Lubricants - how they protect industrial machinery and components
Good lubricants are a crucial part of the maintenance of industrial equipment and machinery, because by reducing friction and wear, they extend the life of the equipment.
This guide explains what lubricants are and how and when they are used in industry, common types of lubricants in industrial environments and how to think about choosing the right products.
What is lubricant and why is it important?
Lubricants are the substances - usually oils, greases, pastes or dry lubricants - that are applied between moving surfaces in industry.
By creating a protective layer between, for example, metal or machine components, the agent prevents contact with things that can lead to wear, overheating and ultimately machine damage.
In industry, proper lubrication is essential to ensure that:
- Extending the lifetime of machinery and components
- Reduce downtime and maintenance costs
- Protect against corrosion and rust
- Ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency
At Tribotec, we know that the right lubricant is the difference between a fleet of machines running smoothly and a fleet with wear and tear and costly downtime. With our industrial lubricants from OKS it's easy to take care of your machinery while meeting today's increasing demands for performance, safety and the environment.
How lubricants reduce friction and wear
As mentioned earlier, lubricants, whether grease, paste or silicone grease, act as a protective layer between moving surfaces, reducing direct contact between metal components. This layer reduces friction, which in turn reduces heat generation and wear.
The protective layer also prevents small particles and contaminants from damaging the surface, further extending the life of the machine and ensuring smooth operation.
The right lubricant is adapted to the load, temperature and environment, so that machines and components work effectively for a long time.
Common types of lubricants in industrial environments
Common types of lubricants in industrial environments include:
- Rolling and plain bearing grease: Too high/low speeds and varying pressure.
- High temperature grease: Withstands high temperatures and protects components even in extreme operating conditions.
- Speciality lubricant for plastics: Designed to lubricate plastic components without damaging the material or changing its properties.
- Especially adhesive grease: Adheres extra well to surfaces and stays in place under vibration or heavy loads.
- High power grease with solid lubricants: Contains solid particles that provide extra protection under heavy loads or extreme stress.
- Semi-fluid grease for transmissions: Easy-flowing grease that lubricates gears and other hard-to-reach parts.
- Universal and EP grease: Versatile lubricants that work in many different applications and conditions.
- Food grade lubricants (NSF-H1/H2): Lubricants safe for food contact, widely used in the food industry.
- Assembly and bolting pastor: Thick paste for easy application to screws, bolts and mounting points, reduces friction and damage during assembly.
- The choice between grease, oil and paste, for example, depends on the component, load and environment. Grease stays on for a long time, oil runs and lubricates continuously and paste sticks to hard-to-reach surfaces.
We know it can be a jungle to find the right one, and are happy to help with counselling.
When are speciality lubricants needed?
Speciality lubricants are used when standard lubricants cannot meet the specific requirements of the application. This can include:
- Extreme temperatures - both very high and very low.
- Speciality materials - such as plastics, composites or sensitive metals.
- High load or pressure - where extra protection against wear is required.
- Specific chemical environments - in contact with water, chemicals or food.
- Long lifetime or low maintenance requirements - when the lubricant needs to last longer than standard products.
Lubricants for harsh environments: heat, moisture and chemicals
Our lubricants are specifically designed to provide effective protection even under extreme conditions, while always being adapted to different technical requirements and environmental conditions in industry.
Our range of lubricants includes lubricants for marine environments. It consists of specially developed grease products that can withstand the stresses of moisture and salt water, underwater equipment and other equipment exposed to the elements.
In our range speciality fats and advanced industrial oils are also available for high temperatures, humid operating conditions and applications where extra protection against wear and corrosion is needed - making them suitable for tough operations in, for example, machine shops, production and heavy industry.
How to identify the right lubricant for your application
The right lubricant is essential to protect machinery, reduce wear and ensure trouble-free operation. To find out which lubricant is right for your machinery and components, you are welcome to contact us today, and we will help you find the optimal solution for your application!
