We all live a life which is enclosed by machines. Machines and technology have made our lives simple but it is equally important to maintain the working of such gadgets. It demands maintenance and the working becomes smooth if it is provided a care. As a human body needs nutrition to let it work properly, the same way the gadgets need lubrication and proper care. Lubricants have become inseparable part which can maintain everything whether it is a simple gadget or any complex machine. In this article we will understand about the types of lubricants and its usage.
Effects of Lubrication:
Lubrication is needed to reduce the friction between elements. It also cures the surface and reduce the wear. It prevents the surface from rust by creating an oil film. It gives a long life to machine by acting on the surface and decreases the friction. The mechanism functions properly if the system gets lubricated at a regular interval of time.
Following are the lubricants which have been further described in details.
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- Oils
- Grease
- Penetrating Lubricants
- Dry Lubricants
- Oils
As we understand that oils are used to minimize the friction between the various parts but the usage of all the lubricants are not the same. Their usage differs in accordance with the requirements. Oils are used to repair hinges, sharpening and maintaining the tools, bearings etc. They are made up by the combination of polymers with the required quantum of additive. They are a kind of thin liquid which is formed by combining a chain of polymers. Oil is used in bearings where low torque or high speed are expected from the tool. The oil lubricants are also used in case of sharpening tools. The sharpening surface is oiled in order to avoid the debris and to protect the stone. ย It happens due to lower viscosities as compared to grease. Oils possess a content of long chains which can squeeze out from between two surfaces. Oil lubrication is not effective when any surface is having dust or dirt.
- Grease
Every lubrication cannot be done with oil. Some of the lubrication demands a fluid which is thick and can stay on the surface for a longer time. It is made up of mineral oil and thickeners like lithium-based substance. Some greases are of more lubricating particles like graphite, molybdenum disulfide. It protects the machines from contamination. It helps to avoid corrosion. Grease can be applied to machines which we donโt use regularly. The different kinds of greases are available according to the consistency. It can be thin and it can be thick also. There is one drawback in the usage as it can create resistance in the working of small or fast-moving machines due to its adhesive characteristic and thick consistency. There are various greases like Aluminium complex grease, Benton (clay) grease, Calcium grease, Lithium grease, etc.
- Penetrating Lubricants.
Penetrating Lubricants are of low โ viscosity with additives such as silicone, polyglycol, esters, diesters, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These kinds of lubricants are used as corrosion inhibitors which protects the surface of a metal. penetrating lubricants can be produced with the combination of vegetable oil and acetone which can be used for loosening stuck bolts. It can be used to infiltrate the cracks between the surfaces. It is also used to break up rust. It can clear the debris of years on the metal surface. There are various kinds of lubricants like
- Water Soluble or Emulsion (b) Synthetic or Semi-synthetic
- Straight
While choosing a penetrating lubricant, the focus should be on longer lasting lubricant effects. It can be used on the hot surface that shows that it can be used as a coolant.
- Dry Lubricants
These lubricants are available in spray form. It is produced by mixing with water, any solvent or alcohol. It leaves the film behind after evaporating from the surface. Molybdenum disulfide, silicone and graphite particles are used in the formation of spray. It can be used for 3D printer rails, threaded rods, locks, hinges. It can also be used for plastic or wood kind of substances. Dry Lubricants have got low friction characteristics. It has a layered structure giving a weak bonding to the molecules. These lubricants are available in free powder or anti-friction coating. It can also be used by dipping, brushing but once the chemical gets cool down, it takes a form of coating on the surface.
This is how the mechanism works with an appropriate usage of lubrication. In this article, we could explore the types of different lubrication in terms of its combinations and its usage in various forms. We hope that this article has been a proper guide for you to know about
lubrication. Readersโ feedback is always welcome so give your opinion in the suggestion box. Keep reading and stay tuned with us.