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Purposes of Lubrication
The main purpose of lubrication is to reduce friction and wear in bearings to prevent premature failure. The effects of lubrication may be briefly explained as follows:
- Reduction of Friction and Wear
Direct metallic contact between the bearing rings, rolling elements and cage, which are the basic components of a bearing, is prevented by an oil film which reduces the friction and wear in the contact areas.
- Extension of Fatigue Life
The rolling fatigue life of bearings depends greatly upon the viscosity and film thickness between the rolling contact surfaces. A heavy film thickness prolongs fatigue life, while insufficient film thickness shortens it.
- Dissipation of Frictional Heat and Cooling
Circulating lubrication may be used to carry away frictional heat or heat transferred from the outside to prevent the bearing from overheating and the oil from deteriorating.
- Others
Adequate lubrication also helps to prevent foreign material from entering the bearings and guards against corrosion and rusting.
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