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However, these days, automatic lubricators are one of the best ways to reduce wear and tear, lower energy consumption, and decrease costs associated with maintenance and repairs.

Short for minimum quantity lubrication, an MQL system reduces the amount of lubrication needed by monitoring and strictly controlling applications. It is well-suited for machining and CNC applications.

Nearly all manufacturers benefit from automatic lubrication systems, especially if constant lubrication is needed, such as in production lines used for hours at a time. The constant motion of the press and the constant punches and shearing all cause frictional heat, which can damage parts if the heat isn’t checked beforehand. Automatic systems are also great for lubricating hard-to-reach machinery components.

This setup uses hydraulic pressure to power the metering valves and distribute specified amounts of lubricant. There are two lines alternating between acting as pressure lines and vents. The benefit of this is that a single pump station can deliver lubrication to many parts spread over thousands of feet of tubing. This design can be great for high-load applications and large machinery like rolling mills.

Valves (sometimes called metering devices) control the amount of lubricant at each point. There are two primary types: injectors, which deliver specific amounts of lubricant, and progressive valves, which deliver small amounts of lubricant at specific points.

Even the best lubricants become contaminated by dust, debris, and other particles. Filters and collectors help prevent bearing damage by capturing that debris and dust.

The entire system is powered by an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical pump. Automatic systems use a range of pump sizes and specifications, depending on the number of fittings and lines, as well as the type of lubricant used.

Automatic lubrication systems primarily help reduce wear and tear of device components, reduce energy consumption, decrease the amount of heat generated in machinery, and eliminate corrosion damage. However, when compared to manual lubrication, automatic systems offer even more benefits, including:

Multi-line systems have a series of pumps that help lubricate parts in machines or on a progressive die line. They have multiple points within the line that distribute lubricant. Each point operates independently. They’re commonly used to lubricate critical and high-value robotic equipment and marine engines.

This simple setup features a single line that pumps the lubricant to the needed area. There are various reservoirs and pumps throughout the system. “Progressive” systems feature specialized valves (called dividers) that allow you to divide the lubricant flow into smaller, precise amounts at each point. They’re primarily used in automated production lines, construction equipment, wind turbines, and injection molding machines.

This style of automatic lubricator applies a spray of air/oil mix. It is very compact and requires much less lubricant than other systems. It is a good fit for chain, gear, spindle, and vacuum pump lubrication.

Various sensors and monitoring devices prevent automatic systems from over-supplying lubricant points or leaking grease or oil onto other areas of your equipment.

A controller sets the frequency and amount of lubricant application. State-of-the-art controllers, like the VIP5 Controller, even offer pulse, cycle, and flow features. Controllers usually feature a simple menu and easy-to-read screen to allow drivers to conveniently operate the systems from inside the cab.

Similar to valves, spray nozzles are an optional system component. Nozzles come in different types and attachments and allow you to adjust the spray pattern. Patterns could include a blade-shaped, cone-shaped, flat spray, etc., for more targeted lubrication.

You can’t have an automatic lubrication system without lubricant. There are two primary types of lubricants: grease and oil.

Comparatively, manual lubrication is better for extremely small operations and components that are easy to reach or don’t require much lubrication. For example, if you’ve ever seen a metal die press up close, you’ll notice that on each corner of the press, there’s a long metal slide that facilitates the movement of the press. Die techs usually slather grease lubricant on these slides weekly to help keep the slide lubricated. This is a good example of when manual lubrication is preferred over automatic.

In this design, the system uses a single main line to supply lubricant to multiple lubrication points. The lubricant is pumped through the main line and distributed to each point with metering devices (sometimes called injectors). The lubricant is distributed “in parallel,” which means that each point receives lubricant at the same time and independently, ensuring failure at one point doesn’t affect other points. Common applications for this design include conveyors, presses, printing machines, and textile machinery.

An automatic lubrication system, sometimes referred to as a centralized lubrication system, effectively lubricates various points of a machine and is controlled by a centralized unit or pump mounted in a location easily accessible by the operator.

Lubrication is essential to the reliability, performance, and longevity of machinery. In the past, industrial equipment required manual lubricant application in key areas to prevent grinding keys, overheating cutting tools, and a wide variety of other issues specific to their application.

In this type of system, the lubricant isn’t recirculated. It’s used once and then used during operation. The direct advantage is that it reduces potential contamination, as the fluid, grease, or oil isn’t recirculated. It’s commonly used in two-stroke engines, machinery in harsh environments, and railway systems.

This automatic lubrication system keeps the oil in a continuous flow. It can ensure exact quantities, temperatures, and quality of the lubricant. It substantially reduces oil waste, meaning the system is less expensive and easier to maintain.

This system type delivers grease to lubricate pins, bushings, gears, and other components from a centralized system. It can be used for vehicles and machinery, such as die presses.

Automatic lubrication systems are used in many industries, including manufacturing, construction/demolition, semi-trucks, wind energy, mining, food processing, and waste processing. Any equipment requiring frequent lubricant application can benefit from an automatic system.

DropsA is an industry-leading supplier of automatic lubrication systems and high-quality components, including nozzles, pumps, and controllers. We help manufacturers in many industries, from marine, aerospace, and defense to food and beverage, find the right lubrication solution for their applications.

A single-point system only delivers lubricant to one specific point. They are self-contained, easy to install, and commonly used to provide constant lubrication to bearings, chains in conveyor systems, motor bearings, and small, enclosed gears.