Lubricants Manufacturers online

Lubricants are used to reduce friction, minimize wear and extend the service life of machines and components.

They play a central role in numerous industrial and mechanical applications.

Below is an overview of the main functions, types and uses of lubricants, as well as an overview of the selection criteria for lubricants:

Main functions of lubricants:

Lubricants have several other important functions in addition to their main task of reducing friction of mechanical components.

1. Friction reduction:
   Reduce friction between moving parts, which lowers energy consumption and increases efficiency.
2. Wear protection:
   Form a protective film that avoids direct contact between surfaces, reducing wear.
3. Corrosion protection:
   Protect metal parts from moisture and chemical attack that can cause rust and corrosion.
4. Cooling:
   Dissipate heat generated by friction, preventing overheating and damage.
5. Sealing:
   Seal gaps and spaces to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust and moisture.
6. Cleaning:
   Help remove contaminants and particles by keeping them suspended and carrying them away

Types of lubricants:

Lubricants come in different types to fulfill their tasks in their respective applications.

1. oils:
   Liquid lubricants for general applications, engines and gearboxes. Suitable for high speeds and temperatures.
2. Greases:
   Consistent lubricants for applications where oils do not stick (e.g. bearings, joints). Provide longer protection.
3. Solid lubricants:
   Powdered or solid lubricants such as graphite or molybdenum disulphide, used in extreme conditions or special requirements (e.g. high temperatures, vacuum conditions).
4. Specialty lubricants:
   For special applications such as high-temperature areas, food production (food-safe lubricants) or environments with high environmental compatibility requirements (biodegradable lubricants).

Areas of application for lubricants:

1. Mechanical engineering and industry:
Lubrication of bearings, gears, chains, hydraulic systems and other moving parts.

2. Automotive industry:
Engine oils, gear oils and greases for the lubrication of vehicle components such as engines, gearboxes, axles and suspensions.

3. Food industry:
Special food grade lubricants that are approved for contact with food.

4. Aerospace:
High-performance lubricants for extreme conditions such as high or low temperatures and vacuum.

5. Power generation:
Lubrication of turbines, generators and other large equipment in power plants.

Selection criteria for lubricants:

• A suitable lubricant should be selected depending on the load, speed, temperature range and ambient conditions.
• Resistance to high temperatures, moisture, aggressive chemicals or contact with foodstuffs require special lubricants.
• The correct viscosity ensures optimum lubrication performance under specific operating conditions.
• Ensure that the lubricant is compatible with the materials and other lubricants in the system.

Lubricants are indispensable aids in many technical and industrial applications, as they extend the service life of machines and equipment, increase their efficiency and reduce downtime. Careful selection and correct application are crucial for the safe and economical operation of machinery and equipment.

Here is an overview of what to look for when buying lubricants:

When purchasing lubricants, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that the lubricant meets the specific requirements of the application and ensures maximum performance and service life of the machinery and components.

• Determine the area of application of the lubricant (e.g. mechanical engineering, automotive, food industry, aerospace). Different applications require specific lubricants (e.g. engine oils, gear oils, greases).
• Pay attention to the temperature ranges in which the lubricant is used. Some lubricants are better suited to high temperatures, while others are designed for low temperatures.
• Consider the mechanical loads (e.g. high loads, shock loads) and speeds to select a suitable lubricant that provides sufficient wear protection.
• Select the right oil for your application (e.g. engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil) and observe the specifications such as viscosity and additives.
• For greases, pay attention to the consistency (NLGI class) and the base oil of the grease (e.g. mineral, synthetic) to ensure that it is suitable for the intended application.
• For special requirements such as food safety or extreme temperatures, consider the appropriate special lubricants.
• Make sure that lubricants that could end up in the environment are biodegradable.
• The viscosity of the lubricant must correspond to the operating conditions. A lubricant that is too thin may not provide sufficient protection, while a lubricant that is too thick will increase energy consumption.
• Ensure compliance with international norms and standards (e.g. SAE, ISO, API) as well as the manufacturer's specifications and approvals for the respective application.
• Check the composition of the additives in the lubricant, which provide wear protection, corrosion protection, antioxidants, pressure resistance and foam prevention. Depending on the application, a lubricant may contain special additives that improve performance.
• Make sure that the lubricant contains additives that are tailored to the specific challenges of your application (e.g. extreme pressure conditions, high temperatures, humidity).
• Check that the lubricant is compatible with the materials of your machine components (e.g. seals, plastics, metals) to avoid reactions or damage.
• Make sure that the new lubricant is compatible with any lubricants already in use to avoid mixing, which could impair performance.
• Ensure that the lubricant meets the relevant quality standards and certifications (e.g. ISO 21469 for food grade lubricants, API certifications for engine oils).
• Choose lubricants from manufacturers that are certified according to international standards (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001) to ensure consistently high quality.
• Check whether the lubricant is biodegradable or has environmentally friendly properties, especially if it is used in sensitive environments or outdoors.
• Consider health and safety requirements, such as the use of food grade lubricants in food processing or non-toxic lubricants near drinking water sources.
• Ensure that the lubricant is readily available to avoid bottlenecks and delays in maintenance.
• Choose lubricants that extend maintenance intervals and reduce overall maintenance costs, e.g. through longer service life and lower consumption.
• Consider the total cost of the lubricant, including purchase price, consumption rate and maintenance costs, and choose the product with the best price-performance ratio.
• Calculate the life cycle costs of the lubricant and not just the purchase price. A higher quality lubricant may prove to be more economical due to extended maintenance intervals and longer machine life.
• Check the availability of technical support, advice and service from the manufacturer or supplier.

When purchasing lubricants, you should consider the specific requirements of your application, operating conditions, quality and environmental friendliness as well as cost. Careful selection of the right lubricant will help to extend the life of your machinery, increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Lubricants can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Lubricants from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.