Tribological Investigation of the Polymer-Based Lubrication System With Micropores Used in a Manufacturing Transfer Line

Flooded oil lubrication systems are commonly utilized for many manufacturing processes. However, there is an increasing concern with the flooded lubrication systems due to their biological and environmental impact as well as maintenance and disposal cost. A polymer-based lubrication system with micropores, a sponge like solid lubricant allowing the oil to weep out while in use, provides a promising alternative solution to satisfy the lubrication requirements for some manufacturing processes. In addition, it can minimize contamination of the coolant system, reduce waste processing and disposal costs, and alleviate the in-plant safety hazard from oil leakage on floor surfaces. The goal of this study is to develop and improve the current lubrication system by applying a polymer-based lubrication system with micropores in order to replace the oil flooded transfer line lubrication systems currently in production use. Using a laboratory reciprocating bench test based on design of experiments, this study characterized the tribological performance of the polymer-based lubrication system with micropores under a variety of operating conditions, identified the main factor which impacts the tribological performance of the polymer-based lubrication system with micropores, and developed a model to predict the wear loss of the new lubrication system with micropores. These results provide the guidelines for possible applications of the polymer-based lubrication system used in the manufacturing process.