Why Lubricants are Needed, What are its Functions

Why Lubricants are Needed, What are its Functions

When we come across a machinery operation and use it for particular purpose, its surface move, slide or roll against another part’s of its construction. Due to mutual rubbing of one part against another, a resistance is offered to their movement. This resistance is known as friction. Friction causes wear and tear of surfaces of moving parts and a large amount of energy are dissipated as generating heat and this effect decrease the efficiency of machines.

 In most case, these moving parts get heated up and lead to two surface welding due to the temperature raise to their melting point. The minute contacts of the surfaces in machinery are taken care to cool them down and maintain their state by introducing a thin film of substance, which can absorb the heat and flow. Thus, any material where it is solid, liquid when subjected in between moving or sliding surface to protect them and decrease friction in between them and withstand to the condition of operations is called as Lubricant. The process of applying lubricant to the surface of moving and sliding surfaces is called Lubrication.

Its functions can be listed as:

• It reduces surface deformation, tear and wear because the direct contact between the rubbing surfaces is avoided.
• It reduces waste of energy so that efficiency of machine is improved.
• The expansion of metal at local points can be reduced.
• Since it minimize the liberation of friction heat seizure can be avoided at moving parts.
• Running and maintains cost of the machine can be reduced.
• Its main function in cylinders and piston engine as it act as seal.