In the 1920s, industrial gearboxes were failing at alarming rates despite regular lubrication. The problem wasn't lack of oil—it was the crushing contact pressures between gear teeth that could exceed 200,000 psi, literally squeezing conventional oils out of the way. The breakthrough came when chemists discovered that certain sulfur and phosphorus compounds could form sacrificial protective films directly on metal surfaces under extreme pressure and heat. These "extreme pressure" or EP additives undergo a controlled chemical reaction with the metal itself, creating a protective barrier that prevents metal-to-metal contact even when the oil film collapses. This discovery transformed industrial transmission, enabling heavier loads, higher speeds, and dramatically extended equipment life. Today's formulations combine EP additives with advanced oxidation inhibitors to handle both mechanical stress and thermal degradation. Products like Reductor TIN 460 CLP utilize these refined additive packages for comprehensive industrial transmission protection.
