Nearly 80% of breakdowns that occur in industrial equipment are related to industrial lubrication.
We talk about industrial lubrication when we refer to the different substances that are used in machines and gears, mainly to reduce or prevent friction. For this, oils, fats, gels, graphites, etc. are used.
Basically, a lubricant is any substance or material introduced between two moving parts that prevents rubbing and friction.
Role of industrial lubrication
La industrial lubrication It fulfills several functions, such as:
- Reduce or avoid friction, to prevent deformation and breakage.
- Extend the life of parts by reducing wear.
- Absorb or cushion shocks and bumps.
- Control temperatures. Lubrication can act as a cooling system.
- Collect and remove debris and contaminants.
- Protect parts from contamination.
- Stop or prevent the processes of corrosion and oxidation of the parts.
- Decrease energy consumption.
- As a vehicle to drive additives used to improve performance and extend the life of machines.
Types of industrial lubricants
Lubricants can be liquid, solid and gaseous. The former are the most common, such as the different types of mineral oils. On the other hand, there are fats, halfway between solid and liquid states.
Solid lubricants are less common and are also known as dry film lubricants, such as graphite, mica and molybdenum disulfide.
And there are gaseous lubricants, such as some hydrocarbons that are sprayed, the use of air as a lubricant and other gases that act under pressure.
Lubricants can also be divided into mineral, synthetic, vegetable and animal. Most of the lubricants used in industry are mineral or synthetic, and can be in the form of oils or greases.
In our engineering company in Seville We can advise you on which is the best system for industrial lubrication.
In which industry is industrial lubrication used?
Lubricants are used in all those industries that use some kind of machinery or equipment that has moving parts in the processing of their products. They are also important in those that manage fleets of vehicles or transport systems.
Examples of companies where industrial lubrication is essential:
The automotive industry, the aerospace industry, the energy industry, the medical industry, the shipbuilding industry, the textile industry, etc.
Importance of industrial lubrication
As we pointed out at the beginning, 80% of the breakdowns that occur in industrial equipment and machinery are due to problems with lubrication. However, only 5% of the overall maintenance budget is spent on industrial lubrication.
Lubricants keep equipment moving and ensure that projected production quotas can be met.
Lack of lubrication can lead to production and product delivery delays, increased costs and loss of valuable and expensive equipment.
Having duly trained technicians and keeping the equipment well lubricated helps to extend the life of the machinery, and to produce more without interruptions due to equipment problems.
Industrial lubricants also improve company safety, by preventing overheating, explosions or fires, and help reduce polluting emissions (a well-lubricated machine produces less pollution than a poorly maintained one).