Background

Dotz was approached by a world-leading developer and manufacturer of high-end synthetic lubricants and greases, for a unique solution to a very specific challenge. Designed to improve product performance, the customer’s portfolio of over 1000 formulations is supplied to the automotive, aerospace, defense, renewable energy, and space industries. This rapidly growing market has been heavily affected by the surge of counterfeits and diluted products. In addition to the effect it had on the company’s revenues, it has also raised product liability-related issues. The company has been receiving complaints regarding its products’ performance from customers using counterfeits and diluted products purchased on the market. Moreover, complying with product instructions when applying grease and lubricants is essential to achieve good performance. However, upon receiving customers’ complaints, the company had no way to know whether its products had been applied correctly.

Thanks to the Dotz optical markers, the customer is able to analyze any sample of grease and ascertain whether it has been diluted, and to what concentration, whether it has been correctly applied, and even whether it is an original product or a fake.

Challenge

In order to solve these two significant challenges, the customer asked Dotz to develop a unique optical marker that would enable quick, easy, and accurate testing and authentication of its portfolio of lubricants. The solution had to be effective in very small quantities, and capable of being incorporated smoothly and evenly into the highly viscous lubricants, without interfering with the performance of the end product.

Solution

Dotz set about developing a new oil-based optical marker that would be chemically compatible with the customers’ portfolio of lubricants. A number of markers were developed with different spectral signatures and tested on the grease before the final formulation was achieved. This formulation could be seamlessly integrated into the company’s products during manufacturing.

For marker testing and detection purposes, Dotz advised the customer to use its own labs and purchase a simple benchtop spectrophotometer, with minimal features.

Impact

Thanks to the Dotz optical markers, the customer is able to analyze any sample of grease and ascertain whether it has been diluted, and to what concentration, whether it has been correctly applied, and even whether it is an original product or a fake. Being able to quickly and accurately authenticate the product and its properties enables the company to efficiently investigate complaints, and restore good relations with its customers. Quality assurance of the products manufacturing processes is enhanced by confirming that the product is evenly mixed, and the company is also able to combat counterfeits on the market.