Do you ever wonder how to maintain your machinery’s peak performance since lost time due to equipment shutdown can be drastically costly? The answer lies in one of the smallest yet most essential machinery components: the bearings. And more specifically, the lubrication or the ‘bearing grease’ used on them. Bearing grease not only prevents possible debilitating friction between metal parts of the bearings, but also increases their operation life drastically, reducing the likelihood of sudden equipment failure. However, not all lubricants are created equal.
Quick Info:
– Bearing Grease Type: Typically oil or grease.
– Function: Reduces friction, prevents metal-to-metal contact, reduces wear, prevents corrosion.
– Important Criteria: Nature of application, operating temperature, viscosity of the lubricant.
Here at CFAB Global, we know every nut, bolt, and bearing of your machinery matters. For over two decades, we have been providing customized machinery solutions and support with our primary focus on increasing productivity, reducing equipment downtime, and extending the lifespan of key machinery parts like bearings.
We believe in delivering tailored solutions that fit your unique needs, and when it comes to bearing grease, one-size-fits-all is certainly not our modus operandi. With numerous types of bearings and lubricants available, the selection process can be bewildering. It’s essential to make the right choice in terms of the nature of application, viscosity at operating temperature, and the intended function of the grease. But how do you make such an informed decision?
Infographic showing the process of choosing the right bearing grease:
We will guide you through a five-step process for selecting the most effective bearing grease for your specific application needs, backed by the combined expertise of our team at CFAB Global. Because when it comes to the smooth operation of your equipment, every detail counts. Let’s grease the wheels.
Understanding the Basics of Bearing Grease
When it comes to choosing the right lubrication for your bearings, understanding the basics is crucial. At CFAB Global, we believe in providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your machinery needs.
What is Bearing Grease?
Bearing grease is a lubricant designed to prevent the metal parts of bearings from coming into contact with each other. It is essential to the proper function and service life of the bearings. Bearings grease works to reduce friction, wear, and corrosion, while also promoting system efficiency. In fact, it’s such a crucial part of bearing health that most applications require re-greasing after use to ensure optimal performance.
Components of Bearing Grease: Base Oil, Thickening Agent, and Additives
Bearings grease is made up of three main components: base oil, a thickening agent, and additives. The base oil, which makes up 70-90% of the grease, provides the necessary lubrication. The thickening agent, comprising 5-30%, ensures the grease maintains its semi-fluid state over the long term. Additives, which make up 1-5% of the composition, give the grease its specific characteristics, such as resistance to wear, corrosion, and oxidation.
Difference Between Bearing Grease and Regular Grease
While it may seem like all greases are the same, there is a significant difference between bearing grease and regular grease. The main differentiation lies in the operating conditions they’re designed for. Bearing grease is engineered to handle the specific demands of bearing applications, which often involve high rotational speeds, varying temperatures, and loads. Regular grease, on the other hand, is typically designed for general purpose applications and may not provide the same level of protection under the demanding conditions that bearings often face.
Choosing the right grease is vital for the longevity and efficiency of your bearings. In the next section, we’ll delve into the factors you need to consider when choosing bearing grease. With our expert guidance and the Machine Reliability Programs we offer at CFAB Global, we can ensure that your machinery operates at its peak performance for years to come.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bearing Grease
Choosing the right bearing grease is not just about picking any lubricant off the shelf. It requires careful consideration of a few critical factors. Our expert at CFAB Global, Todd Cleppe, explains these factors in detail.
Operating Conditions: Temperature, Speed, and Load
The first thing to consider when choosing bearings grease is the operating conditions, specifically, the temperature, speed, and load. The grease you select should be able to function effectively under your machine’s specific operating conditions.
For instance, if your equipment operates at high temperatures, the viscosity index value of the grease should be higher than for equipment operating at lower temperatures. Similarly, if your machine has a higher load rating, you need a grease with a higher viscosity index value. On the other hand, for higher rotation speeds, the grease should have a lower viscosity index value to avoid friction or overheating.
Type of Bearing: Ball, Roller, etc.
The type of bearing you have is another crucial factor. Do you have a plain bearing or a bearing with rolling elements like balls or rollers? A plain bearing typically has a PTFE coating and doesn’t require re-greasing. However, roller bearings need to be lubricated with grease or oil. Knowing the type of bearing you have will guide you in selecting the appropriate grease.
Viscosity Index Value of the Base Oil
The viscosity index value of the base oil in the bearing grease is a key determinant of how well the oil will function at specific temperatures, speeds, and load conditions. The higher the value, the thicker the grease, and vice versa. Therefore, choosing a grease with a wrong viscosity index value could lead to friction or overheating of the bearing.
Grease Consistency: NLGI Class 2 or 3
Lastly, the consistency of the grease is crucial. Most greases used for ball bearing lubrication generally fall within the range of NLGI class 2 or 3. The consistency of the grease plays a significant role in sealing the bearing points against dirt and preventing corrosion due to its water-repellent effect.
At CFAB Global, we understand the importance of using the correct bearings grease for your machinery. Our Machine Reliability Program offers a comprehensive package of analysis and services tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you make the right choice for your machinery’s optimum performance.
How to Apply Bearing Grease
When it comes to applying bearing grease, the method you choose can significantly impact your machinery’s performance and longevity. There are two main methods of application: manual and automatic lubrication.
Manual vs. Automatic Lubrication
Manual Lubrication is a common choice, often performed using a cordless grease gun or grease pump. This method is suitable for machines with sealed or open bearings and those with a large number of bearings. For miniature or instrument bearings, manual lubrication in a clean environment is advisable.
However, manual lubrication can be challenging for machines with hard-to-reach lubrication points, such as pumps, electric motors, fans, blowers, conveyor belts, and chains. For these machines, as well as those with lubrication points behind safety cages or at great heights, Automatic Lubrication is the better choice. It’s also the preferred method for industries with a vast number of lubrication points requiring variable lubrication frequencies and grease levels.
At CFAB Global, we can guide you to choose the right lubrication method based on your machinery and operation conditions. Our product specialists are always ready to offer personalized advice.
Determining the Correct Amount of Bearing Grease
The bearing grease amount is indicated as a percentage of the grease volume relative to the free internal space of the bearing. Generally, the standard percentage indicated by the manufacturer is between 20% and 40%. However, the rotational speed of the bearing largely influences this percentage.
For bearings with a rotational speed lower than 50% of the maximum permissible speed, we recommend a lubricant percentage of 50% to 65%. Conversely, for bearings with a rotational speed higher than 50% of the maximum permissible speed, a lubricant percentage of 30% to 50% is advisable.
Importance of Timely Lubrication for Optimum Service Life
Timely lubrication of bearings is crucial for their optimum service life. It helps reduce the risk of dirt and defects. Several factors determine the right time for lubrication, including the bearing temperature when the machine is in use, the number of hours the machine is used per day, the size of the bearing, and the rotational speed of the bearing.
At CFAB Global, we stress the importance of proper and timely lubrication. Through our Machine Reliability Program, we provide essential services that increase productivity, reduce equipment downtime, extend bearing life, and reduce the risk of lost-time production.
Choosing the right bearings grease and applying it correctly can significantly impact the performance and lifespan of your machinery. Make the right choice today for a more efficient and productive tomorrow.
Maintenance and Re-greasing of Bearings
Just as crucial as choosing the right bearings grease is ensuring that your bearings are properly maintained and re-greased at the correct intervals. At CFAB Global, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular maintenance for the optimal performance of your machinery.
Frequency of Re-greasing
Determining the right frequency for re-greasing is often a complex task. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and depends on various factors like operating temperature, the number of hours in operation per day, and the size and speed of the bearing.
Some equipment may require re-greasing every day, some once a week, some every two weeks, and some once a month. It’s crucial to monitor the conditions of your bearings and adjust the frequency of re-greasing based on their needs.
Inspection of Old Grease and Analysis
An integral part of the maintenance process is the inspection of the old grease. This not only provides an insight into the condition of your bearings but can also serve as an indicator of the effectiveness of your current lubricant.
We recommend sending samples of the used lubricants to a laboratory that specializes in analyzing used lubricants. This can provide valuable knowledge for each specific application and can be the best indicator of a proper re-greasing interval.
When to Completely Wash Out and Re-pack Bearings
In some applications, it’s beneficial to completely wash out the bearings once a year and re-pack them with new grease. This is especially true in cases where the equipment has been operating under harsh conditions or for long periods.
Following this process, you can continue with your established re-greasing program. The aim is to always provide the proper amount of oil to the bearings for their optimal functioning.
At CFAB Global, our goal is to ensure that your machinery is running efficiently and effectively. We offer a comprehensive Machine Reliability Program, providing a customized package of analysis, services, equipment, and support for your needs.
In addition to this, our team of experts, including Todd Cleppe, is always available to provide professional help and advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your bearing lubrication needs, reach out to us. We’re here to help!
Maintaining your bearings and using the right bearings grease is not just a task, but a commitment to the longevity of your machinery and to the success of your operations. Make the right choice today for a more efficient and productive tomorrow.
Conclusion
Recap of How to Choose the Right Bearing Grease
Choosing the right bearings grease is no small task. It requires a careful understanding of your machinery’s operating conditions, including temperature, speed, and load. You must also consider the type of bearing in use and the viscosity index value of the base oil. The consistency of the grease, often classified under NLGI Class 2 or 3, is another key factor.
Moreover, the application of the grease is crucial. Whether you choose manual or automatic lubrication, the correct amount must be determined and applied at regular intervals for optimum service life.
Lastly, your bearings need regular maintenance and re-greasing. Always inspect the old grease and analyze its condition. In some cases, you may need to completely wash out and re-pack the bearings.
How CFAB Global’s Machine Reliability Program Can Help
Our approach at CFAB Global is to provide comprehensive solutions that go beyond just supplying parts. We believe in delivering expertise and support in every aspect of machinery management. That’s why we developed our Machine Reliability Program.
Under this program, we provide a customized package that includes detailed analysis, premium services, and cutting-edge equipment. We’re not just about fixing problems, we’re about preventing them. Our strategies have proven effective in enhancing productivity, minimizing equipment downtime, and extending the lifespan of critical components such as bearings and gearboxes.
Choosing the right bearings grease is just one part of the equation. Implementing a comprehensive machinery management approach is the ultimate solution. And that’s exactly what we offer at CFAB Global.
With years of experience and a team of dedicated experts, including our very own Todd Cleppe, we are committed to ensuring your machinery runs smoothly and efficiently.
Ready to take the next step towards improving your machinery’s reliability and productivity? Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Machine Reliability Program.
At CFAB Global, we’re not just your supplier – we’re your partner in ensuring your machinery’s longevity and your operations’ success.
