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Automatic central lubrication for metalworking

Automatic central lubrication supplies all the lubrication points of a machine or plant centrally, evenly and on the right cycle — without manual greasing. In metalworking and machine building this is the basis for consistent quality, high availability and long component life. Instead of point-by-point hand lubrication, a coordinated system of pump, distributor, control unit and sensors provides a continuous, documented supply.

Lubrication challenges

Metalworking plants combine many different lubrication points — guides, bearings, spindles, joints and gears — with varying quantity and interval requirements. A central solution has to map this variety precisely, integrate with the machine control, and work reliably under chips, coolant and vibration. Getting the right amount of lubricant to each point, every cycle, is what keeps surfaces accurate and tools sharp.

Recommended system architecture

The proven layout uses a progressive distributor for defined, sequential dosing — or a dual-line system for very large machines with long lines — fed by an electric pump. Cycle sensors confirm each cycle to the VIP5 control unit, which alarms a missed cycle. This architecture scales from a single machining centre to a large, monitored installation.

Maintenance & operation

Once commissioned, the system runs largely unattended: it triggers the lubrication cycles, monitors them and reports any fault. Routine care is limited to refilling, checking the cycle and pressure signals and keeping the lines clear of chips and coolant. Because every cycle is logged, a developing problem — a blocked line, a worn metering element — is detected early and addressed on a planned basis.

Typical lubrication points

In a metalworking machine the central system typically serves linear and rotary guides, ball screws and lead screws, spindle and motor bearings, swivel and indexing axes, and enclosed gearboxes. Each of these has a different appetite for lubricant: a fast linear guide needs frequent small doses, a heavily loaded gear a larger volume, a spindle bearing a fine, clean oil supply. A progressive distributor maps this variety by fitting the right dosing element to each outlet, so one pump and one control unit serve the whole machine. As points are added or a machine is rebuilt, the system is simply re-balanced by changing dosing elements — no redesign of the supply side is needed.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is automatic central lubrication?

A system that supplies all lubrication points of a machine centrally, evenly and on the right cycle — pump, distributor, control unit and sensors working together — without manual greasing.

Why use it in metalworking?

It delivers consistent quality, high availability and long component life by serving guides, bearings, spindles and gears precisely and continuously.

Progressive or dual-line distribution?

Progressive suits most machines and is self-monitoring; dual-line is used on very large machines with long lines and many points.

How is the system monitored?

Cycle sensors confirm each distributor cycle to a VIP5 control unit, which alarms a missed cycle, blockage or pressure loss.

Does it work under chips and coolant?

Yes — it is designed to operate reliably under chips, coolant and vibration; routine care keeps the lines and filters clear.