Custom Test Assemblies Incorporating Molded Components Manufactured By Minnesota Rubber and Plastics – Design Improvements Facilitate Use

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Custom sampler probes for periodic testing of engine lubricants are manufactured by Minnesota Rubber and Plastics (MR&P). They incorporate improved design features that make extracting lubricant samples from off-highway equipment transmissions clean and simple.

Each tubular sample probe consists of a 12 inch long, clear PVC plastic tube, a 1.5 inch long, flow-through stainless steel needle, and a custom molded component that integrates needle and tube. MR&P improved design of the custom molded component, adding a specially designed flange that facilitated insertion of the needle tip in the septum to the correct depth. This made assembly of the three components faster and more precise while improving functionality for easier use.

Extracting and testing lubricant from engines in tractors, trucks and similar heavy-duty equipment is important for proper maintenance. If lubricant quality degrades too far, engine failure can result. Changing lubricants prematurely is costly. With several gallons required for an engine or transmission, an economical approach is to periodically extract and analyze lubricant for viscosity and contaminants.

This sampling probe device makes periodic testing easy while helping to maintain warrantees on equipment that often receives hard use and then sits idle for long periods of time. The flexible, clear PVC tube shows lubrication flow-thru and allows for a quick inspection. Designed as a disposable, one-time use product, these probes are individually bubble-sealed packaged for clean storage until needed. Using automated manufacturing and assembly equipment, MR&P produces and packages these probes in large quantities.

The single-use sampler probe is a great example of the capabilities available from Minnesota Rubber and Plastics for improving a product design and producing it cost effectively.

MR&P design services include preliminary engineering assistance and mechanical design review, and materials engineering including research and development into a full range of high performance plastics. MR&P also provides rapid mold design and development, FEA analysis, prototype services, process engineering, injection, compression transfer, and liquid silicone rubber molding including metal-to-plastics conversions.