Lubrication is a process which aims at reducing friction between two moving pieces. When two surfaces come in contact with one another, a fluid must be injected to separate them. The word « greasing » applies when grease is used to lubricate.
The main purposes of lubrication
Lubrication allows to:
- Reduce friction (rubbing or deformation)
- Prevent pieces from wear
- Absorb/reduce shocks
- Protect from corrosion
- Isolate components from contamination
- Clean/get rid of contaminants.
Criteria to be respected
In order to obtain an optimal reliability and maximum benefits from a lubrication program, certain criteria must be met.
Use the right grease / lubricant
Grease is the key element to your lubrication system. The choice of grease type is particularly important for the proper function of the system and will have direct impact on its efficiency.
Over 80% of equipment are lubricated with grease. Most companies use an all-purpose grease for their equipment. In certain cases this is acceptable, this application can incur waste of grease and can harm the productivity.
Most applications often require specialized grease in order to optimize their performance. Machines that are exposed to elevated temperatures or elevated pressures normally require special formulated greases in order to meet operational requirements. Specialized grease can often lengthen the intervals of lubrication and considerably reduce the consumption of grease.
Mixing certain greases could create a chemical reaction that can damage your equipment. It is therefore important to follow the makers’ recommendations
The right quantity
The right quantity of lubricant distributed to each point plays a major role. To under lubricate or to over lubricate can have a negative effect and must be avoided.
Over lubricating leads to excessive pressure on the bearings. Over lubricating increases your expenses linked to an enormous waste of grease. On average, each dollar of lubricant purchased, the shop spends three dollars of expenses on lubricant waste. A good lubrication program permits to follow and control lubrication consumption and eliminate costs.
On the other hand, a prolonged deficiency of lubricant (under lubrication) can cause extreme wear of non-lubricated surfaces, thus causing a failure to the machine along with elevated repair costs.
Automatic lubrication; The key to success
Automatic lubrication insures a continuous lubrication at a regular intervals the greasing points and the special points which have difficult access. It works while the machines engine is running along when all points are in movement.
La lubrification centralisée automatique est utilisée pour contrôler la quantité de lubrifiant distribuée sur les points où le frottement est un problème. Une lubrification régulière maintient un film de graisse et empêche la contamination de vos surfaces d’appui en scellant l’interstice autour de chacune d’elles. Ce collet garde à l’extérieur poussière, sable, eau et empêche toute impureté de créer un abrasif sur les surfaces d’appui et ainsi en éviter l’usure prématurée.
The central automatic lubrication is used to control the amount of lubricant distributed on the points where the friction is a problem. A regular lubrication maintains a film of grease which prevents contamination of your surfaces in sealing inter space around each of them. This collar keeps away the dust, sand and water to filter through and create an abrasive surface and prevents premature wear.
A good lubrication is essential for preventative maintenance of your equipment.