Industrial lubrication : its importance in industry

Industrial lubrication minimizes friction, allowing moving parts of a machine to glide smoothly over each other. It is an essential element to ensure the performance and longevity of all rotating equipment. A study shows that more than 50% of bearing malfunctions are due to poor lubrication. Choosing the right lubrication solution is the first step in reducing premature bearing failures and increasing machine uptime, productivity and energy efficiency.

Lubrication can be defined as the application of oily or greasy products, also known as "lubricants", to reduce friction and allow the moving parts of a machine to slide smoothly one over the other.

Lubricants form a film between the metal surfaces of machine parts to prevent metal-to-metal contact and to ensure efficient machine operation.

What is the purpose of industrial lubrication?

Reduce wear and friction : Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, which helps them last longer and reduces damage caused by wear.

Improve energy efficiency : Correct lubrication reduces resistance and energy losses due to friction, which improves the overall efficiency of machinery and industrial equipment.

Prevent breakdowns and unplanned shutdowns : Regular and correct lubrication prevents failures due to excessive wear or component failure. This minimizes unplanned downtime and maximizes productivity.

Reduce maintenance costs : Proper lubrication extends the life of equipment, reduces costly repairs and minimizes the cost of replacing worn parts.

Maintain product quality : In some industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, lubrication is a key factor in maintaining product quality. The goal is to use appropriate lubricants that do not contaminate finished products and that meet safety and quality standards.

What types of lubrication exist?

Manual lubrication : Manual lubrication, using grease guns or similar tools, has several major drawbacks. First, it can lead to extended machine downtime, disrupting production. In addition, this method generates high maintenance costs due to the regular intervention of a technician. Irregular lubrication is also a problem, which can lead to premature wear of parts. Human errors, such as the incorrect amount of lubricant, are common. Learn more

Automatic lubrication : Automatic lubrication is an advanced method that offers many advantages for the preservation of industrial equipment. It delivers the right amount of lubricant at the right time and place, replacing manual methods. This extends equipment life, reduces wear and lowers maintenance costs. Human error is eliminated, ensuring precise and consistent lubrication. Automatic lubrication also improves operational efficiency by reducing drag and energy loss. It prevents unplanned breakdowns by ensuring regular lubrication and minimizes downtime.

The advantages of automatic lubrication

• Delivers a precise amount of lubricant at the right time and in the right place.
• Eliminates human error due to insufficient or excessive lubrication.
• Improves operational efficiency by reducing drag and energy loss.
• Reduces unplanned downtime by ensuring regular lubrication.
• Extends equipment life, minimizing wear and maintenance costs.

The disadvantages of manual lubrication

• Risk of uneven application of lubricant, leading to premature wear of parts.
• Incorrect amounts of lubricant may be applied, impacting equipment life.
• Requires a technician, resulting in longer machine downtime.
• Incurs additional expense of skilled labor and resources for regular lubrication.
• Risk of injury to technicians during manual lubrication, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

What is the damage of non-lubrication of an industrial object?

Lack of lubrication of an industrial object can lead to serious damage. First of all, insufficient lubrication leads to excessive wear of moving parts, which reduces their service life and requires their regular replacement. On the other hand, the increase in friction due to insufficient lubrication causes overheating of the components, which causes deterioration such as deformations, cracks or loss of mechanical resistance. This overheating can also lead to mechanical malfunctions such as breaks or jams, resulting in unexpected breakdowns and high repair costs.

In addition, the lack of lubrication increases the energy consumption, since more energy must be supplied to compensate for the increase in friction. And finally, the quality of the manufactured products can also be compromised, for example in the food industry, where insufficient lubrication can lead to contamination or alter the sensory characteristics of the products. Good lubrication is therefore essential to prevent damage, ensure reliable operation of equipment and guarantee the quality of industrial products.

Which lubricant is best suited to our needs ?

Choosing the right industrial lubricant is crucial to ensure optimal performance and extended equipment life. However, with the multitude of options available on the market, it can be difficult to make an informed decision. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable tips for choosing the ideal lubricant according to your specific needs.

Before selecting a lubricant, it is essential to understand the specifics of your application. Consider the load, speed, operating temperature, and chemical environments your system will be exposed to. This information will help you determine the type of lubricant and characteristics needed.

How to choose the right type of lubricant ?

Lubricants come in different forms for industrial applications: oils, greases and semi-solids. Each has its advantages and is suitable for specific applications. Oils are ideal for high speed and high temperature systems, while greases provide excellent adhesion for high load applications. Carefully assess your needs to choose the right type of lubricant for the right type of machine.