Wear in engines, gearboxes, and other mechanical equipment is caused by friction between metal surfaces. Lubricants create a protective film in order to prevent the metal surfaces from coming into contact. Taking a new approach, Total Productive Maintenance modifies the structure of the surfaces; making the metal smoother and providing long-term protection against wear. Conventional lubricants are used to create a film between metal surfaces in order to prevent metal-to-metal contact.