What should I use to lubricate deep groove ball bearings and how often should I lubricate them?

Lubricant selection - don't let the bearing "strike due to thirst"

The lubrication of bearings can reduce friction and prevent overheating. Generally, the lubricants we commonly use are divided into two categories: grease and lubricating oil.

1)Grease - "Professional care" of bearings

When choosing grease, we need to consider the following factors:

Base oil type: Base oils include mineral oil, synthetic oil, etc. Different base oils perform differently under different temperatures and loads. For bearings in high temperature and high load environments, it is more appropriate to choose grease based on synthetic oil.

Thickener: The type of thickener affects the structure and working stability of the grease. Common thickeners include lithium-based and calcium-based greases. Among them, lithium-based greases are widely used in deep groove ball bearings due to their good mechanical stability and temperature adaptability.

Additives: Additives can improve the performance of greases, such as anti-oxidation, anti-corrosion, and anti-wear.

2)Lubricating oil - the "Durex" that flows easily

Compared to grease, lubricating oil has stronger fluidity and is suitable for deep groove ball bearings that rotate at high speeds. Lubricating oil can better penetrate the friction surfaces of the bearing, reducing temperature rise and wear. However, the loss of lubricating oil requires extra attention, so it is usually used in combination with sealing design to reduce lubricating oil leakage.

Lubrication frequency - regularly "moisten" the bearings

For bearing lubrication, it is necessary to select appropriate lubricants, and lubricate and maintain them regularly according to the usage. Regular lubrication is an important factor to ensure the long-term and efficient operation of bearings.

1)Influence of environmental factors

High temperature environment: If the bearing operates in a high temperature environment for a long time, the grease may lose its effectiveness prematurely. Therefore, for bearings used under high temperature conditions, the lubrication frequency should be appropriately increased, and even the grease needs to be refilled every few months.

Humid environment: In a humid or high humidity environment, moisture will promote the aging of the grease and may cause the bearing to rust. In this environment, in addition to replacing the appropriate lubricant, the lubrication frequency also needs to be increased to prevent the lubricant from becoming damp and failing.

High load operation: When working under high load or heavy load conditions, the wear of the bearing is aggravated and the lubricant is prone to deterioration. Therefore, in this case, the lubrication frequency should be increased to ensure that the grease is always in an ideal state.

2)Working time

For deep groove ball bearings in ordinary industrial environments, it is generally recommended to lubricate or replace grease every 5,000 to 10,000 hours. For high-speed bearings, lubrication checks may be required every 500 to 1,000 hours. Regularly check the lubrication status of the bearings and replenish or replace the lubricant in time to ensure the stability and reliability of the bearings.

3)Lubricant "life"

Each lubricant has its "life", after which the lubricant's effectiveness will be greatly reduced, and may even cause damage to the bearing. Therefore, even if there is no obvious abnormality in the bearing, regular replacement of the lubricant is a preventive measure.

Conclusion - Lubrication is the "lifeline" of bearings

Whether it is grease or oil, choosing the right lubricant and a reasonable lubrication frequency can greatly improve the service life and operating efficiency of deep groove ball bearings. Mastering the correct lubrication method and cycle can make deep groove ball bearings more efficient in their work.