Having correctly lubricated production machinery ensures operational uptime, minimises maintenance and creates value through asset optimisation. With over
75 years of expertise in the manufacture of rolling bearings, Schaeffler understands why this is so important and has created a range of perfectly
matched lubrication products to ensure world-class machine reliability.
Lubrication is essential to the correct functioning of any equipment with moving parts. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, lubricant has been required
to make machinery efficient and stop it from breaking down. Yet all too often this subject isn’t given the attention it deserves and 80 per cent of premature rolling
bearing failures could be prevented through the use of proper lubrication.
Break it down
The main reason for lubricating rolling bearings is to prevent or reduce contact between rolling and sliding surfaces. Friction and wear are kept to a low level if
lubricant is conveyed into the contact areas of rolling bearings and adheres to the surfaces of parts rolling against each other. Although lubricant separates the
contact surfaces and prevents metal to metal contact, it also performs other important functions including anti-corrosion protection, heat dissipation, the
iflushing out of particles and contaminants, and support for the effectiveness of bearing seals.
To ensure optimum lubrication, it is important to use the right type and quality of lubricant, in the right amounts, at the right place and at the right time. All too
often equipment is either over-lubricated, under-lubricated, lubricated when a machine isn’t operational, or given the wrong type of lubricant. Under lubrication
machine isn’t operational, or given the wrong type of lubricant. Under lubrication can cause rolling bearings to wear out too quickly, whereas over-lubrication can
lead to ineffective operation. It is therefore vital to adhere to manufacturer recommendations to ensure optimal functioning.
Benefit check
Schaeffler is committed to helping its customers maximise the value of their roller bearing investments, reduce the time and money spent on avoidable
maintenance and, of course, minimise downtime. It’s why it continually invests in research and development that has created lubrication solutions specifically
designed to work with its best in class rolling bearings, which are used extensively
in industry sectors as diverse as raw material extraction and processing, mining, paper production and pulping, food and beverage manufacture, and cement
production.
Recognising that a reliance on human intervention is often the cause of ineffective and incorrect lubrication, over the years Schaeffler has focused on developing its
innovative range of CONCEPT automatic lubrication solutions that are designed to reduce maintenance outlay by up to 30 per cent compared to manual lubrication,
ensuring problem free production in the long-term. Automatic lubrication means that roller bearings are supplied with the optimum quantity of lubricant and set to
the correct lubrication intervals for the equipment. This avoids the unnecessary temperature increases that can damage the lubricant and the bearing.
Solutions provider
Schaeffler’s CONCEPT range comprises four variants – CONCEPT1 is designed for automatic relubrication of one lubrication point, CONCEPT2 with two lubricant
supply line outlets, while the CONCEPT4 and CONCEPT8 can supply up to four and eight lubrication points respectively. CONCEPT1 is suitable for use in a wide range
of applications, including electric motors, fans, pumps, gearboxes and belt conveyors and, like the whole CONCEPT range, it features replacement cartridges
that can be filled up to three times in just a few easy steps using a standard grease gun and corresponding adaptor. This helps to reduce waste, protect the
environment and contribute towards an end user’s sustainability based objectives.
The life of lubricants is limited and they are constantly exposed to mechanical loads, ageing and contamination. Therefore, choosing the right lubricator and
lubricating oil and/or grease at the earliest possible opportunity is essential in ensuring that rolling bearings and linear units achieve the required performance
and operating life. Lubricators in the CONCEPT range can be pre-filled with Schaeffler’s Arcanol lubricating greases, which have superior characteristics in all areas compared to normal greases and are subjected to a thorough quality test when delivered. In Schaeffler's analytical laboratory, Arcanol lubricating greases are checked for their chemical and physical properties to ensure extremely high product quality. It is also worth noting that CONCEPT devices can also be operated using third-party greases that are not part of the Arcanol range.
Next steps
Effective lubrication makes all the difference and Schaeffler’s solutions offer longterm savings potential of up to 25 per cent. They facilitate optimum machine
availability and reduce total cost of ownership, with minimal maintenance and unplanned downtime – keeping production flowing as it should.
To find out more about Schaeffler’s lubrication solutions please visit
https://medias.schaeffler.co.uk/en/lubrication
