Category Archives: News

One Size Does Not Fit All

In metal-stamping, it can be understandably tempting to want a single stamping lubricant for all your stamping processes – but is this really the most practical approach for your stamping facility? Can there be a negative “cost of convenience”?

Consider fuel as an analogy. Fuel derived from petroleum is used in everything from locomotive engines and automobiles to snow throwers and weed trimmers. While derived from the same source oil – you would never use diesel fuel in a car that uses regular unleaded gasoline. You wouldn’t use an oil and gas mixture in a 4-stroke engine either. This is because the energy and lubrication demands of the different engines require their specific fuel that is compatible with their unique construction and function. Engines and fuels aren’t identical – and neither are stamping facilities.

Stamping lubricants can be, and often are, specifically tailored for certain types of processes or substrates. This is because metals differ in their formability, surface characteristics and potential for staining and corrosion. Selected chemistries should provide for optimal protection of production parts and tooling, but also not interfere with downstream processes like welding and final surface treatments.

The “one size fits all” approach often cuts corners in safety or compatibility aspects to achieve a more “general purpose” product and can lead to unanticipated, inflated costs elsewhere in production. The safest bet is not always the most “convenient” – but a supplier that will work with you to find the best product for your unique applications and help optimize the delivery of that fluid in your process is the closest to a “sure thing” you’ll find. If you’re tired of cutting corners and want to do it right – give IRMCO a call and experience the difference.

2020 William O. Jeffery III awarded to James Rappaport

We are proud to announce the William O. Jeffery III Award of Excellence goes to James Rappaport. This prestigious honor annually recognizes the IRMCO Associate whom best represents the qualities set forth in the IRMCO’s Mission. Heart Beat, Business Concept, and Business Strategy. This award is named in honor of IRMCO’s third generation owner and…
Read More or Add/Read Comments

Women of Excellence in Metal Forming & Fabricating awarded to Esther Danque

Congratulations to Esther for winning 2020’s Women of Excellence in Metal Forming and Fabricating – A very bright spot in a tough year!  https://www.metalformingmagazine.com/article/?/management/leadership/2020-women-of-excellence-in-metal-forming-fabricating Esther Danque Accounting Manager, Irmco, Evanston, IL A 25-yr. industry veteran, Esther serves as Irmco’s accounting manager, managing all general accounting functions including completing ledger accounts and financial statements.  She has…
Read More or Add/Read Comments

Introducing IRMCO FLUIDS 536-V06

IRMCO FLUIDS® 536-V06 is the most recent addition to the tried and tested “536-series” line of oil-free stamping fluids. 536-V06 was developed to address the expanded use of higher strength steels in the metal-stamping industry. This product is suitable for stamping 500-980MPa tensile strength steels as well as 300 and 400 series stainless steel alloys.…
Read More or Add/Read Comments