How does lubricating oil play a lubricating role in reducers

Form an oil film

• Fluid power lubrication: When moving parts such as gears or bearings of the reducer move relative to each other, lubricating oil will be brought between the moving surfaces. Under certain velocity and load conditions, the lubricating oil will form a continuous film of fluid oil, completely separating the two relatively moving surfaces. For example, in gear transmission, as the gear rotates, lubricating oil is rolled between the tooth surfaces, forming an oil film of sufficient thickness, so that the direct contact between the metal between the tooth surfaces becomes internal friction between the lubricating oil molecules, thereby greatly reducing the friction coefficient.

• Elastic fluid dynamic lubrication: Under high load conditions, such as the heavy-load gear transmission of the reducer, the contact area will be elastically deformed, and the viscosity of the lubricant will also increase due to the increase in pressure. At this time, a special oil film is formed between the elastically deformed surfaces, namely the elastic fluid dynamic lubricating oil film. This oil film can withstand high pressure, effectively protecting the tooth surface and preventing the tooth surface from being glued and wear.

• Boundary lubrication: When the reducer is started, stopped or under low-speed heavy loading, the fluid oil film may not be fully formed, and there will be partial direct contact between the moving surfaces. Polar molecules in the lubricant oil will adsorb on the metal surface, forming a boundary film. The boundary film can reduce friction and wear between metal surfaces and protect the surface from damage.

Reduce friction

• Reduced internal friction: The lubricating oil itself has a certain viscosity and there is cohesion between its molecules. When lubricating oil flows between the surfaces of moving parts, the internal friction between molecules is relatively small. Compared with dry friction when the metal surface is directly in contact, the internal friction of lubricating oil can significantly reduce energy loss and improve the transmission efficiency of the reducer.

• Reduce the impact of surface roughness of the friction pair: Even if the surface of the moving parts is carefully processed, there is still a certain degree of roughness. Lubricating oil can fill these microscopic unevennesses, making the surface smoother, thereby reducing the collision and friction between the surface protruding parts and further reducing the friction coefficient.

Reduce wear

• Prevent abrasive particles from wear: During the operation of the reducer, some tiny particles may enter the contact surfaces of the moving parts, such as metal chips, dust, etc. Lubricating oil can suspend these abrasive particles, preventing them from grinding between surfaces, thereby reducing abrasive wear. At the same time, the circulating flow of lubricating oil can also bring the abrasive particles out of the contact area, which can serve as a cleaner.

• Reduce adhesion wear: Under harsh working conditions such as high speed, heavy load or high temperature, adhesion may occur on the metal surface, that is, the metal atoms on the two surfaces attract each other and bind together, and then tear during relative movement, resulting in adhesion wear. The presence of lubricating oil can reduce direct contact on the metal surface and reduce adhesion and thus reduce adhesion wear.

Heat dissipation

• Take away heat: During the operation of the reducer, a large amount of heat will be generated due to friction. During the circulating flow, the lubricant absorbs this heat and takes it to the fuel tank or radiator of the reducer. In the fuel tank or radiator, heat is dissipated into the surrounding environment through the heat dissipation surface, thereby effectively reducing the operating temperature of the reducer.

• Uniform temperature distribution: The flow of lubricating oil can also make the temperature distribution inside the reducer more uniformly, avoiding the occurrence of local overheating. Local overheating may lead to problems such as degradation of lubricant performance, softening and deformation of metal materials, affecting the normal operation and service life of the reducer.

Anti-rust and corrosion

• Isolate the metal surface from the environment: Lubricating oil can form a protective film on the metal surface, isolating the metal from the surrounding air, moisture and other corrosive media to prevent the metal from oxidation and corrosion. Especially in wet or corrosive gas environments, lubricating oil with good anti-rust and corrosion resistance can effectively protect the internal parts of the reducer.

• Neutralize acidic substances: Lubricant oil is usually added with some anti-rust agents and preservatives. These additives can neutralize the acidic substances produced by the lubricant during use and the acidic components in the external environment, thereby further enhancing the anti-rust and corrosion effect.

Buffer shock absorption

• Absorbing impact energy: During the operation of the reducer, the meshing of gears and the operation of bearings will produce certain impacts and vibrations. Lubricating oil has a certain degree of viscosity and elasticity, which can absorb and buffer these impact energy and reduce the transmission of vibration. For example, when gears are meshed, lubricating oil can act as a buffer between the tooth surfaces, reduce the impact load on the tooth surface and extend the service life of the gear.

• Reduce noise: Through buffering and shock absorption, lubricating oil can also reduce the noise generated during the reducer operation. Reducing vibration and shock can make the reducer run smoother and quieter, improving the working environment.