As a managing director or head of department, you probably don’t give lubricants much thought. That’s understandable: they’re classed as C-items, and that’s how most people think of them.
But the moment a rolling bearing turns and starts contributing to your company’s revenue, things get interesting. As a critical machine element, it plays a key role in keeping production running smoothly, in every sense of the word. To do that reliably, it needs a lubricant, either an oil or a grease.
“Lubricate well, and your machines will run longer.”
→ In maintenance, this principle holds true without exception.
All lubricants degrade over time. If they aren’t replaced or topped up in time, the result sooner or later is a breakdown, often at the worst possible moment. That’s why preventive maintenance matters so much.
Lubricants often have significant, underestimated savings potential, both in terms of the product itself and the process. Depending on the application, a better lubricant can extend machine life, reduce maintenance effort or lower consumption. Compared with the savings achieved, the cost of the lubricant itself is usually negligible.
As a rule, high-performance lubricants offer the biggest savings, but standard lubricants can also have considerable potential, depending on the application. Once you factor in the cost of switching, realistic savings start at around €5,000 a year and can easily exceed €100,000 a year in high-volume production.
Typical warning signs include:
Reviewing how lubrication is currently handled usually reveals quickly where the real potential lies. We’re happy to help. Call us Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (CET), on +49 9342 9169393, or email us at support@neukirchlubrication.de.
Standard lubricants can usually be switched in-house, provided the equipment manufacturer has approved the new product. High-performance products are a different matter and need expert support, because the right choice depends on the application, temperature range, load profile and material compatibility. Switching to the wrong product can do more damage than the problem you were trying to fix.
Switching makes financial sense when wear, frequent maintenance or high energy consumption are driving up running costs. Once you factor in the cost of switching, realistic savings start at around €5,000 a year and can be well over €100,000 a year in high-volume production.
You’ll find more answers on our FAQ page. Or just get in touch directly. Call us Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (CET), on +49 9342 9169393, or email us at support@neukirchlubrication.de.
