Metalloid 1 Highlights Advanced Lubrication Technologies for Motorsports and Industrial Applications
Featuring James Rappaport and Anna Jurczyk of Metalloid | Hosted by Joe Castello of WFO Radio
The importance of lubrication, contamination control, and preventative maintenance was the focus of a recent EPARTRADE Race Industry Now webinar, "The Science Behind Metalloid 1: Performance Lubricants for Demanding Applications," featuring James Rappaport, Vice President of North American Sales for Industrial Fluids at Metalloid, and Anna Jurczyk, Manager of Inside Sales. Hosted by Joe Castello of WFO Radio, the session provided a technical overview of Metalloid's product portfolio and how the company's formulations are being applied in motorsports and heavy-duty manufacturing environments.
75 Years of Industrial Fluid Development
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Metalloid traced its origins from HVAC and heat-transfer products to becoming a manufacturer of industrial lubricants, cleaners, metalworking fluids, and specialty maintenance products.
Today, the company serves customers in manufacturing, tube bending, stamping, fabrication, maintenance, and motorsports while maintaining in-house R&D capabilities that allow custom formulations to be developed when unique applications demand specialized solutions.
According to Rappaport, Metalloid's approach extends beyond simply supplying products.
"We're an extension of our customers' teams," he explained. "If necessary, we'll conduct site surveys, analyze current processes, and work with our laboratory to develop products specifically for their application."
Real-World Testing Through Racing
Unlike many industrial fluid manufacturers, Metalloid actively validates products through racing programs and affiliated teams. The company supports applications ranging from dirt-track racing to Road to Indy competition.
Rappaport emphasized that real-world durability testing provides more meaningful feedback than laboratory data alone.
"Racing environments expose products to water, dirt, vibration, temperature extremes, and contamination that closely replicate the harshest industrial conditions," he explained.
AcroLube Polyurea Grease Designed for Extreme Conditions
One of the webinar's technical highlights was Metalloid's AcroLube line of high-performance greases.
Unlike many conventional lithium-based greases, AcroLube utilizes a polyurea thickener system, providing:
- Exceptional water resistance
- Long service life
- High-temperature stability
- Reduced contamination from dirt and debris
- Fewer reapplication intervals
According to Metalloid, AcroLube has found success in:
- Midget racing
- Sprint Cars
- Silver Crown competition
- IMCA Stock Cars
- Road to Indy programs
- LMP3 racing
- Formula Regional applications
The speakers noted that minimizing maintenance intervals can provide significant advantages for race teams and manufacturing operations alike.
MetCorps 57 Provides Multi-Purpose Protection
Another featured product was MetCorps 57, a penetrating and protective fluid engineered to:
- Displace moisture
- Free seized components
- Prevent corrosion
- Protect rod ends and heim joints
- Preserve threaded fasteners
The product has become popular among dirt racing teams where exposure to water, mud, and debris accelerates corrosion.
Addressing Common Motorsports Challenges
The webinar focused on several recurring issues encountered in competition environments:
Extreme Heat and Wear
Metalloid's high-temperature greases and anti-seize compounds are formulated to prevent:
- Galling on threaded fasteners
- Component seizure
- Lubricant breakdown under load
Brake and Engine Contamination
Specialty aerosol cleaners remove:
- Oil residues
- Brake dust
- Grease contamination
- Dirt buildup
while leaving minimal residue behind.
Cold Starts and Fuel System Problems
High-performance starting fluids help ensure immediate ignition during:
- Cold-weather operation
- High-pressure race situations
- Emergency restart conditions
Rusted or Frozen Components
Penetrating lubricants such as Let Loose and MetCorps 57 are designed to reduce repair time by freeing seized fasteners quickly.
Metalworking Expertise Carries Over to Motorsports
Jurczyk highlighted Metalloid's extensive experience with:
- Metal forming fluids
- Tube bending lubricants
- Grinding oils
- Precision Swiss machining oils
- Hydraulic fluids
- Bio-based anti-spatter products
Rappaport noted that many of these technologies originated in manufacturing environments before finding applications in race car fabrication.
One interesting characteristic discussed during the presentation was that certain Metalloid metal-forming compounds become more effective as operating temperatures increase, activating additives under load and improving performance during demanding forming operations.
Customer Support and Rapid Delivery
Beyond chemistry, Metalloid emphasized logistics and technical support as critical parts of its offering.
The company maintains a network of:
- Direct sales representatives
- Independent representatives
- Distribution partners
allowing customers to receive technical assistance, conduct Teams meetings, schedule site visits, and obtain products quickly when downtime is unacceptable.
Appearance and Finishing Products
In addition to industrial lubricants, Metalloid offers detailing and finishing products designed to maintain race vehicles and show cars, including:
- Shine On surface restorers
- Tire dressings
- Interior protectants
- Glass cleaners
- General-purpose cleaners
These products are intended to help teams maintain a professional appearance while protecting surfaces from UV exposure and oxidation.
Engineering Solutions for Evolving Industries
As vehicle technology, manufacturing processes, and material requirements continue to evolve, Metalloid says its focus remains on developing formulations capable of addressing increasingly demanding operating environments.
From high-temperature greases and corrosion inhibitors to metalworking fluids and maintenance chemicals, the company's objective remains the same: improving reliability, minimizing downtime, and helping customers perform under pressure.
For race teams and manufacturers alike, the webinar demonstrated that successful fluid technology is often less about a single product and more about understanding the complete application.
In motorsports and manufacturing, every second—and every component—matters.
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
