A

• Automatic Centralized Lubrication
  A system that supplies multiple lubrication points with grease or oil as needed via a centralized unit. It reduces maintenance requirements and increases machine lifespan.
  
  

B

• Back Pressure Valve
  Prevents lubricant from flowing back when the pump shuts off — essential for system stability.

• Base Oil
  The oil component in grease that provides the primary lubrication effect. Can be mineral-based, synthetic, or plant-derived.

• Build-up (Gumming, Oxidation)
  Residue formed by aging lubricants. Can block lines, metering devices, or bearings and reduce lubrication efficiency.
  
  

C

• Centralized Lubrication System
  A complete system that automatically supplies multiple lubrication points with grease or oil. Includes pump, lines, distributors, and control unit.

• Consistency
  A measure of a grease's softness, typically expressed using NLGI classes (000 = fluid, 6 = firm like wax). Crucial for pumping and flow behavior.

  NLGI-Grade	Consistency	Worked penetration (0.1mm)	Typical Applications
  000	Very fluid	445 – 475	Gearboxes, low temperatures
  00	Fluid	400 - 430	Gearboxes, open gears
  0	Semi-fluid	355 - 385	Low-speed bearings, linear guides
  1	Very soft	310 - 340	Rolling & sliding bearings, chassis joints, spindles
  2	Soft	265 - 295	Universal bearing grease, motors, conveyors
  3	Semi-firm	220 - 250	Heavy-duty and high-speed bearings
  4	Firm	175 - 205	Special applications under high temp/pressure
  5	Very firm	130 - 160	Heavy-load applications, special machinery
  6	Extremely firm	85 - 115	Extreme environments and niche industrial use

  
  
  

D

• Delivery Unit / Pump
  The central component in a lubrication system that pressurizes the lubricant and delivers it to the distributors. Can be electric, pneumatic, or mechanical, depending on the application.

• Dosing Distributor
  A component that dispenses defined lubricant quantities to multiple lubrication points — progressively, in parallel, or sequentially, depending on the system type.

• Drop Point
  The temperature at which grease changes from a semi-solid to a liquid state. Indicates the upper temperature limit for the application.

• Dry Lubricant (Solid Lubricant)
  Solid substances (e.g., graphite, PTFE) that reduce friction even under extreme conditions. Often used as additives in high-performance greases.
  
  

F

• Four-Ball Test
  A standardized test for determining a grease’s wear resistance. Involves pressing a rotating ball against three stationary ones under load — a key quality metric.
  
  

G

• Grease
  A semi-solid or solid lubricant composed of base oil, thickener (e.g., lithium soap), and additives. Ideal for bearings, slideways, and open gears
  
  

L

• Long-Life Grease
  Specially formulated grease with high oxidation stability and additives for extended service life — ideal for hard-to-reach or low-maintenance systems

• Lubrication Interval
  The time or distance between two lubrication events. In automatic systems, this is precisely adjustable depending on load and environmental factors.

• Lubricating Oil
  A fluid lubricant, particularly used in applications requiring cooling or high flow rates.
  
  

O

• Oil-Air Lubrication
  A lubrication method where a fine oil mist is created using compressed air and directed to the lubrication point. Especially suitable for high-speed bearings and tool spindles.
  
  

P

• PDI System (Parallel Dosed Intermittent)
  A classic lubrication system using pressure-pulse-actuated single metering valves. Low-maintenance and cost-efficient, especially when viscosity remains stable.

• Progressive Distributor
  A device that supplies multiple lubrication points in a defined sequence via a series of pistons. Enables continuous monitoring and diagnostic capabilities.
  
  

R

• Rolling Bearing Lubrication
  The use of lubricants (typically grease) to reduce friction in ball or roller bearings. Grease offers advantages such as longer service life and simpler sealing.
  
  

S

• Stick-Slip Effect
  Jerky motion caused by alternating sticking and sliding due to insufficient lubrication. Leads to vibration and increased wear.
  
  

T

• Thickener
  A substance that binds the oil in grease (e.g., lithium, calcium, polyurea). Influences temperature resistance, water resistance, and compatibility.
  
  

V

• Viscosity
  A lubricant's resistance to flow. Low viscosity = thin; high viscosity = thick. Critical for pumpability and lubrication performance.
  
  

W

• Water Resistance
  A grease’s ability to maintain its structure and lubricating effect even when exposed to water — essential for outdoor or wet-area applications.

• Worked Penetration
  Indicates how deeply a standard cone penetrates the grease under a defined load (in tenths of a mm). Higher values mean softer grease.