Importance of Choosing the Right Lubricant for Your Machinery

Lubrication is an essential step to be taken to properly maintain a machine. This will help you improve the lifespan of your machine. Lubricants are not compromised when it comes to any Industry working with machines. However, it can be a challenging task too, with many questions like, How frequently should the machine be lubricated? How to save money on lubrication expenses? What kind of lubricant would be more suitable – Mineral-based or Synthetic? Whether the machinery requires minimal or heavy-duty lubrication, etc. Every piece of machinery with moving components needs to be lubricated, but there are several things to consider. The answers to these and other questions are necessary before selecting the right lubricant. 

All your confusion about Machine Lubrication will end once you go through this article. Also, this will help you to select the correct lubricant type you need.   

Benefits of Choosing the Right Lubricant

1. Machine duration

2. Increase Productivity 

3. Cost-effective

1. Machine Duration 

The first and foremost advantage of selecting the right lubricant is that it will benefit your operating machinery by increasing machine longevity. Metal components that are subjected to friction suffer wear and tear, which causes the machine to deteriorate faster. Using a suitable lubricant lowers friction, which lessens wear and tear on the machine and ultimately increases longevity. The proper lubricant can also help shield your machinery from rust and corrosion, which, if left uncontrolled, can lead to long-term harm. 

2. Increase productivity 

In the business, evaluation of productivity is also important, and the choice of appropriate lubricants plays a crucial factor for businesses. Opting for the right lubricant not only increases machine performance but also ensures their protection. Lubrication decreases machine breakdowns by reducing friction and extending the equipment's operational life, thereby minimising interruptions and boosting productivity. It also optimises machine performance, allowing for maximum output and enabling consistent production schedules. Ultimately, precise lubrication conserves energy, as reduced friction demands less power, resulting in cost savings over the long term. The sensible use of lubricants is a strategic decision that promotes productivity, reduces breakdowns, and facilitates sustainable cost savings through efficient energy usage.

3. Cost-Effective

A cost-effective strategy is picking the proper Lubricant for your equipment. You can save money by avoiding expensive breakdowns and repairs, as well as by lowering the energy use of your equipment. This can save you money in the long term because Well-lubricated machines require less frequent maintenance, saving on repair and replacement costs. The proper lubricant can also help prolong your equipment's life, which lowers the replacement frequency.

Things to be taken care of while selecting a lubricant for your equipment 

It is never simple to put reliability-based lubrication solutions into practice in a long-lasting, effective way. When it comes to lubricant selection, it's important to consider the specific needs of your machinery. Different machines have different requirements according to machine performance, thus making it critical to choose a lubricant that is designed to meet those needs. This may include factors such as 

1. Operating temperature

2. Load capacity

3. Operating environment

For example, a lubricant designed for low-temperature environments may not be suitable for a machine that operates at high temperatures. It's also important to verify the type of metal that your machinery is made of, as some lubricants may not be suitable for certain metals. You can also find a lubricant sales technician who is willing to pose probing questions and develop internal parameters that might be essential. 

The frequency of the machine being lubricated will always depend on its usage and the functions that it carries out. Whether the atmosphere is hot, cold, moist, or dry is also a point to be considered while you select the lubricant, as moisture is detrimental to the lubrication system’s health.

Types of Lubricants

There are many various lubricant types, each with special qualities and advantages. 

• Mineral oils 

• Synthetic oils

• Greases

• Pastes 

are some of the most popular kinds of lubricants used in working Industries. The most fundamental kind of lubricant, mineral oils, are frequently utilised in various applications. High-performance Metalworking Machines frequently use synthetic lubricants because they are chemically designed to offer better performance and protection. Grease is a semi-solid lubricant that provides a long-lasting lubricating layer, making it perfect for machinery that moves slowly. Pastes are heavy-duty lubricants that are thick, offer excellent protection, and are ideal for high-load applications. These lubricant types and their uses vary from different industries and their usage of machinery equipment. 

Mineral oil lubricants, derived from crude oil, are widely used in industry due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. They provide effective lubrication, reducing friction and wear in machinery. These lubricants are heat-resistant and compatible with many materials, making them suitable for various applications. These are readily available and affordability makes them a practical choice for many industries.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, using suitable lubricants can increase the energy efficiency and lifespan of your machines, increase your equipment's performance and ultimately save your costs. It's crucial to take into account the unique requirements of your machinery when selecting a lubricant, including operating temperature, load capacity, and operating climate. With so many various kinds of lubricants on the market, it's also equally important to pick the proper one for your equipment to ensure optimal efficiency and lifetime. We can be your one-stop shop for any of your questions, Mercury Oils has years of experience and knowledge in the lubricant industry. You can maximise the performance of your equipment while actively promoting a more sustainable future.