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SYSTEM · METERING · OIL

Single-line lubrication for controlled oil delivery

Single-line lubrication is a strong fit where oil has to be distributed cleanly and economically to defined lubrication points in machine or plant environments.

Oil-based systems
Machine tools
Compact layouts
WHERE IT FITS

Where single-line lubrication fits

Single-line systems are often chosen for machine tools, compact industrial lines and oil-based lubrication tasks where simple structure and reliable metering are required.

USE

Where it is used

Machine tools, compact industrial lines and oil-based lubrication tasks where simple structure and reliable metering matter.

Clean oil distribution
Suitable for compact systems
Useful machine-tool orientation
SELECTION

Selection logic

Key factors are oil viscosity, lubrication point demand, intervals, line routing and control integration — engineered as a whole.

Define oil medium precisely
Coordinate pump and metering elements
Plan control and service access
FIT

When to choose it

It is simpler than a progressive system and smaller than a dual-line system; if points are oil-fed and grouped, single-line is often most economical.

Ideal for oil-fed machine-tool lubrication
Defined dose per point via metering valves
Pairs naturally with an oil pump and distributor bars

These systems connect directly to the oil pump and lubrication pumps pages.

HOW IT WORKS

How single-line lubrication works

A pump pressurises one main line that runs to all the lubrication points; each point doses independently and resets for the next cycle.

01

One pressurised line

A pump pressurises one main line that runs to all the lubrication points.

02

Metering at each point

At each point a metering valve releases a defined quantity of lubricant, set independently of the others.

03

Reset for next cycle

When the pump relieves the line the valves reset, ready for the next cycle.

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WHY IT WORKS

A clean, compact and economical layout in which every valve doses independently.

One pressurised line serves all points
Independent metering valve at each point
Clean, compact and economical layout
COMPARISON

Single-line vs. progressive and dual-line

Where points must be supervised in sequence, a progressive system is the alternative; where the network is very large, a dual-line system takes over.

Simpler than a progressive system
Smaller than a dual-line system
Choice follows medium, grouping and monitoring

See industrial central lubrication for the broader system context.

APPLICATIONS

Typical applications

Single-line lubrication suits oil-fed machine tools and compact industrial machines where defined, individually set dosing matters.

If the points are oil-fed and reasonably grouped, single-line is often the most economical answer.
Machine toolsGuides & slidewaysCompact linesOil & lighter mediaDistributor barsMetering valves

Select single-line lubrication by medium and layout

Metering logic, oil viscosity and system structure determine the right answer.

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FAQ

FAQ about single-line lubrication

Where is single-line lubrication typically used
It is frequently used for oil-based machine lubrication, especially in machine tools and compact industrial systems.
Is single-line lubrication only for oil
It is mainly associated with oil-based lubrication, although the final answer depends on the lubricant and system design.
How does it differ from progressive lubrication
It uses a different metering and distribution principle and is often better suited to structured oil delivery in compact layouts.
Is single-line lubrication suitable for heavy construction machines?
It is mainly used for oil-fed industrial machines and machine tools; heavy construction machinery, which usually runs on grease and many shock-loaded points, is more often served by a progressive grease system.
Do I need an oil pump for a single-line system?
Yes — single-line lubrication is normally oil-based, so it is fed by an oil pump sized to the number of points, the line length and the required cycle.