A novel report released by Aptean, 'Discrete and process manufacturing: 2024 trends and outlook for North America' has set about to predict what will occur in the manufacturing landscape.
It concludes that there will likely be a surge in new product developments due to a desire for manufacturers to offer a diverse product portfolio — thus attracting novel customers and suppliers.
This can present various challenges, as it will likely require specific machinery and new components to efficiently manufacture new products outside of a company's typical portfolio.
To overcome this, Managing Director at SMB Bearings, Chris Johnson, explains the vital role of lubricated bearings in diversified manufacturing.
Bearings for enhanced manufacturing reliability
Industrial bearings play a pivotal role in machinery by facilitating smooth rotation, reducing friction and enhancing performance and reliability. Manufacturers will need these advantages as, according to Aptean’s report, they enter 2024 with a particular focus on innovation/R&D, product development and a desire to acquire new customers.
Efficiency and sustainability will be paramount in this diversified manufacturing approach.
At the equipment level, achieving efficiency and sustainability involves minimising energy consumption while extending the lifespan of machinery.
The often-overlooked factor in this success is specialised lubricants, which are necessary for ensuring optimal bearing performance — and therefore machinery performance — in a range of pharmaceutical manufacturing settings.
Maintaining lubrication
Aside from choosing the right lubricant, maintaining lubrication is also important — failure to regularly lubricate a bearing can lead to overheating, heightened wear and bearing impairment.
These problems cause extended downtime and increased maintenance costs, and the in worse-case scenarios, premature failure of equipment.
Whatever the scenario, maintaining lubrication in industrial machinery is a task that demands the correct choice of quality lubricant for your application, as well as regular monitoring and appropriately scheduled maintenance.
Choosing the right lubricant
Bearings are often supplied with a standard lubricant, which are suitable for many applications with a wide temperature range and corrosion inhibitor.
However, some applications demand more from a lubricant, necessitating a change to optimise performance. For high-speed applications, low viscosity base oils are desirable, along with smooth thickeners that generate less heat and retain oil better.
Vertical shaft applications may require stiffer greases to stay in place, and extreme temperature applications demand specialised low-temperature lubricants.
Low torque applications such as precision instruments and medical equipment can all benefit from dry lubricants like low viscosity greases.
A molybdenum disulphide additive is recommended for components subjected to heavy loads. Highly regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments may also utilise radiation-resistant lubricants or chemically inert perfluorinated lubricants.