Gears

The rolling and sliding actions which occur in all types of gearing, such as spur, helical, worm, spiral bevel or hypoid, present a different type of challenge to lubricants compared to ball or roller bearings. Many designers, especially worm gear designers, are interested in increasing gear box efficiency. Modern designs require the most in power transfer with minimal noise and heat generation. In some cases, oils are being replaced by specially designed synthetic greases to reduce component cost by eliminating the need for seals and the machining costs associated with oil seal designs. Other gear train designs may have special operating environments including high and low temperature, corrosion and oxidation concerns. 

With modern lubricants, these challenges can be met very effectively. Utilizing various synthetic base oils and gellants these lubricants not only minimize friction but can inhibit wear and corrosion, dampen noise and control free motion. They can meet broad temperature requirements without oxidizing or evaporating. And they can provide manufacturers of today’s power transmission devices with an “edge” that will increase the performance and life of their products. 

Synthetic vs. petroleum-based lubricants.
In theory, the “perfect lubricant” won’t oxidize, suffer thermal breakdown, evaporate or allow surface contact for the life of the device. Generally ambient temperature range plays a major role in determining whether to use a synthetic or petroleum-based lubricant. Synthetics tend to function better at wider temperature ranges than petroleum products. Petroleum products begin to degrade at or before 100°C, whereas synthetic hydrocarbon lubricants function well to 125°C. By comparison, UniFlor™ fluoroether lubricants provide excellent lubricating qualities to 250°C. Synthetics offer extreme low temperature advantages as well. Synthetic lubricants have lower vapor pressures than petroleum products, consequently, even without the presence of oxygen, synthetics are less volatile, an important factor in ensuring that the lubricant does not breakdown. In summary, the chemical homogeneity of synthetic lubricants results in greater load carrying capacity, higher viscosity indexes, better lubricity, greater efficiency and extended serviceability than their petroleum-based counterparts.