On paper, Fluid Science operates in a sector most consumers never encounter. Its products are used across industries from mine haul trucks and offshore oil rigs to commercial aircraft and Formula One.
During a visit to the company’s rapidly expanding facility, PPM observed a proudly South African company combining scientific expertise with precision manufacturing.
The Johannesburg-based company and its subsidiary distribute and manufacture precision analytical instruments and laboratory consumables that provide early warnings to mines, airlines and heavy industries when critical equipment or engines are at risk of failure. Fluid Science also manufactures the plastic consumables required for that testing, including sample bottles, inserts and other laboratory plastics engineered to exacting specifications.
‘When you take an oil sample from an engine or generator, it goes into a spectrometer, where it’s vaporised at high voltage,’ explains Brandon Cooley, owner of Fluid Science. ‘The machine reads the light signature to see what’s wearing, how badly and when maintenance is needed.’
The plastic consumables used in the process must meet strict standards. ‘There can’t be contamination or inconsistencies. We’re dealing with high precision. If there’s any impurity in the plastic, you’ve got a problem,’ Brandon says.
For years, Fluid Science outsourced production of its laboratory bottles and components, but delivery delays and quality risks pushed the business to bring manufacturing in-house, with Hestico supplying the equipment.
‘In a relatively short time, we’ve supplied Fluid Science with three machines: two high-performance ARBURG A-series machines with Gestica control and an AOKI ISBM machine for a specialised PET application,’ says Raymond Sinclair, service and sales engineer at Hestico.
The ARBURG ALLROUNDER A COMFORT electric injection moulding machines were selected for its cleanliness. It uses silent, highly efficient servo-electric technology for a dry, fluid-free and quieter operation – critical in a laboratory environment where contamination cannot be tolerated. Equipped for automation, integrated robotics and precision control systems, it ensures stable, repeatable processing conditions. Maguire material handling, drying and dosing systems are installed across the plant, running on a FlexBus central feeding system for consistent material flow and traceability.
‘It’s hands-free from start to finish, and every cycle is fully traceable,’ Raymond explains. ‘For Fluid Science, that consistency is essential.’
The AOKI ISBM machine plays an equally strategic role, producing PET bottles designed for hot-fill applications.
That proprietary process allows the PET to withstand hot oil without deformation.
Brandon adds that the factory runs entirely off-grid. ‘We don’t draw a single kilowatt from Eskom. If we’re going to manufacture, we’re going to do it properly.’
Growth has been rapid. As PPM went to print, Fluid Science had already ordered another ARBURG injection moulding machine, equipped with advanced automation and robotic technology engineered by ARBURG’s in-house turnkey division in Lossburg, Germany. ‘It’s a vertical IMM with extensive robotics. From insert to finished part, it’s fully automated,’ Raymond notes.
The company’s client list includes mining, aviation, defence, offshore oil and gas companies. ‘Every aircraft you’ve flown on has had its fluids tested. If it doesn’t pass, it doesn’t fly,’ Brandon states.
From laboratory consumables to global exports, Fluid Science demonstrates that South African manufacturing can meet international standards. ‘Do what you say you’re going to do,’ Brandon says. ‘Deliver the best. The rest follows.’
Ed’s note: ARBURG is represented and distributed in South Africa by Hestico.
