Lubrication

The Lage 125 and 250 lubricators from SKF, Kulpsville, Pa. (skf.com), have double the capacity of most other single-point lubricators.

Flexible rotors and thin lubricant films lead to noise and vibration.

New metal-polymer plain bearings helped solve a wear problem in precision joints that let patients relearn how to walk.

The SONL oil-lubricated bearing housing from SKF USA Inc., Kulpsville, Pa. (skf.com), uses oil-bath cooling for operations in which bearing temperatures might otherwise exceed 180?F.

Manufacturers using compressed air need to "prep" the air before it is suitable for machine use.

PTFE-based coatings reduce leadscrew wear while practically eliminating maintenance.

Tests reveal that a new lithium-soap-thickened, synthetic grease may help mission-critical aerospace components keep rolling under extreme loads and corrosive environments.

Minimum quantity economically reasonable alternative wet machining.

Synthetic oils keep packaging lines operational for the long haul.

Tight control helps waterjet cutters slice through just about anything.

Opening up running clearances in sleeve bearings helps prevent seizing when oil runs dry.

Heat and contaminants are the biggest enemies of bearing grease and oil.

Coolants, including soluble oils, semisynthetics, and full synthetics, are available for all applications, as well as cutting oils for machining and Swiss-style automatic screw machines.

Composite journal bearings can operate without external lubrication, even in harsh environments that challenge most conventional types.