Finding the right lubricant

Even in early times, lubricants were used on the axle bearings of Egyptian chariots. While in the following milleniums, not much happened in terms of the lubrication technology, it startet to develop at a rapid pace with the beginning of the industrial revolution. Steam engines, which were invented back then, had a power output unknown before, yet they needed high-quality lubricants because of the high stresses they were exposed to. In modern times, steam engines have been replaced by high-performance engines for a long time. These engines withstand increasing stresses thanks to increaslingly efficient lubricants.

Lubricants are an omnipresent part of our everyday lives, even though we barely notice them. Far beyond the well-known lubricants like motor oil, specialist types ensure smooth processes in many areas. Their applications are as versatile as the lubricants are themselves. They keep small clockworks running accurately or guarantee on giant container ships that important goods arrive safely where they are needed. But how do you find the right product for your application among all those different types of lubricants?

Lubricants are used mainly to reduce friction between two components which move against each other. That way, they reduce wear and increase the efficiency of machines or systems due to reduced friction. Moreover, lubricants can add or dissipate heat, absorb vibration, seal systems and protect against corrosion.

Lubricants are usually differentiated according to their type and purpose. There are different kinds of lubricating substances, such as lubricating oils, greases or dry lubricants. They are used as lubricants for different components, as assembly aid, as processing aid in material processing or as corrosion protection.

• increased productivity, quality, reliability and sustainability
• reduced energy and operating costs
• reduced lubricant consumption
• higher machine availability due to longer maintenance intervals
• reduced wear and thus minimized downtime
• reduction of noise caused by friction

Finding the right adhesive is the first step in the right direction. In order to protect components against wear, it is important to know that a lubricant wears off. That is why lubricants need to be reapplied regularly. The so-called re-lubrication ensures that effective lubricant is available at all times. The manuals of the machines provide information about the interval when changing the lubricant is required. Operating machines with used up lubricant over long periods of time can cause damages and even machine failure. A thorouhly updated maintenance plan helps to control processes efficiently and ensures high reliability and productivity.

• suitable for nearly all applications
• suitable for consumption and circulating lubrication systems
• promotes heat dissipation
• removal of soilings / abrasion
• conveying under low pressure possible
• low planning efforts for central lubrication system
• lower internal lubricant friction
• suitable for high rotation speed
• forms effective lubricating film
• positive effect of constant flow
• suitable for hydrostatic bearings

• lower constructional effort
• ensures sealing of the bearing against external influences (dust, water,…)
• strong adhesion / non-dripping
• corrosion protection
• permanent lubrication
• dry lubricants possible
• high pressure stability
• high water stability
• adjustable to different applications

Information about the composition of lubricants you find here.