The lubrication of a gearbox is crucial for its function and
longevity. It ensures that the moving parts interact smoothly with each other
and prevents excessive wear and overheating.
Special gearboxes
are used in production systems such as extruders, which are used in the industrial production of
plastics and foodstuffs.
Parallel twin-screw extruders in particular require a gearbox that
transmits maximum torques evenly to both
screw shafts in the smallest possible installation space. In addition, the high screw back pressure forces
from the extrusion process are absorbed and supported by the gearbox.
Gearbox lubrication in extruders is a crucial aspect in ensuring that the entire system functions
efficiently and reliably.
Gearbox types, which are exposed to extreme loads, pressures and usually
also high temperatures due to the process, also require special lubrication.
Special gear oil is generally used for this purpose, which is tailored to the requirements
of the respective gearbox type.
As gearbox experts, we recommend the use of
synthetic (PAO) micropitting oils with high EP (extreme
pressure) additives.
Micropitting oils are specially formulated lubricants developed to minimize the
risk of micropitting formation in mechanical systems – especially in gearboxes
. Micropitting is a phenomenon in which small, extensive erosion occurs on the
surfaces of gears or bearings. In most cases, this involves the smallest
initial damage such as cracks or pits – microscopic material breakouts (approx. 0.1 mm in size
) on metal surfaces. This initial damage is barely visible to the naked
eye and is often only perceived as dull grey spots on the
metal surface.
In reality, even this minor damage can change the flank shape of
gears and thus reduce the performance of the machine.
The greater danger, however, lies in the consequential damage. Even the smallest
surface cracks soon lead to larger breakouts of the gear pairs and
can consequently cause a total loss of the gearbox.
In industrial plants such as extruders, mills, rolling mills, etc., which are usually exposed to high
pressures, loads and temperatures, micropitting and
initial surface fatigue can be significantly reduced with the right lubricant
.
Investing in high-quality transmission oil pays off several times over in the long term
by not only extending oil change intervals, but also significantly reducing expensive
repairs and production downtime.
