Specialist bearings supplier, SMB Bearings, has produced a new infographic illustrating some of the key considerations that need to be made when choosing lubricants for bearings. Bearings are often supplied with standard lubricants. Yet there are many applications where specialist or non-standard lubrication is required. Knowing what considerations matter and what is appropriate for your application can help make the right decision when choosing lubricants.
Whatever industry you are working in, chances are you rely on bearings for your equipment to work effectively. According to one study, up to 80 percent of bearing failures can be attributed to problems with lubrication. Getting this decision right will save you and your facility money.
The lubrication choices infographic identifies some of the priority factors to consider when choosing lubricants. It identifies five key areas where standard lubrication will not suffice: high-speed applications. extreme temperatures, vertical shaft applications, low torque applications and applications in the food and beverage sector.
‘‘Our new infographic highlights some of the key factors that are relevant in choosing the right lubricant and can serve as a quick way of guiding your choices,’’ explained Chris Johnson, director of SMB Bearings. ‘‘However, should you require more detailed information, a specialist bearing supplier like ourselves is always willing to offer advice on what lubricants are best for your application.
SMB Bearings has always sought to be more than a standard supplier of bearings. The company also offers its own inhouse relubrication service. ‘‘Many customers have asked us to supply non-standard lubricants such as food grade, high temperature or military specification greases and oils,’’ added Johnson. Since successfully launching its own relubrication facility over 25 years ago, SMB Bearings has grown this part of its business further, with an additional processing room, additional staff and specialist relubrication equipment.
The experience of providing this service has strengthened the company’s expertise in this area, which it is keen to share with customers. The company has made available a host of free educational resources, including its series of downloadable guides and whitepapers on different bearing-related subjects. ‘‘For me, a key part of what we do is not just sell bearings – we solve problems too,’’ offered Johnson.
The infographic is intended to serve as an accompaniment to the SMB Bearings’ ‘‘Choose your grease’’ quiz. The quiz is free to access and can be completed on the company’s website. By correctly answering the questions, participants are guided to the appropriate choice of lubricant for their application.
You can download the lubrication choices infographic via the SMB Bearings’ website here.
