Chain Lubrication & Maintenance – The Foundation for Maximum Service Life

Effective chain lubrication is essential for the performance, service life and operational reliability of roller chains, conveyor chains and specialty chains.

As chain joints operate like plain bearings in pivoting motion, properly designed lubrication significantly reduces friction, wear and corrosion — and can prevent up to two thirds of all chain failures.

The primary wear of a chain occurs in the contact area between pin and bushing. Without a sufficient lubricant film, joint surface pressure, friction and temperature increase significantly.

Proper lubrication ensures:

Reduced chain elongation
Smooth operation and lower noise levels
Protection against fretting corrosion and general corrosion
Consistent power transmission throughout the entire service life

iwis chains are supplied with a highly effective initial lubrication applied at the factory, ensuring optimal run-in performance.

Proper relubrication reduces wear and extends chain service life.

If you detect insufficient lubrication on your chain, we recommend the following procedure:

Clean the chain using a very low-viscosity oil or a suitable cleaning agent. This helps loosen particles and flush old lubricant and other contaminants out of the chain joints.

Once the chain has been cleaned, it should be relubricated with a suitable lubricant in accordance with our practical recommendations.

Our Practical Tip

Continuous relubrication with an appropriately adjusted amount of lubricant is far more effective than long lubrication intervals using large quantities of lubricant. To determine the optimal lubricant quantity, we recommend starting with 3 ml of lubricant per 1 m of chain (for 10B-1) and gradually adjusting the amount as needed.

The lubrication condition within the chain joint can generally be checked by opening a connecting link. The surface of the chain pins must exhibit a clear, clean lubricant film.

1. Preparation

Chain wear occurs primarily in the joint area. Therefore, it is essential to maintain an adequate lubricant supply in the pin and bushing area. To ensure optimal penetration of the relubricant, the chain should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible before relubrication. This is best done using a brush in combination with a cleaning spray.

Completely washing out the chain is very time-consuming in most cases and is therefore not recommended.

2. Lubricant Application

Maximum service life is achieved by selecting the most suitable relubricant in combination with the correct application method.

Regardless of how the relubricant is applied, it must always penetrate the joint — specifically the space between pin and bushing. This is achieved by applying the lubricant between the outer and inner plates.

Viscosity also plays a crucial role. In practice, iwis relubrication sprays have proven particularly effective.

3. Lubrication Point

The lubricant must be able to penetrate into the chain joint. To ensure this, the lubricant should be applied directly into the gap between the inner and outer plates, as well as between the rollers and bushings.

The ideal lubrication point is located on the slack strand of the chain, allowing sufficient time for the lubricant to penetrate the functional contact areas within the chain.

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Markus Glorius

Key Account Manager | +49 151 40243745

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Personalized Consulting for the Lubrication & Maintenance of Chain Systems

Would you like to extend the service life of your chains, lengthen maintenance intervals, or reduce downtime? Our experts provide practical, hands-on consulting on chain lubrication, maintenance strategies and service solutions — precisely tailored to your application.

Whether initial lubrication, relubrication, automated lubrication systems or maintenance-optimized chain systems: iwis stands for in-depth expertise, premium product quality and integrated solutions from a single source.

Contact us now — we will provide individual consultation and find the optimal solution for your drive or conveyor application.

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