During the operation of injection molding equipment, lubrication of all moving parts is a critical step in ensuring the proper functioning of the equipment and extending its service life. Quantitative pressurized lubrication for injection molding has been widely used in modern injection molding machines due to its precision and efficiency. This lubrication method uses a specialized lubrication system to deliver a fixed amount of lubricant under pressure to the parts requiring lubrication, such as guide rails, lead screws, and bearings. This ensures a stable oil film forms between the moving parts, reducing friction and wear. Compared to traditional manual or continuous lubrication, quantitative pressurized lubrication can precisely control the amount and timing of lubricant delivery based on the equipment’s operating status and lubrication requirements, avoiding waste and insufficient lubricant while improving lubrication reliability and uniformity.
The core components of an injection molding quantitative pressurized lubrication system include a lubricating oil pump, a quantitative distributor, a pressure sensor, a control system, and an oil pipeline. The lubricating oil pump, serving as the power source, draws lubricant from the tank and delivers it to the quantitative distributor under a certain pressure. The quantitative distributor distributes lubricant proportionally to each lubrication point based on preset parameters, ensuring that each part receives the appropriate amount of lubricant. The pressure sensor monitors the system’s oil supply pressure and promptly sends a signal to the control system when the pressure is too high or too low, allowing adjustments or alarms. The control system controls the operation of the lubricating oil pump and quantitative distributor based on the equipment’s operating parameters (such as operating time and speed), achieving automated lubrication. For example, in the clamping mechanism of an injection molding machine, a quantitative pressurized lubrication system automatically adjusts the oil supply to the guide rails and lead screw based on the number of clamping cycles and speed, ensuring adequate lubrication during high-speed operation while reducing the oil supply during low-speed or shutdown periods to avoid waste.
The parameters of a metered-flow pressurized lubrication system must be adjusted appropriately based on the specific model of injection molding equipment, operating conditions, and the characteristics of the lubricated parts. Lubricant type and viscosity are primary considerations. Different moving parts have different lubricant requirements. For example, guide rails typically require a higher-viscosity lubricant to ensure oil film stability, while bearings may require a lower-viscosity lubricant to minimize energy loss. The oil supply pressure is also crucial. Too low a pressure prevents the lubricant from reaching the lubrication points, affecting lubrication effectiveness. Too high a pressure can cause lubricant leakage and increase equipment energy consumption. Generally, the oil supply pressure for metered-flow pressurized lubrication systems for injection molding is set between 0.2 and 0.5 MPa. The specific value needs to be adjusted based on the number and distance between lubrication points. Furthermore, the oil supply cycle and oil volume per delivery should be set based on the equipment’s operating frequency and load. For components operating at high speeds or under heavy loads, the oil supply cycle should be shortened and the oil volume increased.
In practice, the installation and commissioning of a metered-flow pressurized lubrication system for injection molding must be carried out in strict accordance with operating procedures to ensure proper operation. First, the oil pipeline should be arranged appropriately, minimizing pipeline length and the number of elbows and joints to reduce pressure loss and the risk of leakage. Pipeline materials should be oil-resistant and pressure-resistant hoses or rigid pipes, and joints should be well sealed to prevent lubricant leakage. Second, the metered-flow distributor should be installed close to the lubrication points to ensure that lubricant reaches the required areas accurately and promptly. During commissioning, each lubrication point should be individually checked for oil flow. This can be verified by observing the oil mirror or collecting lubricant, and the metered-flow distributor parameters should be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, the system should be tested at various pressures and flow rates to ensure that the pressure sensors and control system are functioning properly and respond promptly to any anomalies.
Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of a metered-dispensing, pressurized lubrication system for injection molding are also crucial for ensuring long-term, stable operation. During routine maintenance, the oil tank’s oil level and quality should be regularly checked. Lubricant should be replenished promptly if the oil level is too low. Any deterioration in oil quality (such as the presence of impurities or emulsification) should prompt the lubricant to be replaced and the tank cleaned. Oil pipelines and joints should also be regularly inspected, and any leaks or blockages should be promptly addressed to ensure unobstructed oil flow. The operating status of the metered-dispenser and lubricating oil pump should be regularly monitored. Any abnormal noise, vibration, or uneven oil supply should prompt prompt shutdown and inspection, and damaged components should be replaced if necessary. Furthermore, control system parameters should be regularly calibrated to ensure they accurately reflect the equipment’s operating status and avoid improper lubrication due to parameter drift. Through scientific and rational maintenance and management, a metered-dispensing, pressurized lubrication system for injection molding can effectively improve the efficiency of injection molding equipment, reduce downtime, and lower production costs.
