Uses of Lubrication Systems

Lubrication systems are used in vehicles to cool the engine. In refrigeration systems such as kitchen refrigerators, freezers, and walk-in freezers, lubrication systems help to evenly distribute and dissipate the heat of the engine used to stimulate the Freon. Similarly, in machine shops, lubricant is used during precision cutting to prevent the metal work piece from overheating and to extend the life of the tools used for cutting parts. The lubricant is sprayed directly onto the work piece, then it is recirculated to be used again the next time. Other factory machines which use lubrication systems include conveyor belts and sorting machines.

The Reason for Lubrication Systems
The main purpose of any lubrication system is primarily to cool the engine’s moving parts, or to reduce friction between moving parts in a machine. For example, wind-up clocks and watches use a system of gears for the purpose of turning the hour and minute hands, as well as the second hand if it has one. Oil is typically used as a lubricant to keep the gears from stripping each other through constant contact.

Lubricants and the History of Lubrication Systems
Lubrication systems have been used since the 18th century to help with the operation and cooling of mechanical devices, and the ones used today are not dissimilar to the ones in use 200 or 300 years ago. The type of lubricant used depends on the machine and the purpose the lubrication system has to play in the overall operation of the unit itself. Oil or an oil compound of some kind is the most common type of lubricant used, although other chemicals are often used as well.