We have been learning about lubricants, oils and greases and their application. The machines are of various types. Some of the machines can carry a heavy load,s on the other hand, some of the machines can not carry a heavy load. The functions and requirements of every machine differ in accordance with its application. In the case of many machines, it happens that they work at high speed. Regular oil, grease can’t be used as a lubricant for such machines. They need a special kind of grease. In this article, we will be gaining knowledge about High -speed grease.
Introduction:
High-speed grease is the specific kind of grease that is different from regular grease. It is formed by adding special thickeners. Ball bearings are needed to be lubricated with such grease which can hold itself on the surface and have a sealing property. High-speed grease fulfils the purpose as it has rheological properties. If it is given pressure, it becomes liquid and provides lubrication like oil. It can take its original form when it is at normal temperature. It gives sealing effects and it can resist high friction.
The thickener added to grease gives the thixotropic characteristics to it. These kinds of greases are formed with the use of friction modifiers. It helps the machine to work with optimised life.
Use of High – speed Greases
The surface of bearings and needles are needed to be lubricated with this grease as they work on high rotation. It can stay stable even at high speed. It can stand firmly against oxidation. It can be applied to surfaces that are operated even at low temperatures.
It is used for the following purposes.
- Electric motors
- Rotor bearing
- Machine tools, drills
- Robots, miniature motors
- Spindles in the textile industry
- Crusher screen bearings
- Bearings in fans
- Textile spinning spindle
- Machine tool spindles
- Printing cylinders
- In-line skates
- Instruments and control equipment
- An electric motor of a small size is used for dental equipment.
How does it work?
When the grease is applied on the surface, it provides a thin layer between the areas of friction and reduces the chances of corrosion. It dissipates heat and makes the machine capable to work for long life. It will have an overall effect on the running speed of the bearings. Many greases are non-flammable and chemical resistant. Many High-speed greases are formed to be applied under low vapour pressure and many of them are ready to take up pressure of heat at 300 C. Mostly demanded materials like molybdenum disulphide or tungsten disulphide are having property to get sputtered on the surface. It gives good speed to the bearings. It is designed in such a way that it can hold high vibrations.
The use of lubricants depends on their viscosity of them. In the case of low lubricant resistance, low viscosity lubricants are demanded and in the case of High running speed, high viscosity is required.
High–speed greases are designed to be applied to devices that work with high speed especially bearings.
Why do we use High- speed grease for ball bearings?
Before we understand the reason for using High-speed grease for ball bearings, it is vital to understand the functioning of ball bearings. Ball bearings are used in machines where there is a rotation between the parts, whether it is a small machine or any large and complex machine. The purpose of using these ball bearings is that it reduces the friction among the moving parts. It supports radial and axial loads. The load on the machine is transmitted with the help of the bearings.
These bearings are the life of the machine. They have to be maintained regularly with the help of lubrication. Here the High-speed grease comes into the picture. It helps bearings to get lubricated with proper sealing and it comes to their original consistency whenever it is required.
What kind of grease should be used?
Lubrication is the most crucial stage in the maintenance of ball bearings in any machine. In general, the lubricants are based on elastohydrodynamic effects which are possible because of oil or grease. Every machine demands a different kind of application. Some machines work under extreme pressure and some of the machines carry heavy loads. In contrast, some machines are needed to be handled with care. Machines that work under high temperatures are needed to be lubricated with dry grease. The machines which are working with high speed, demands a specific kind of lubrication. The grease used for this purpose is designed with viscosity to reduce the friction among the bearings and improve the speed of the machine.
Take Away
In this article, we explored the functioning of machines with ball bearings and how does it get lubricated. High-speed grease is used to reduce the friction among the ball bearings. It improves the functioning of the machines and it gives long life to it. There are different kinds of grease in the market but it is crucial to choose the best suitable grease for your machine. We hope that this article must have given the contended information. Kindly drop your comments and suggestions in dropbox. We are looking forward to our readers’ feedback. It would help us to serve you better. Keep on reading and exploring with us.