After the bearing is assembled into mechanical equipment, lubrication can reduce the friction between the spindle and its mating components and improve the speed capacity. This also applies to electrical equipment. However, for high-speed motors, what kind of lubricating oil should be used to meet the performance requirements of the bearings in the electric spindle?
What are the functions of adding lubricating oil to motor bearings?
1. The lubricating oil can form a lubricating oil film between the contact surfaces, reducing the internal friction and wear of the motor bearings and extending their service life.
2. After the running friction of the motor bearings is reduced, to a certain extent, it can also lower the running temperature of the bearings, reduce the occurrence of heating problems, and prevent the deformation or strength degradation of the bearing materials caused by overheating.
3. When the running friction of the bearings is reduced, the vibration and noise problems of the motor spindle will also be optimized, further improving the stability of the motor's operation.
4. The lubricating oil can form a protective film to prevent dust, moisture, and chemical substances from entering the inside of the bearings and avoid the erosion of the bearing materials.
Common Types of Lubricating Oils for Motor Bearings
1. Mineral oil. This type of lubricating oil has a low manufacturing cost and a wide range of applications. It is often used in motor bearings with relatively low operating requirements. However, its high-temperature performance and extreme pressure performance are somewhat inferior.
2. Synthetic oils, such as polyalphaolefins (PAO), ester oils, silicone oils, etc., have excellent high-temperature stability, oxidation stability, and extreme pressure performance, and are suitable for use in motor bearings under high-load, high-speed, or extreme temperature conditions.
3. Lubricating greases, common ones include general-purpose lithium-based grease, complex lithium-based grease, etc. Compared with lubricating oils, lubricating greases have better adhesion and sealing performance. They are mainly used in equipment occasions with high sealing requirements or where it is difficult to add oil. However, it is necessary to pay attention to regular replenishment and replacement.
Precautions for the Lubrication and Maintenance of Motor Bearings
1. Motor bearings have requirements for cleanliness. Before adding lubricating oil, the cleaning preparation work should be done well, and the oil injection nozzle should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent impurities from mixing into the inside of the bearings.
2. The principle of moderation. The filling amount of lubricating grease is generally 1/3 to 1/2 of the bearing cavity. Adding too much will not increase the lubrication effect. Instead, it will affect the heat dissipation performance and aggravate the problem of heat generation due to stirring.
3. Compatibility inspection. Pay attention not to mix lubricants of different brands or types together, as it may cause gelation or stratification and damage the lubrication state.
4. Condition monitoring. During the use process, regularly check the changes in the color and smell of the oil product, or judge the lubrication state through vibration analysis. When the lubricating oil deteriorates or is contaminated, it should be replaced in a timely manner.
Selecting the appropriate lubricating oil for motor bearings is a relatively important step. Correct lubrication management can not only improve the performance of the motor but also reduce maintenance costs and downtime, providing a strong guarantee for the continuous and efficient operation of the enterprise.
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