Common signs of insufficient lubricating oil in a shot blasting machine are as follows:
Increased friction and heat Insufficient lubricating oil leads to greater friction between moving parts, resulting in elevated temperatures. You may notice excessive heat radiating from the machine or hot surfaces on various components.
Abnormal noises Low lubricant levels cause metal-to-metal contact, generating unusual sounds such as squeaking, screeching or knocking. These noises indicate inadequate lubrication of moving components.
Accelerated wear Poor lubrication speeds up the wear of machine parts. Excessive abrasion can be seen on bearings, gears and other moving components, which will raise the frequency of maintenance and part replacement.
Declined performance and efficiency Inadequate lubrication disrupts smooth machine operation, causing lower performance and efficiency. The machine may run at reduced speed, suffer dropped productivity or even break down unexpectedly.
Overheating of the lubrication system Low oil volume can make the lubrication system overheat, recognizable by excessive heat or smoke coming out of the lubrication unit.
Higher energy consumption Low lubricating oil increases friction on machine components, which demands more power for operation. A sharp rise in energy consumption without obvious causes usually points to low lubricant levels.
Lubrication system alarms or warnings Some shot blasting machines are fitted with monitoring systems that detect low oil levels. Such systems will trigger audible alarms or pop-up reminders to prompt oil refilling.
If any of the above symptoms appear, you must resolve the issue immediately by checking and refilling the shot blasting machine’s lubricating oil. Regular inspection and maintenance of the lubrication system can avoid these faults and maintain the machine’s optimal working performance.
