What are the differences between the lubrication methods of hard tooth surface reducers and soft tooth surface reducers?

The core differences in lubrication methods between hard tooth surface reducers and soft tooth surface reducers stem from differences in tooth surface hardness, load-bearing capacity, operating temperature, and wear characteristics. The specific differences are reflected in four aspects: lubricant selection, lubrication method adaptation, oil change cycle, and maintenance focus. The following is a summary:

1. Different selection of lubricating media

Hard tooth surface reducers generally have a tooth surface hardness of HRC58 or higher, high contact stress on the tooth surface, high frictional heat generation during meshing, and a risk of micro pitting corrosion. Therefore, high viscosity, high extreme pressure and anti-wear gear oil should be selected. Common grades are L-CKD 220, 320, 460 heavy-duty industrial gear oil. Some heavy-duty working conditions require the addition of extreme pressure additives or synthetic gear oil (such as poly - α - olefins) to enhance oil film strength and anti bonding ability.

Soft tooth surface reducers have tooth surface hardness between HB200-HB350, relatively low load-bearing capacity, low heat generation from meshing friction, and low requirements for extreme pressure performance of the oil. Generally, medium to low viscosity industrial gear oil with medium to low viscosity is selected, and the grades are L-CKC 100 and 150. In light load and low-speed working conditions, mechanical oil or ordinary lubricating oil can also be used.

2. Different lubrication methods are compatible

Hard tooth surface reducers are commonly used for heavy-duty, high-speed, and continuous operation conditions. The lubrication method is mainly forced lubrication, including circulating oil lubrication and oil injection lubrication. The lubricating oil is pressurized by an oil pump and transported to the meshing part, which can ensure sufficient oil film coverage and take away the heat generated by meshing, avoiding high-temperature bonding of the tooth surface; For small hard tooth surface reducers, oil immersion lubrication can be used, but the oil immersion depth needs to be strictly controlled, usually 1/3-1/2 of the gear diameter, to prevent excessive loss of oil stirring power and increase in oil temperature.

Soft tooth surface reducers are commonly used in light load, low-speed, and intermittent operating conditions. The lubrication method is mainly oil immersion lubrication, where the gear part is immersed in an oil pool and relies on the rotation of the gear to form an oil film to lubricate the meshing surface. The structure is simple and the maintenance cost is low; Partial horizontal soft tooth surface reducers can also use splash lubrication, without the need for an additional lubrication system, and only require regular replenishment of lubricating oil.

3. Different oil change intervals and oil monitoring

Hard tooth surface reducers have high friction losses on the tooth surface, and lubricating oil is easily contaminated by metal debris. In addition, high temperatures can accelerate the oxidation and deterioration of the oil. The oil change cycle is relatively short, usually 2000-4000 hours, or every 6-12 months; During use, it is necessary to regularly monitor the viscosity, acid value, and metal particle content of the oil. If the oil turns black, viscosity decreases, or metal impurities exceed the standard, the oil should be replaced immediately.

Soft tooth surface reducers have low wear on the tooth surface, slow oil contamination rate, and a long oil change cycle, generally ranging from 4000-8000 hours, or replaced every 12-24 months; Daily maintenance only requires regular checks of oil level and appearance, without frequent physical and chemical index testing.