Industrial lubricants extend the working life of machinery

There are many different types of industrial lubricants and each has a specific task. They are all used to prevent friction and wear. The lubricant is applied to moving solid surfaces which keeps them moving. Industrial lubricants prevents overheating by removing heat as it builds up due to friction. Lubricants are used in any machinery that has moving parts and as you might imagine, one of the biggest consumers of lubricants is the motor industry. Lubricants are used in many other industries such as manufacturing as well as the more obvious marine and aircraft industries.

Industrial lubricants are found in three forms – liquid, semi-liquid and solid. Motor oils, turbine oils, farming oils, gas engine oils, brake oils, hydraulic oils, etc are all types of liquid industrial lubricants. Semi-liquid industrial lubricants come in the form of greases and gels. These are commonly used as lubrication for the moving metal parts of machinery. The most common solid lubricant is graphite which generally comes in powder form. These days synthetic lubricants are becoming more available and these are proving to give better performance.

In order for industrial lubricants to work better, additives are included in the ‘recipes’ which improve overall performance. Additives have many specific purposes but they are generally used to increase viscosity and reduce oxidation, corrosion and contamination. These additives help to protect the machinery and extend the working lives of different parts by reducing friction and wear.