NORD Drivesystems B1000 - Manual (Page 38)

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INTRODUCTION
G1000 – Subject to Change Without Notice
Lubrication
The Importance of Proper Lubrication
Proper gearbox lubrication is essential in order to
reduce friction and component wear, and protect
against corrosion and rust. Gear lubricants reduce
heat and wear by inserting a load-sharing “protec-
tive fl uid fi lm” between mating parts and prevent-
ing direct metal to metal contact. Properly selected
lubricants will operate under various fi lm conditions,
improve heat transfer, optimize reducer effi ciency,
absorb shock loads, reduce noise, inhibit foaming,
and separate water readily.
Design Considerations
Along with many other factors, the gear designer
must consider the type of gearing (helical, bevel,
worm, etc.), the gear load and speed conditions, and
the expected operating oil temperatures. These fac-
tors help determine a generally suitable oil category,
a desired additive package, preferred base-oil type,
and oil viscosity.
It is important that the consumer be aware of these
many design factors before making any changes in
the critical areas (oil category, base-oil type, viscosity,
etc.) One should consult their preferred lubrication
supplier or NORD Gear when questions arise.
Gear Oil Types, Categorized by Base Oil
Mineral Oil with an EP Additive
(DIN 51517, Type CLP)
High performance mineral gear oils are carefully en-
gineered and manufactured to improve aging char-
acteristics, minimize friction, offer good wear pro-
tection, provide corrosion and oxidation resistance,
minimize foam, and separate water. Mineral gear oils
are classifi ed as API Group I or II oils, depending upon
viscosity.
The standard NORD mineral gear oil has an extreme
pressure (EP) additive ISO Viscosity Grade EP220
(AGMA 5 EP) and is generally acceptable for helical
and helical-bevel gear units. Good quality mineral oil
should have the ability to operate at moderate sump
temperatures (up to 80-85 °C) without losing viscos-
ity or thickness. A minimum viscosity index (VI) of 93
or higher is suggested. The oil must also have good
fi lm strength to handle shock loads, high torque, and
start-up conditions. A minimum FZG Scuffi ng Load
Stage 12 is desirable.
Advantages:
• Most economical of all the gear oil types.
• Generally offers good compatibility with shaft seals,
gaskets, paint fi nishes, etc.
• Offers good corrosion and oxidation protection.
• Effectively reduces internal friction and wear.
When Synthetic Oils Are Used
Synthetic gear oils are suggested when mineral gear
oils have reached their performance limit or when
they no longer meet certain application require-
ments. NORD may recommend synthetic oil for any
one of the following conditions:
• Severe duty applications or when gears are exposed
to frequent starts and stops, high-load or shock.
• For applications in low or high temperature service.
• To extend oil service interval requirements.
• To eliminate the necessity for seasonal oil changes.
• To extend service life of factory-sealed or maintenance-
free gear units.
• To take advantage of performance benefi ts: shear
resistance, low traction coeffi cient, reduced internal
friction, improved lubricity, reduced operating
temperatures, improved gear effi ciency, etc.
Performance Advantages of Synthetic Oil
Compared to mineral oils, synthetic oils provide a
number of performance advantages including:
• Ability to operate at higher temperatures without
losing viscosity or thickness, due to a much
improved viscosity index.
• Improved low-temperature stability due to a lower
pour
point
• Increased oil change intervals due to superior
oxidative and wear resistance
• Lower tendency to form residues and increased
resistance to foaming.
• Other benefi
ts may include: very good shear
resistance, low traction coeffi cient, reduced
internal friction, improved lubricity, reduced
operating temperatures, improved gear effi ciency,
and extended component life and wear protection.
When application conditions warrant the use of
synthetic oil, NORD may suggest a particular type of
synthetic oil, depending upon the gear unit type and
the application.