1. Protection of Core Transmission Components
Reducing fluid fatigue: Gears in the fatigue chamber engage rapidly under high speed and heavy load, and direct metal-to-metal contact can lead to fatigue. Fatigue occurs when an oil film forms between the gear teeth, preventing gear fatigue, pitting, or even tooth breakage.
Bearing lubrication: The barrel bears enormous torque thrust, and the thrust bearing relies on it for proper operation. Poor lubrication can cause the bearing to burn out, leading to collision between the screw and the barrel, resulting in equipment failure.
2. Forced Cooling and Heat Dissipation
During the extrusion process, the gearbox and bearings generate significant heat due to mechanical friction and material shear.
Heat Removal: Lubricating oil absorbs heat generated by gears and bearings during circulation. This heat is then dissipated via radiators or cooling water channels, ensuring core components operate within an optimal temperature range (typically 35-55°C). This prevents lubricant degradation from high-temperature oxidation and protects gears from overheating damage.
3. Cleaning and Flushing
Impurities in PE raw materials or metal particles generated from prolonged equipment operation can severely damage bearings and gears.
Flushing of Grinding Debris: Circulating lubricating oil acts like blood, flushing away minute metal particles and contaminants generated during gear meshing. These are carried back to the oil tank for filtration, maintaining clean friction surfaces.
4. Rust and Corrosion Protection
Forming a protective film: Additives in lubricating oil (rust inhibitors, antioxidants) adhere to metal surfaces, preventing moisture and humidity in the air from causing rust on precision gears and bearings. This is especially critical during prolonged equipment downtime or in humid environments.
5. Lubrication of Auxiliary Components
In addition to the main machine, auxiliary equipment in PE pipe production lines also requires lubrication:
Tensioning Machine: Typically composed of multiple sets of tracks or rollers, the tensioning machine must clamp the pipe and apply pulling force. Its chain drive mechanism, reduction motor, and linear guide rails all require lubrication to ensure smooth tensioning speed without crawling, thereby guaranteeing uniform pipe wall thickness.
Cutting Machine: The saw blade feed mechanism and clamping devices of the cutting machine also require lubrication to ensure smooth cutting operations and a flat cut surface.
6. Sealing and Seal Protection
Auxiliary Seals: At the input and output shafts of the gearbox, lubricating oil helps maintain the elasticity of rubber oil seals and forms an oil film on the seal lips. This prevents oil leakage while also blocking external dust and moisture from entering the gearbox interior.