A non-lubricated gear and roller system can be quite costly to maintain, but proper lubrication can delay premature failure and lower the coefficient of friction. While there are many types of lubricants available, one of the most effective ones is one that's specifically formulated for gears and rollers. These lubricants are particularly suitable for these types of machines because they have the right viscosity and are highly resistant to friction. Without proper lubrication, gears and rollers will degrade over time, causing damage to shafts and bearings.
When considering the type of lubricant to use, a good rule of thumb is to use a thin film of lubricant to prevent excessive wear and tear. The thickness of the film of lubricant depends on the speed of the gear, which is relatively low at low pitch line velocities and increases at higher pitch line velocities. Similarly, lubricant film thickness depends on the degree of roughness on the gear's flank, which influences the ratio of fluid and solid friction.
The oil splash method is another method that can be used to lubricate gear and roller surfaces, see page for more info. This method is also known as an oil bath and uses a reservoir filled with oil. However, when gear teeth are fully submerged in the oil, it can cause churning, which is the process in which the gear or bearing has to work harder to push through the lubricant.
The initial pitting or corrective pitting is another option. This process can be destructive or non-lubricated and can take either macro or micro forms. Macropitting is when the pits are larger than one mm in diameter. Micropitting, on the other hand, occurs when pitting occurs at the micro level. This type of pitting causes white frosting on gear surfaces.
Another way to improve non-lubricated gear and roller systems is by lubricating them with the right type and amount of oil. This method conserves power and reduces maintenance time. It also offers quiet operation characteristics and reduces noise. It is suited for grinding roll stands, but can also be used in situations where oil baths are not a viable option.
Using low-quality gear oil can actually harm an engine in the long run. The lubrication system can become clogged with particles that are hazardous to the engine. Even good synthetic gear oils can start to corrode in a short period of time. This is why experts recommend using high-grade gear oil, which has been rigorously tested by industry professionals. Using high-grade gear oil also ensures that your gears do not leak even when the engine is in good condition, here is a great post to read about engines. However, it is crucial to use the right oil for an engine, especially if it is an older engine to protect your engine warranty.
Another way to protect your gears is to use gear oil that's NSF-registered. This gear oil is odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating. It also provides superior protection against corrosion and wear. The high-quality synthetic gear oil also protects against heat and high-temperature conditions. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor.
