Focused on high-precision gear manufacturing, dedicated to advancing the transmission industry.
What are the methods for lubricating gears?
2025-08-06
Lubrication plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation and longevity of gear transmissions. Lubricants provide essential functions such as lubrication and cooling in gear systems, helping maintain optimal operating temperatures and significantly extending the lifespan of the gears.
Boundary lubrication occurs when an oil film separates the meshing tooth surfaces, but this film is neither strong enough nor fluid enough to maintain stable elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Instead, it primarily relies on a thin layer of chemical reaction films and physically adsorbed films—formed by lubricant additives on the metal surfaces—to provide effective lubrication. In boundary lubrication conditions, gears are severely limited in their ability to withstand load, speed, temperature, and operating time, making them highly susceptible to wear and ultimately leading to gear failure.
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication: By maintaining a suitably strong, elastically deformable lubricant film between the two gear surfaces, the meshing areas are completely separated. This transforms the sliding friction between the contacting surfaces into internal fluid friction, efficiently dissipating the heat generated during operation. Under specific speed and load conditions, this ensures smooth, normal gear performance—representing the most ideal lubrication state.
Mixed lubrication: A common condition encountered in gear transmissions. In this state, elastohydrodynamic lubrication—primarily supported by an elastic film left between the meshing tooth surfaces—coexists with boundary lubrication and even dry friction.
These are the common gear lubrication methods. The lubricant forms a robust, elastohydrodynamic oil film between the meshing gear surfaces, effectively separating them. Additionally, the extreme-pressure additives in the lubricant react chemically with the metal surfaces, creating a protective film that helps manage boundary conditions—thus maintaining separation between the gears and ultimately preventing wear.
Therefore, the lubricant used to maintain smooth gear operation must exhibit excellent extreme-pressure and anti-wear properties, superior lubricating performance, appropriate viscosity, as well as good fluidity and heat dissipation. It should also possess reliable rust-prevention and corrosion-resistant capabilities, strong anti-emulsification traits, and minimize transmission noise as much as possible. Proper gear lubrication not only helps reduce noise but also significantly extends the lifespan of the gears.
TAG:
More Blog
Unlocking Precision: The World of Custom Non-Standard Gear Manufacturing
High-precision Gear Manufacturing
KeXin Gear welcomes industry professionals and manufacturers to visit, offer guidance, exchange technical expertise, and explore business opportunities—let’s collaborate sincerely to create a brilliant future together!
CONTACT
Internal Trade: +86-13582027480 (Manager Zhang)
Sales: +86-13785171103 (Director Duan)
Foreign Trade: +86-17531190369 (Mr. Gu)
Email: lxc@lxc.cn
Foreign Trade Email: kexin@lxc.cn
Address: Renmin Village, Fanzhuang Town, Zhao County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province