More than 100 years of experience in lubrication solutions

Improper lubrication is still the leading cause of unforeseen premature bearing failure. With more than 100 years of experience, SKF is a leading global supplier in lubrication solutions. With SKF's Michel de Jager and Hanco Hazenboom, we talk about the latest trends in lubrication solutions, including so-called condition-based lubrication.

Installation of a lubrication system on a forestry machine.

"Anything that rotates using a bearing needs lubrication," begins Hanco. "With the SKF and Lincoln brands, we offer an extensive pallet of lubrication solutions. However, a clear trend is the demand for tailor-made solutions." Michel adds: "Based on the requirements and wishes, our application and engineering department can very accurately put together a lubrication system. This ranges from a basic solution with 1-point lubrication unit to a very extensive installation, with or without a monitoring function."

Monitoring

"The monitoring function is especially a trend in the rental market, where the landlord is assured that the grease is also dosed in the right amounts at the right time," says Michel. "And that a notification is automatically generated if the lubrication is not going according to plan. After all, proper lubrication is essential to maintaining equipment. Even our 1-point lubrication unit can be monitored remotely."

Especially in the Infra sector, a progressive lubrication system increases productivity and reduces operating costs.

Earth-moving equipment generally has an automatic lubrication system. Still, according to the gentlemen, that does not always guarantee a long service life. "Even then we advocate monitoring," says Michel. "For example, our SKF pumps are equipped with an internal timer that logs data down to a detailed level. This makes it perfectly visible how long a reservoir has been unfilled. Especially with equipment without a regular operator, it is not always clear who is responsible for refilling the lubrication system."

Circumstance-dependent lubrication

Monitoring lubrication solutions is a trend that won't stop, Hanco expects. "Systems are becoming more and more intelligent, more interactive. Especially within an organization like SKF, developments in this area are a big deal. In close cooperation with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), we enrich each other's knowledge and go one step further each time. We are moving more and more towards 'connected systems'. Every machine benefits from the right lubrication at the right time and in the right quantity. Through monitoring, a machine is always lubricated as efficiently as possible, which can lead to significant savings." Michel adds: "The stage is set for 'condition-based lubrication,' or circumstance-based lubrication, for which we have developed bearings with an integrated sensor. If the bearing goes outside a certain vibration frequency, lubrication is automatically switched on until the optimum frequency is reached again."

Progressive lubrication prevents unforeseen premature bearing failure.

Since September 2019, SKF Netherlands has moved into its new headquarters in Houten. "From now on, all disciplines are united under one roof," says Hanco. "All know-how is therefore together. Ideal for product development, but also for questions from the market. And in our own training center we train our customers in lubrication solutions, such as bearing (de-)assembly and maintenance."   

SKF B.V.

Hawthornkade 14, Houten

T +31 30 607 5957

E skf.houten.nl@skf.com

www.skf.com