Guidelines for Lubrication and Cleaning of Chains

Effective lubrication is crucial for the service life of a chain drive. The angular sliding motion of the pins causes friction in the joints, resulting in wear that can only be minimised through regular lubrication.

Even with optimal maintenance, chain elongation occurs during operation due to wear. Proper lubrication, however, significantly slows down this process.

Lubricant chain elongation to operating time

1) no lubrication
2) initial lubrication, no relubrication
3) relubrication, insufficient intervals (periodic dry running)
4) relubrication, incorrect or contaminated lubricant
5) optimal lubrication

  • relubrication determines 99% of the service life
  • 3% elongation = chain service life 15,000 hours or longer

Responsibilities for lubrication

  • Chain manufacturer: Supplies the chain with initial lubrication and provides recommendations for relubrication.
  • Machine manufacturer: Defines maintenance and lubrication intervals, and provides lubrication systems or access points.
  • User: Must comply with the specifications and, if necessary, coordinate adjustments with the machine manufacturer.

Practical tip: For new systems, the optimum relubrication intervals should be determined gradually.

Selection of suitable lubricants

The selection of lubricant depends on temperature, operating conditions, and environmental influences.

Basic criteria

Viscosity:

  • Low pressure + high speed → low viscosity
  • High pressure + low speed → high viscosity
  • Low operating temperature → low viscosity
  • High operating temperature → high viscosity

Type of lubricant::

  • Oil: commonly used for continuous relubrication
  • Grease: advantageous in dusty environments

Additional requirements:

  • Temperature resistance & thermal stability
  • Penetration into the joints (if necessary, with solvent addition)
  • Cooling if required (oils in circulation systems)
  • Food safety (NSF-H1 for the food industry)
  • Corrosion protection in humid or aggressive media
  • Compatibility with elastomers & plastics
  • Environmental aspects: biodegradable lubricants

WKS lubricants from Wippermann

Wippermann chains are lubricated with WKS-C as standard. Additional products are available for special applications:

Application:ProductTemperature rangeProperties
High requirementsWKS-C-10 to 100°CHighly additive-containing grease, standard
Corrosion protectionWKS-D-10 to 80°CLow-viscosity oil with corrosion protection additives
Food industryWKS- H1-10 to 140°CNSF H1-approved oil
High temperatures (e.g. automotive applications)WKS-Plus-10 to 240°CSynthetic ester oil, spray
Extreme temperaturesWKS- HT-10 to 500°COil with graphite, >300 °C, dry lubrication
Low temperaturesWKS- HT-55 to 90°CSynthetic ester oil, very low viscosity
Relubrication sprayWKS-Special-10 to 80°CMineral oil spray with additives
Paint compatibilityWKS- W0 to 80°CGrease with high wax content, non-sticky

Reference values for mineral oil viscosity

The selection of a suitable lubricant primarily depends on the type of lubrication. Lubricant viscosity is highly temperature-dependent. Low-viscosity mineral oils according to the table are suitable for chain lubrication.

Oil temperatureISO‑VG Class
‑5 to +25 °CVG 100
+25 to +45 °CVG 150
+45 to +65 °CVG 220

Tip: For furnace chains, graphite or MoS₂ can enhance lubrication.

Schmierverfahren

Lubrication methods

The type of lubrication depends on chain pitch and chain speed.

MethodArea of applicationNotes
Manual lubricationLow speed, occasional operationOil can/brush – unreliable, oil colour must not change
Drip lubricationLow loadWick/needle oilers; lubricate joints directly
Oil bath lubricationChain housingOil level max. to rollers/bushings, otherwise overheating
Pressure circulation lubricationHigh speeds & loadsOil shower on loose strand‑ and possibly pull strand; second nozzle for cooling
Erst- und Nachschmierung: Schmierung der Rollenketten-Gelenke

Initial & Relubrication

Initial lubrication

Wippermann supplies roller chains pre-lubricated with WKS‑C,, which also provides corrosion protection. The effect is time-limited.

Relubrication

  • Lubricate the chain in the joints.
  • Apply lubrication to the loose strand or when the chain is unloaded.
Zuführstelle für Schmierung von Rollenketten
A = optimal position
  • Use low-viscosity lubricant sparingly – avoid dripping.
  • Do not apply thick grease externally → joints may become sealed.
  • Determine relubrication intervals based on chain pitch & speed.

Cleaning

Do’s:Don’ts:
Paraffin derivatives (diesel, white spirit) + brushNo high-pressure steam cleaning
Closed solvent system for thorough cleaningUnverified cleaners may enhance corrosion

 

Important: Always use suitable, approved agents for cleaning!

Your contact persons for all maintenance matters

[Translate to English:] Martin Kiehne
Martin Kiehne
Technical support
Fax +49 2331 782-455
[Translate to English:] Thomas Rafflenbeul
Thomas Rafflenbeul
Technical support
Fax +49 2331 782-455