Machinery Lubrication February 2023

Rolling-element bearings are found in everything from electric motors to gearboxes to conveyor systems. Basically, if a shaft needs to spin, it can be (and most of the time is) supported by a rolling-element bearing. However, the actual makeup of these devices can vary significantly based on the application. Use this field guide to understand different bearing types and applications.

A bullseye sight glass is a transparent window at the oil level, typically made of glass or durable plastic, that allows users to observe oil conditions inside a piece of machinery. Learn why these sight glasses are used and how to properly implement them into your inspection process.

The Blue Buffalo plant in Richmond, Indiana, is the focus of this month’s “Lube Champs” feature. The 450,000-square-foot plant first opened its doors in June 2019. Management knew that for the plant to be competitive, they needed a strong reliability culture and a focus on proactive maintenance and lubrication.

One of the most important contributions to the field of machinery lubrication was made by Elijah McCoy, an inventor who developed the first automatic lubricator for steam engines. His invention helped push advancement, and its influence can still be seen today.

Featuring a roundup of news, upcoming events, social media updates and more, the Sight Glass is your go-to spot for keeping up-to-date with the latest and greatest in our industry.