Chain Lubricants

Link, roller and sleeve chains are used in many industries and areas. The range of operating conditions is very wide - from mild to extreme temperatures, environments and loads. Therefore, the requirements for their lubrication are very diverse.

Due to the high surface pressure and low sliding speed between the individual elements of the chain link, it is not possible to create a hydrodynamic lubricating film there. With the resulting marginal or mixed friction, it is possible to reduce wear and achieve an acceptable service life of machine elements only by using solid lubricants.

When choosing a suitable lubricant, special attention must be paid not only to different types of chain drive construction, but also to material pairs, operating parameters and environmental conditions. If a highly viscous lubricant is used, care must be taken to ensure adequate flow or penetration to get the lubricant into tight spaces such as between the bolt and bush. However, the lubricant must also have suitable adhesion so that it does not splash out at high chain speeds or at high centrifugal forces at the point of rotation (pinion and wheel). The method of lubrication and relubrication also plays an important role in chain lubrication.