Choosing the right bearing grease – everything you need to know when choosing a product for yourself
Selection of the appropriate bearing grease and its proper use will ensure proper operation of the bearings, reduced wear of bearing parts and resistance to corrosion and dirt. Find out what types of lubricants there are, their properties and applications.
Depending on the needs, conditions and type of work performed, bearings need different types of lubricants. The selection of the appropriate one will be influenced by factors such as:
- the temperature at which the bearings operate;
- load and rotational speeds;
- presence of water or steam;
- dust and pollution of the environment in which the machine operates;
- and constant or no vibrations.
What is bearing grease?
The grease is made of several ingredients. The basis is the base oil. It is usually synthetic, mineral or vegetable oil. Metal soaps, polymers, hydrocarbons, bentonites and silica gels are used as thickening agents. Additional ingredients are intended to improve the lubricant's parameters. However, they are not mandatory.
Lubrication with oil or grease?
Depending on the conditions mentioned above, we select the type of lubricant. Plastic grease will work well in conditions of low environmental pollution. Its fluidity is low and therefore it is more difficult to reach all parts. Also, the risk of contamination is greater and removing dirt is more difficult. However, at lower loads and temperatures, the grease will be sufficient.
Oil lubrication allows for the creation of an even oil film with high temperature and corrosion resistance. It seals all parts very well and protects against contamination. Other features include fluidity, high load resistance and easy replacement of the entire oil.
What are the lubrication methods?
Lubrication can be done in two basic methods:
- manual lubrication, which is a quick and cheap method; For lubrication, mechanical, pneumatic or electric lubricators are used. The latter allow for precise dosing of the lubricant. For manual lubrication to be effective, it must be performed with the greatest precision;
- automated lubrication:
- oil bath lubrication;
- lubrication with forced oil circulation;
- oil injection lubrication;
- splash lubrication;
- lubrication with oil mist or dew.
Automatic lubrication shortens the time needed for lubrication and also reduces operating costs. The safety of the entire process also increases.
Selecting the right bearing grease can pose many problems. If you don't know which lubricant to choose and which lubrication method will be best for you, contact a Specol employee and we will certainly dispel your doubts!