What is automatic lubrication (or if you prefer automatic lubrication)? 

 

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.

Regular lubrication not only maintains a thin layer of grease for minimizing the effects of friction, it also protects the surface against contamination. It creates a barrier to sand, water and other contaminants which may have an abrasive effect on the surface. Regular lubrication prevents premature wear!

 

  

A good lubrication is essential for preventative maintenance of your equipment.

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