The goal is to identify early signs of lubrication issues—such as degradation or contamination—before they lead to bearing damage or other failures. According to industry data, poor lubrication contributes to more than half of all bearing failures. By combining lubricant analysis with continuous machine monitoring, the partnership aims to give maintenance teams earlier, clearer warnings and reduce the need for reactive repairs.
"Historically, coordinating analysis of lubrication-related failures put the onus entirely on the customer to coordinate between their reliability teams, lubrication experts, and monitoring solution providers. Our partnership aims to create a higher level of service that will allow for the collaboration of Subject Matter Experts from each key member of the resolution team, reducing the time to resolution and allowing the customer to focus on higher-level problem-solving. Freeing up time for manufacturers to focus on what matters," said Kevin Vincent, Senior Vice President of KCF Technologies.
In a recent pilot project, the joint system detected early lubrication breakdown in a gearbox used in railcar component production. The issue was addressed before significant damage occurred, preventing downtime and supporting a move toward predictive maintenance.
Both companies will continue refining how real-time sensor data and lubricant diagnostics can work together to extend equipment life and improve reliability across industrial operations.
