Machining Equipment Guide: What’s the Benefit of Self-Lubrication?

Ask yourself this serious question: can your business afford 800 hours of annual downtime? This is the national industry average for companies with outdated machines and processes. Keep using “tried and true” methods, but you might find money leaving in all directions.

Hopefully, that caught your attention. Replacing parts is a cost not only in the replacement but in the time it takes to replace them. However, you can extend the life of your machining equipment by taking a second look at your lubricating system.

Self-lubrication does away with the inconsistencies of manual work. For those interested in how these systems can benefit your business, keep on reading.

Manual Versus Automated Lubrication

Historically, industrial applications have relied on manual lubrication to keep their components from rubbing. With manual lubrication, a technician comes in on a schedule with a grease gun to apply lubricant where it’s required.

Technicians typically fill bearings until they can see lubricants seeping out. This helps compensate for the spacing of their schedule. However, there is room for improvement.

While manufacturers have used this process for decades, there is an inherent pattern of over/under lubrication. this results in a waste of materials and slight wear near the end of the schedule.

Self-lubrication is a system designed to apply lubricant as needed. This not only allows bearings to operate efficiently but also protects them from contaminants.

Benefits of Self Lubrication

One of the most desirable benefits of self-lubricating machining equipment is cost savings. Efficient lubrication protects bearings and results in less maintenance. It also reduces costs in lubricant, parts, and technicians.

When industrial applications run smoothly, there is less maintenance required. This includes upkeep on oiling operations, oiling devices, and machine processes. With less maintenance, your company runs with fewer delays.

With efficient lubricating, you can update machine designs that used to compensate for rubbing. This makes your machines simple and more economical. Simple machines are easier to work on, helping businesses move smoothly.

In addition to all of these economic benefits, self-lubrication is good for the environment. systems that don’t waste material stay within the system. This keeps oil and other materials out of nature.

Methods of Self Lubricating Machining Equipment

Replacing manual lubrication with an automated system can result in nearly half the cost of parts in savings. There are several types of systems available depending on your machines. Some options include:

• single-line parallel
• two-line parallel
• single-line progressive
• mist lubrication
• recirculating oil
• pump-to-point

Each system offers benefits that suit various machines. When planning for a self-lubricating system, consider lubricant thickness, temperature, and materials.

Another self-lubricating option is updating your rollers and cam followers with polymer designs. Plastic load-bearing surfaces have been shown to have a natural lubricity that lasts the life of the piece. These pieces remove the need for external lubrication, improving roller and cam follower performance significantly.

More Industrial Solutions

With the above info, we see how self-lubrication can benefit machining equipment. These systems help protect the life of your machines and keep business running smoothly. Look into these options to see what solution works for you.

While self-lubrication is a strong proponent for your company, there are other ways you can improve processes. Check out our Business section for more ways to benefit your manufacturing business.