Industry News

Home / News / Industry News / What are the requirements for lubricating oil applied to the rack?

What are the requirements for lubricating oil applied to the rack?

Nov 21, 2023

The rack and pinion need lubrication, which is not without lubricating oil, but we use lubricating oil to meet the following requirements.

1. Appropriate viscosity: lubricating oil needs to maintain its appropriate viscosity at a certain speed and temperature of the gear, which can form an oil film on the surface of the gear to achieve lubrication purposes.

2. Bad pressure: for heavy load tooth surface, lubricating oil needs to prevent oxidation when sliding, so lubricating oil needs to have good oxidation resistance.

3. Thermal oxidation: due to high temperature, humidity, and other reasons, the long-term use of lubricating oil is easy to produce oxidation, so the lubricating oil needs to have a good oxidation resistance.

4. Anti-emulsification: since the steam generated by the temperature change of starting up and stopping will make the lubricating oil mixed with water, the lubricating oil needs the specific performance of separating and precipitating water.

5. Anti-foaming property: the rotation of the gear causes bubbles in the stirred lubricating oil, which has a favorable effect on the formation of oil film, so the lubricating oil needs to have a good foam-cutting performance.

6. Anti-rust and anti-corrosion: mixing rust in lubricating oil will cause tooth surface wear and accelerate the oxidation of lubricating oil, so the lubricating oil needs to have anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties.

What requirements must be met for the lubricating oil applied to the rack?

The lubricating oil applied to the rack in industrial automation equipment must meet several specific requirements to ensure ideal performance and longevity.

Firstly, it must have the appropriate viscosity to form a stable oil film on the surfaces of small helical gears, which are commonly used in rack and pinion systems. This ensures smooth operation and reduces friction and wear.

Secondly, the lubricating oil should have excellent bad pressure properties to withstand the heavy loads and pressures encountered in industrial automation applications. This helps prevent gear tooth damage and extends the life of the equipment.

Additionally, thermal oxidation resistance is crucial to maintain the integrity of the lubricating oil under high operating temperatures. Industrial automation equipment often operates in demanding environments with elevated temperatures, so the oil must resist oxidation to maintain its lubricating properties over time.

Furthermore, anti-emulsification capabilities are essential to prevent water ingress and maintain the purity of the lubricating oil. Water contamination can lead to corrosion and degradation of the gear surfaces, compromising performance and reliability.

Moreover, anti-foaming properties are necessary to prevent the formation of air bubbles in the lubricating oil, which can interfere with proper lubrication and cause damage to the gear surfaces.

Lastly, the lubricating oil should have effective anti-rust and anti-corrosion additives to protect the gear surfaces from environmental moisture and oxidation, ensuring long-term reliability and performance of the industrial automation equipment.

In summary, the lubricating oil used in rack and pinion systems for industrial automation equipment must possess appropriate viscosity, bad pressure resistance, thermal oxidation resistance, anti-emulsification properties, anti-foaming capabilities, and anti-rust/anti-corrosion additives. Meeting these requirements ensures smooth operation, protects gear surfaces, and extends the service life of the equipment, contributing to overall efficiency and reliability in industrial automation processes.