Bearings are found in most industrial applications, which means they must withstand intense operating conditions. The environment is especially harsh in raw materials sectors like cement and mining, where machinery runs under hefty loads and constant moisture, dust, and shock vibrations.

Lubricant grease is essential for preserving the functioning of machinery because it lowers friction, reduces wear, and shields against contaminants. Choosing the correct grease increases machinery's productivity, prolongs its lifespan, and reduces maintenance expenses. 

Understanding Bearings in Industrial Applications 

Bearings enable smooth, low-friction rotation under load, supporting shafts, gears, and pulleys by absorbing axial and radial forces. 

• Ball bearings are ideal for high-speed, light-load applications. 

• Roller bearings handle heavier, slower-moving loads. 

In raw materials industries like cement and mining, bearings face extreme conditions—shock loads, dust, moisture, and temperature swings. Without proper lubrication, performance deteriorates rapidly. 

The Importance of Lubricant Grease 

In industrial settings, lubricant grease is critical to keeping bearings—and entire machines—running smoothly under tough conditions. Its benefits fall into five core functions: 

• Friction Reduction: 
  Grease forms a thin film that prevents direct metal contact between moving parts, reducing friction, heat generation, and energy loss—boosting overall efficiency and lowering operating costs. 

• Wear Protection: 
  By cushioning contact surfaces under load, grease minimises surface wear, preserving bearing integrity and extending service life. 

• Load Distribution: 
  Specially formulated greases absorb and distribute high stresses evenly across bearing surfaces, preventing localised damage and enabling reliable performance in heavy-duty applications. 

• Corrosion & Contaminant Protection: 
  Grease acts as a barrier against dust, moisture, and abrasive particles. Many industrial greases include corrosion inhibitors to protect during shutdowns or in humid environments. 

• Temperature Handling: 
  Bearings in heavy machinery often generate high thermal loads. Unlike oil, grease stays in place under thermal stress. High-quality greases remain effective across a wide temperature range—resisting breakdown from both extreme heat and sub-zero cold. For example, Schaeffler’s Arcanol TEMP series operates continuously at 120 °C and withstands peaks of 180 °C or more. 

In conclusion, quality grease doesn’t just lubricate—it protects, optimizes, and prolongs machinery life while enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. 

Selecting the Right Grease 

Not all greases are created equal, and selecting the right grease is essential for bearing performance and machinery longevity. Key factors include: 

• Viscosity 
  Viscosity determines the oil film thickness that separates moving parts. Low-viscosity greases suit high-speed, low-load systems; high-viscosity ones are ideal for slow, heavy-duty applications. 

• Base Oil & Thickener 
  Synthetic oils offer better stability under extreme heat or cold. Mineral oils are more economical for general use. Thickeners (e.g. lithium, calcium sulfonate) influence compatibility and performance. 

• Operational Environment 
  Grease must resist the specific conditions it’s exposed to—whether high temperature, moisture, dust, or heavy loads. Corrosion inhibitors and sealing properties are critical in harsh settings. 

• Compatibility with Machinery 
  Incompatible greases can degrade or separate. Avoid mixing different thickener types unless verified. When in doubt, flush the system before switching products. 

• Auto-Lubricator Integration 
  Systems like Schaeffler’s CONCEPT8 ensure precise, consistent lubrication. Pre-filled Arcanol cartridges simplify setup and extend bearing life while reducing manual maintenance. Always ensure grease used is compatible with automated systems and application cycles. 

Applications across key industries

• Mining Equipment
  Draglines, crushers, and conveyors operate in high-load, high-contamination conditions. Arcanol LOAD1000 resists shock, dirt, and extreme pressures, extending grease life and reducing downtime.

• Cement Production Machinery
  Bearings in roller presses and kiln shells endure constant stress and abrasive dust. High-load greases prevent metal-to-metal contact and shield against particle ingress—vital for uptime and cost savings.

• Metallurgical Processing
  Rolling mills, converters, and furnaces demand greases that handle high heat and pressure. Arcanol TEMP series withstands up to 260 °C, ensuring stable performance even in casting lines and kiln mechanisms.

• Packaging Industry
  Precision and speed are crucial. Greases like Arcanol SPEED2.6 reduce friction in high-speed bearings, while VIB3 maintains film strength in machines prone to oscillation. In automated lines, consistency is critical for avoiding breakdowns.

• Food & Beverage
  Mixers, ovens, and conveyors require NSF H1-compliant, food-safe lubricants. Arcanol FOOD2 meets hygiene standards without sacrificing performance, supporting continuous, contamination-free operation.

Conclusion

From mining to packaging, lubricant grease is the unsung hero that keeps machinery working smoothly across all industries.

Choosing the right lubrication for industrial machinery is more than just maintenance, its's also a strategic decision. The right lubricant reduces downtime, cuts cost and extends machine life. With solutions like Arcanol from Schaeffler, you always have a lubrication expert at your side to get the best out of your machines.