Blogs & News

Roller chains are often exposed to harsh conditions. Proper lubrication is essential to the proper functioning of the chain. Depending on its type, lubrication can be applied in one or more ways. 

For instance, oiling the pin and bushing at the start of operation will prevent wear and prevent metal-on-metal contact. Whether or not roller chains are used for heavy-duty applications is largely dependent on how much oil they need. 

Proper lubrication is essential to the optimal functioning of roller chains. A routine maintenance plan should be implemented in order to avoid any major disaster. 

Choosing the correct oil for your roller chain depends on the size and pitch of the machine. The best oil is one that does not contain a detergent, which is better for the environment. Besides, it is safe to use a variety of oils to protect your machinery.

If you want to know how to lubricate a roller chain, continue reading this article. 

How to Lubricate Roller Chains?

If you have a chain with a high speed and a high horsepower, you’ll need to lubricate it. There are various methods for lubricating your roller chain. Make sure you choose the right method. Here are some methods you can use to easily lubricate roller chains.

• Manual

Typically, lubrication is carried out by manually directing oil into the spaces between the inner and outer plates of a roller chain. This should be done at the point where the chain is connected to the sprocket on the lower strand. In general, manual lubrication is error-prone due to the human factor, so it should be used only when necessary. However, there are many benefits of using this method. It is a cheap and effective way of lubricating chains. 

• Drip

Drip lubrication is the process of putting oil into the space between the roller chains. To apply this lubricant, use a drip dispenser that sprays the lubricant into the chain’s grooves. This method is usually slow and requires a constant check to ensure that there is enough oil. The frequency of the application of a drop of oil will depend on the speed of the machine and the size of the chain. The lubricant flow rate will be anywhere from four to twenty drops per minute, depending on the machine. It is also important to remember that when lubricating a roller chain, you should always drip the greasy lubricant into the grooves around the chain, as this prevents damage.

• Oil Bath

The oil Bath method of lubrication involves directing oil into the spaces between the inner and outer plates of the roller chain. Here, the chain is dipped with oil at the bottom of a leak-proof case. This process should be performed where the lower strand of the chain connects to the sprocket. This method is considered error-prone due to the human factor, so it is used in very few applications. Manufacturer.

• Oil Disc Slinger

Roller chains need proper lubrication in order to operate smoothly. The Oil Disc Slinger is a device that delivers lubricating oil through a centrifugal force. It is installed with the lower sprocket so that they can rotate together. The slinger disc is designed to spray the oiled chain at a rate of four to twenty drops per minute. The drop height should be 12 to 25 mm above the bottom of the collector. The slinger disc should be installed on both sides of the chain. 

• Pump

In order to ensure smooth performance and long life for the roller chain, it is important to maintain proper lubrication. You can use an oil pump to lubricate the chain. Use a pump filled with oil and apply oil to the chain from a leak-proof case. The pump will leave a stream of oil on the chain, which is enough to lubricate the entire width of the chain.