If your machine tools suffer from unexpected downtime, premature wear or overheating, precision lubrication is the solution you need. This article shows you how to apply lubrication techniques and systems to solve the most common problems and improve operational reliability.
Issue: Frequent machine tool failures
There are various reasons why a machine tool may fail. Some of these are:
- Excessive friction
- Overheating of critical components
- Premature wear of spindles, guides and bearings
These problems cause production losses and high maintenance and replacement costs. Detecting and preventing them in time is vital for correct operation.
Solution: Precision lubrication in machine tools
Precision lubrication delivers the right amount of lubricant to the right place at the right time, preventing the problems we have identified.
Direct benefits for machine tools that use the right grease and/or lubricant evenly:
- Reduced friction and wear
- Prevention of overheating
- Fewer unexpected stoppages
Having a single partner that supplies all lubrication solutions for machine tools saves time and improves processes in the medium and long term. In addition, in the short term, it provides peace of mind knowing that there is a strategic expert behind every decision, providing after-sales service for all queries arising from the lubrication process.
What lubricants are available for machine tools?
There is a grease or lubrication solution that suits every part of the machine tool, whether for:
The headstock, using greases suitable for maximum speeds and reliability such as RENOLIT HI SPEED 2.
- Multifunctional hydraulic oils with RENOLIN MR MC, which guarantees maximum protection and performance in demanding environments.
- Centralised systems, which need to be lubricated to achieve the necessary high performance, with RENOLIT SF 7-041.
- Clamping systems or claws, gripping plates and tool holders, with a highly effective special base grease, making it suitable for high pressures, dynamic loads and repetitive cycles. See GLEITMO WSP 5040.
And many other applications that you can see below.
Common errors and how to fix them
Errors and solutions in the use of unsuitable lubricant:
1. Improper use of lubricants:
Mistakes and solutions when using the wrong lubricant:
Selecting an oil or grease that does not meet the manufacturer's specifications or is not suitable for the temperature, speed and load of the machine tool. This can lead to accelerated wear, corrosion and premature failure of critical components.
We must review the technical data sheets for lubricants and ensure that they comply with ISO VG (viscosity), EP (extreme pressure) and thermal resistance requirements.
RENOLIN MR MC oils maintain their performance even under extreme temperature variations thanks to their excellent viscosity-temperature behaviour, ideal for machine tools operating in unfavourable atmospheric conditions or with water-miscible machining fluids.
On the other hand, for high-speed parts, such as head bearings, RENOLIT HI SPEED 2 synthetic, low-viscosity base oil promotes fluidity, reduces wear on moving parts and prevents the formation of abrasive residues.
2. Overload or lack of lubricant:
Errores y soluciones en el exceso/falta de lubricante:
Applying too much lubricant can cause build-up, leaks and contamination of other areas of the machine; applying too little leaves critical areas unprotected, resulting in accelerated wear and vibration.
- Implement automatic dosing systems calibrated according to the load, speed and temperature of each component.
- Adjust the frequency of application in accordance with the preventive maintenance intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
- Perform visual monitoring and oil analysis, checking that there is no excess or contamination from dust or metal shavings.
3. Lack of cleaning and maintenance of the lubrication system:
Errors and solutions for lack of cleaning and maintenance of the lubrication system:
Failure to regularly clean lubrication points, filters, pipes or grease/oil reservoirs, leading to blockages, contamination and loss of efficiency in lubricant distribution.
- Perform regular maintenance on lubrication systems, including cleaning pipes, nozzles, and tanks.
- Replace oil and grease filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Implement a maintenance log for each machine tool, indicating the date of inspection and the status of each lubrication point.
Implementation of an effective solution plan
For precision lubrication to work as a real solution to machine tool problems, simply applying lubricant is not enough:
1. Initial audit
Identify critical points. The initial audit allows us to identify the most vulnerable points and the main causes of failure.
- Review the machine's maintenance history.
- Inspect bearings, spindles, linear guides, and gears, checking for wear, temperature, and the presence of contaminants.
- Measure vibrations, noises, and temperature during normal operation.
- Detect areas with insufficient or excessive lubrication.
Having a complete map of the critical points of each machine, allowing precise and customised solutions to be applied.
2. Correct selection of lubricant
Based on load, temperature, and environment. Not all oils or greases are suitable for all machine tools.
- Load and pressure: High-load bearings require lubricants with EP (Extreme Pressure) additives to withstand high stresses.
- Speed and operating conditions: High-speed spindles need low-viscosity oils that do not generate additional resistance.
- Working temperature: In operations where the temperature exceeds 80–100 °C, synthetic lubricants are more stable.
- Environment: Dust, humidity or exposure to chemicals require lubricants with anti-corrosion additives that are resistant to contamination.
Select lubricants that maximise protection, reduce wear and tear, and are suited to actual operating conditions.
3. Precise application
Using calibrated systems. Lubricant application must be precise and consistent. Even the best lubricant loses its effectiveness if not applied correctly.
- Automatic or centralised systems: They dispense the exact amount of lubricant at each critical point.
- Calibrated nozzles: Ensure that each shaft, bearing or guide receives the correct amount.
- Mist or micro-spray lubrication: Ideal for high-precision spindles and mechanisms, avoiding excess grease or oil.
- Application log: Recording each intervention allows failure patterns to be detected and the plan to be adjusted as necessary.
Ensure that each critical point receives the exact amount of lubricant, avoiding excess, leaks or dry areas.
4. Monitoring and adjustments
Sensors and intelligent control. Once the solution has been applied, it is vital to continuously monitor the lubrication status. Intelligent systems allow faults to be anticipated before they occur.
- Pressure and flow sensors: Detect irregularities in lubricant distribution.
- Temperature and vibration sensors: Alert you to overheating or incipient wear.
- Oil analysis: Evaluates degradation, metal particles, or contamination.
- CMMS integration: Allows you to schedule automatic adjustments and predictive maintenance.
Maintain optimum lubrication at all times, anticipating problems and optimising the service life of the machine tool.
For all these reasons, monitoring by a global expert greatly facilitates the entire process and ensures greater safety and reliability to avoid errors in the correct lubrication of the machine tool.
Economic impact of implementing this solution
Implementing precision lubrication not only solves technical problems, but also financial ones:
- Fewer unplanned stoppages: more production, less wasted time.
- Energy savings: motors and shafts operate with less resistance.
- Fewer parts replacements: component service life is extended.
- Fast return on investment: the system pays for itself in just a few months.
If your goal is to prevent failures and ensure the reliability of your machine tools, precision lubrication is the solution. It is not a luxury, but an essential strategy for maintaining stable production, reducing costs and protecting your equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you notice vibrations, noises or overheating, this is a sign that the current lubrication is insufficient.
Reduces wear, energy consumption and downtime, increasing the machine's service life.
It depends on the type of system, but the return on investment is usually less than a year.
Yes. Modern systems allow for automatic dosing controlled by sensors.
Wear and tear and breakdowns will become more frequent, and maintenance costs will skyrocket.
Need more advice?
By choosing FUCHS TITAN oils, you are not only protecting your engine, but also investing in proven quality, proven performance and long-term reliability.
If you would like further advice or information on how to choose the best lubricants for your vehicle, please contact our team of experts using the following enquiry form.
You can also get an overview of our wide range of automotive lubricants for passenger cars and commercial vehicles in our > Product Finder.
Would you like to search for yourself? With the FUCHS > Oil Selector, you will be guided step by step to the optimum lubricant for your vehicle.
