Centralised lubrication systems feed lubricant from a central source to the points on a machine or machining system at which friction occurs.. In this way, undesired wear is minimised and sometimes some of the heat generated by the friction is dissipated with the help of the lubricant.

VOGEL centralised lubrication systems are practically maintenance-free. Maintenance is limited to refilling the lubrication reservoir and occasional visual inspection of the connected lubrication points.


Centralised lubrication systems are divided up into total loss and circulating lubrication systems.
Minimal quantity lubrication systems (MQL) are used mainly in modern production processes.
Please refer to the VOGEL Centralised Lubrication Systems PDF brochure for a structured overview.

- Total loss lubrication

In total loss lubrication systems (fig. 1), friction points are always supplied with fresh lubricant (oil, fluid grease or grease) at specific intervals (time or machine cycle-dependent) during the lubricating cycle (contact time, pump run time).

The quantity of lubricant supplied is rated in such a way that the friction points are provided with the amount required for the build-up of an adequate film of lubricant during the subsequent idle period. Over time, ageing, evaporation, bleeding and leaks all contribute to a partial depletion of the lubricant at the friction point.

Total loss lubrication systems are classified on the basis of single-line, progressive, dual-line, multiline, metering valve and lubricant+air lubrication systems. Minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) is a special form of total loss lubrication.
In circulating oil lubrication systems, the lubricant flows back into the lubricant reservoir for reuse after passing through the friction points.


- Circulating lubrication systems

Circulating lubrication systems (fig. 2) are used everywhere there is a need not only to reduce wear but also to dissipate the friction-related heat.

The lubricant also performs a range of other tasks:

* transferring forces and damping vibrations.
* removing abrasion particles from friction points.
* stabilising the temperature of friction points (cooling or heating).
* preventing corrosion.
* removing condensate and process water.



- Minimal quantity lubrication (MQL)

With MQL (fig. 3) lubrication between the tool and workpiece is performed by an aerosol - i.e. by oil droplets that are finely dispersed in an air stream.

Economic and ecological problems associated with wet processing are reduced by the wide-spread implementation of MQL in production operations.

-Technological differentiation:

In volumetric metering systems (1), both lubricant and air are supplied to a spray nozzle or mixing point via coaxial feed lines. The lubricant is then atomised using compressed air and applied to the workpiece or tool. In a continually dispensing system (2) oil mist is generated in the supply unit. A feed line supplies the aerosol to the tool or workpiece.

-Application-orientated differentiation:

With external minimal quantity lubrication the aerosol is supplied to the lubrication point from the outside through nozzles. With internal MQL the tool applies the aerosol to the lubrication point directly.