feature | lubrication strategies Machine Design, Environment Affect Lubrication Bearing lubrication decisions, made at the machine-design stage, often dictate how well the machine will be maintained throughout its working life. Ken Bannister, MEch Eng (UK), CMRP, MLE Contributing Editor MOST DESIGN ENGINEERS understand how to correctly size a bearing for load or how to choose the proper bearing class, limits, fits, and tolerances for an application. But very few are versed in the science of lubrication and basic mainte- 30 | EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM nance practices. The problem is evident when a grease-lubricated bearing is mounted inboard of the machine side frames in a hidden or difficult-to-reach location with a simple grease nipple at the bearing point. This type of arrangement requires a full machine shutdown and lockout/tagout to lubricate a single bearing-should it get lubricated at all. Specifying new-equipment lubrication procedures is always a compromise and many factors go into the decision-making DECEMBER 2017http://www.EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM