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:	Product	Temperature range	Properties
High requirements	WKS-C	-10 to 100°C	Highly additive-containing grease, standard
Corrosion protection	WKS-D	-10 to 80°C	Low-viscosity oil with corrosion protection additives
Food industry	WKS- H1	-10 to 140°C	NSF H1-approved oil
High temperatures (e.g. automotive applications)	WKS-Plus	-10 to 240°C	Synthetic ester oil, spray
Extreme temperatures	WKS- HT	-10 to 500°C	Oil with graphite, >300 °C, dry lubrication
Low temperatures	WKS- HT	-55 to 90°C	Synthetic ester oil, very low viscosity
Relubrication spray	WKS-Special	-10 to 80°C	Mineral oil spray with additives
Paint compatibility	WKS- W	0 to 80°C	Grease 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 temperature	ISO‑VG Class
‑5 to +25 °C	VG 100
+25 to +45 °C	VG 150
+45 to +65 °C	VG 220

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

Lubrication methods

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

Method	Area of application	Notes
Manual lubrication	Low speed, occasional operation	Oil can/brush – unreliable, oil colour must not change
Drip lubrication	Low load	Wick/needle oilers; lubricate joints directly
Oil bath lubrication	Chain housing	Oil level max. to rollers/bushings, otherwise overheating
Pressure circulation lubrication	High speeds & loads	Oil 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) + brush	No high-pressure steam cleaning
Closed solvent system for thorough cleaning	Unverified cleaners may enhance corrosion

Important: Always use suitable, approved agents for cleaning!