lubricator can have a significant impact on the productivity and longevity of machines. We look forward to the next 30 years and the future developments that simatec will continue to drive forward.

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