In view of these challenges, lubricants for chains must have a high-pressure absorption capacity and especially effective antiwear characteristics so wear can be kept to a permissible minimum despite the prevailing mixed friction conditions. Depending on their specific application, chain lubricants are expected to provide:
– Corrosion protection
– Good wetting and spreading characteristics
– High adhesiveness
– High thermal resistance
– Ability to dissolve used lubricant
– Low carbonisation tendency
– Usability at low temperatures
– Media resistance
Additional selection criteria may include:
– Food-grade requirements (H1, ISO 21469)
– Eco-compatibility (rapidly biodegradable)
– Noise damping
Graph 1: Chain running dry (no initial or relubrication)
Graph 2: Initial lubrication by chain manufacturer, no relubrication. Wear is prevented until the (initial) lubricant is used up; then the chain runs dry.
Graph 3: Temporary dry-running; delayed relubrication leads to stepped graph.
Graph 4: Insufficient lubrication, e.g. due to inappropriate/low-quality lubricant or insufficient quantities of lubricant.
Graph 5: Optimal lubrication; low wear-induced chain elongation.
Asst. Manager - Business Support
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