Process aids are commonly referred to as internal and external release/lubricant materials. They frequently hold the key to the efficiency and success of a hose manufacturing operation. As many of you know, the wrong processing aid can lead to increased downtime, increased rejection rate, poor quality and overall lower efficiency. It is important to match the proper lubricant with each particular rubber compound as well as hose construction methods. This presentation will focus on new technology, methods and application for a wide range of processing aids available to hose manufacturers. The primary functions of processing aids are to provide superior ejection with lower blow off pressures, decrease rejection rate, reduce pin holing, eliminate color transfer and improve hose appearance. This paper will review the different application methods, processing aids and their influence on performance. The factors to be considered in selecting the optimum processing aid for each specific hose application will be examined along with several McLube processing aid recommendations.