Auto Lube Systems

Auto Lube Systems

Whether you’re operating a single piece of heavy machinery or a full facility of manufacturing equipment, auto lube systems can improve productivity and ensure your components and equipment perform effectively and efficiently for extended periods of time.

What is an Auto Lube System?

Also referred to as a centralized lubrication system, or automatic lubrication system, this type of system effectively lubricates various points of a machine and is controlled by a centralized unit or pump mounted in a location easily accessible by the operator. A key benefit of this type of system is in its frequent and continual application of the minimal amount of grease necessary for the equipment to run properly and efficiently. While these lubrication systems can be customized to fit your specific need, they typically fall under one of these categories:

lubrication consultants
  • Single line automatic lubrication systems: single line parallel lubrication or single line progressive lubrication.
  • Dual-line lubrication systems
  • Multi-line systems
  • Progressive systems

What are the Common Types of Auto Lube Systems?

Once you’re ready to include an auto lube system in your manufacturing process, machinery or commercial vehicles, it’s important to compare the available types of lubrication systems. Some common types of lubrication systems and solutions include:

automatic grease lubricators

These dynamic systems can be broken down into four basic categories: single-line progressive, single-line parallel, dual-line parallel and multi-port systems. Automatic lubricators are capable of providing a range of lubricant products to your equipment throughout your facility. Some lubrication systems are ideal for a single piece of equipment, while others are capable of servicing your entire business with a single pump and comprehensive controller. Explore the differences in each type of system to discover the best solution for keeping your equipment fully lubricated.

What is a Single-Line Progressive System?

This single line lubrication system uses a single pump and line to push lubricant through to each individual valve and injector. The signal that starts the event turns the pump on and forces the liquid to each valve. These valves aren’t typically adjustable and pump out a predetermined amount of oil or other lubricant.
While this efficient system is one of the most basic. In the event of a leak or blockage in a single section of the line, the remaining valves won’t receive enough continuing pressure to properly lubricate your equipment.

What is a Single-Line Progressive System?

This single line lubrication system uses a single pump and line to push lubricant through to each individual valve and injector. The signal that starts the event turns the pump on and forces the liquid to each valve. These valves aren’t typically adjustable and pump out a predetermined amount of oil or other lubricant.
While this efficient system is one of the most basic. In the event of a leak or blockage in a single section of the line, the remaining valves won’t receive enough continuing pressure to properly lubricate your equipment.

What is a Dual-Line Parallel System?

For even more specialized injection, review dual-line auto lube systems. These powerful systems use two main lines to increase the available lubricant and number of injectors substantially. A dual-line parallel system, with the correct pump and injectors, can easily service an entire production facility with hundreds of individual injectors all dispensing a precise amount of oil.

One main supply line is used to pressurize the system, while the other is used as a vent line. The main lines are interchangeable and are typically cycled to prevent one line from always being used as the pressurized one.

What is a Multi-Port System?

These auto lube systems use innovative cams in the drive motor to activate injectors. This allows you to control which injectors are operating during which cycle, so the entire system doesn’t have to be on the same lubrication schedule.

What are the Differences Between Manual and Automatic Lubrication?

Lubrication is essential for keeping your cutting tools operating efficiently and preventing moving parts from experiencing excessive friction. Lubricating moving parts typically takes time and requires a maintenance technician to physically move around the machine to access every grease point. Compare automatic vs manual lubrication to see how you can benefit from the ease of an automatic system.

Lubrication is essential for keeping your cutting tools operating efficiently and preventing moving parts from experiencing excessive friction. Lubricating moving parts typically takes time and requires a maintenance technician to physically move around the machine to access every grease point. Compare automatic vs manual lubrication to see how you can benefit from the ease of an automatic system.

Automatic grease lubricators allow you to control the amount of grease and lubrication applied from the comfort of a safe control panel. Lubrication is also applied while the equipment is in operation which saves downtime. Some systems also include sensors to help you monitor the amount of lubrication on a point to prevent wasted lubricant.

Most manually applied grease maintenance tasks are inefficient. A manual application typically uses more grease, so it isn’t a cost-effective solution. It also takes your maintenance team a considerable amount of time to apply to each of your facility’s grease points. Consider using a minimum-quantity system or an air/oil lubrication system to keep your equipment operating efficiently with minimum wasted grease.

Manual greasing can also prevent your equipment from receiving the lubrication it needs. If your maintenance team doesn’t keep a consistent schedule, your costly equipment may be damaged due to a lack of grease. Don’t let this minor maintenance task cause major damage to your equipment, but keep your machinery gliding along with accurate, controlled lubrication.

Where can I Find Custom Lubrication Solutions?

Compare these four basic types and our unique lube systems to find the ideal solution for your industry and your equipment. Whether you need to grease axles or you need near-dry lubricant for precision components, a DropsA North America system reduces the time and cost of your lubrication process.

At DropsA North America, our auto lube systems cover all of these basic categories as well as custom ones to match your facility. Discuss your lubrication needs with our team to determine the best course of action for your situation.

We provide standard and custom products that fit all the common types of automatic lubrication systems. In addition to offering full-service feeders, we have an extensive inventory of controls, pumps, feeders, injectors and auxiliary equipment to keep your existing system maintained and ready for production. Our team not only manufactures these systems, but also engineers custom solutions and installs new systems for full-service support.

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