Lubricant Grease: A Key Factor in Industrial Bearing Reliability

Bearings are integral components in most industrial applications and are therefore required to endure demanding operating conditions. This is particularly true in raw material industries such as cement and mining, where equipment operates under heavy loads and is constantly exposed to moisture, dust, and intense vibration.

Lubricating grease plays a vital role in maintaining machine performance by minimizing friction, reducing wear, and protecting against contaminants. Selecting the right grease enhances equipment efficiency, extends service life, and lowers maintenance costs.

Understanding Bearings in Industrial Applications

Bearings enable smooth, low-friction rotation while supporting shafts, gears, and pulleys under load. Ball bearings suit high-speed, light-load operations, whereas roller bearings handle heavier, slower-moving loads. In industries like cement and mining, bearings face extreme conditions—shock, dust, moisture, and temperature swings—making proper lubrication essential to prevent rapid wear and performance loss.

The Importance of Lubricant Grease

Lubricant grease is vital for reliable bearing and machine performance under demanding industrial conditions. It provides five key benefits:

  • Reduces friction by forming a protective film between moving parts, improving efficiency and lowering energy loss.
  • Prevents wear by cushioning contact surfaces and extending bearing life.
  • Distributes load evenly to avoid localized damage in heavy-duty operations.
  • Protects against corrosion and contaminants such as dust and moisture.
  • Withstands extreme temperatures, staying stable under heat and stress—like Schaeffler’s Arcanol TEMP series, which operates up to 120 °C and peaks above 180 °C.

In conclusion, high-quality grease goes beyond lubrication—it protects equipment, enhances efficiency, extends service life, and lowers maintenance costs.

Selecting the Right Grease

Choosing the proper grease is key to bearing performance and machine longevity.

  • Viscosity: Low for high-speed, light-load; high for slow, heavy-duty use.
  • Base Oil & Thickener: Synthetic oils handle extreme temperatures; mineral oils suit general use. Thickeners (e.g., lithium, calcium sulfonate) affect performance and compatibility.
  • Operating Environment: Select grease that resists heat, moisture, dust, and heavy loads.
  • Compatibility: Avoid mixing different greases unless verified; flush before switching.
  • Auto-Lubrication: Systems like Schaeffler’s CONCEPT8 with Arcanol cartridges ensure precise, consistent lubrication and longer bearing life.

Arcanol: Proven Lubrication Performance

Schaeffler’s Arcanol bearing greases deliver trusted performance built on decades of research and field experience. Known for reliability and versatility, the Arcanol range offers high-quality solutions for various applications.

Arcanol greases are classified into four main types:

  • Multi-purpose: for general applications
  • Heavy-duty: for high-load operations
  • High-temperature: for elevated heat conditions
  • Special: for specific needs such as food-grade, high-speed, or low-noise use

https://medias.schaeffler.ph/en/lubricate/lubricants

 

Conclusion: Lubrication That Matters. Performance That Lasts. ARCANOL.

Across vast industries, lubricant grease is the unsung hero that keeps machines running efficiently across industries. Selecting the right lubricant isn’t just routine maintenance—it’s a strategic choice that minimizes downtime, lowers costs, and extends equipment life. With Schaeffler’s Arcanol solutions, you gain a trusted partner to help your machinery perform at its best.