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No matter the industry or application, proper machine maintenance requires lubrication. An automatic lubrication system can increase production efficiency, help avoid costly emergency repairs, and ultimately save you money. Here's how.
1. Increase Efficiency and Reliability
Manually lubricating rolling bearings and connection points can quickly become impractical in most industrial settings. An average paper mill can easily have 7,500 lubrication points, and an automotive plant upwards of 5,500. Lubricating each point manually with a grease gun is time consuming and imprecise.
A centralized or automated lubrication system increases efficiency by dispensing precise amounts of lubricant to multiple connection points while the machine is running. The right amount of lubricant, applied to the right place at the right time, means less wear and tear on your components and improved performance. Smart sensors and monitoring systems track lubrication points and notify operators of any potential problems so they can take preventive action.
2. Reduce Downtime and Improve Component Life
Although the initial costs of installing an automatic lubrication system might be high, the investment pays for itself sooner than you might think.
Studies estimate that 50% of premature bearing failures are from lubrication or contamination issues including:
- Too much or too little lubrication
- Not applying lubrication often enough
- Using the wrong type of lubrication
- Contamination with water, air, or other particles
Just one failed bearing can easily cost hundreds or thousands of dollars every minute the machine isn't running. An automated system that keeps your production running smoothly helps avoid premature component failure and emergency repair costs.
3. Get A Turnkey Solution When You Work With an Expert Like MFP
Automated lubrication systems can service almost any type of standard or specialized machine. From heavy equipment to paper mills and food and beverage manufacturing, MFP can engineer and install a turnkey solution designed to reduce downtime and maximize productivity.
MPF resolved a bearing failure at a local OEM that builds bottle-filling machines. The component failed due to lack of lubrication and the cost of downtime during repairs was in the tens of thousands of dollars. We worked with our partners at SKF (the largest lubrication supplier in the world) to design and install an automatic grease system that is now standard across the customer's facilities. Every day, the system saves the OEM and their customers money.
Get Started With Your Automatic Lubrication System
We can help you improve your production, too! Our engineers don't just sell you a part. We work with you to understand your process and design a fully automated solution that improves reliability and saves money. Call us at 616.538.5700 or contact us here to get started.