Gears look like they run perfectly smoothly; after all, they’re designed to. Gears are supposed to tightly interlock and drive each other without much resistance or additional components within a system. However, most gears need some kind of lubricant to keep running smoothly, and your choice of lubricant could play a major role in your eventual performance.
Why Lubricate at All?
Lubrication is important because all gears experience some kind of friction while moving. This friction can cause slow, gradual damage to the structural integrity of the gear, and any damage can be amplified if it starts to affect how the gear is performing. Lubricant reduces this friction and helps gears run smoother, ensuring a longer lifespan and a lower possibility for accidents.
Specific Considerations
Not all gears require the same lubricant, however. The slide of the gear, along with the loading capacity and speed of the gear, need to be carefully considered when selecting the proper lubricant.
For example, when it comes to loading, high-load gears require lubricant especially designed to function well under that extra stress; the higher the load, the higher the viscosity needs to be. The higher the speed of the gear, the lighter the viscosity of the lubricant you need to be using. You may also need to consider the operating temperature of your machinery when selecting the right viscosity for your lubricant.
The type of lubricant you select is also important. For example, rougher surfaces require higher-viscosity lubricants, while smoother surfaces can use lower-viscosity lubricants. Some lubricants feature special additives designed to withstand pressure, but these can eat away at brass, bronze, and other “yellow” metals – so make sure you pay attention to the main ingredients as well.
Overall, your choice of lubricant will play a massive role in the lifespan and performance of your gears. If you want to learn more, or if you’re in the market for replacement gears, be sure to contact us at Federal Gear today!