SKF
Oil and Air Lubrication Systems
Oil and air lubrication systems precisely meter a very small quantity of liquid oil and transport it via a stream of low-pressure compressed air along a narrow tube directly to the bearing or gear mesh point. The air carries the oil droplet and provides cooling, while the minimal oil volume avoids churning losses and heat generation. SKF oil+air systems are primarily used for ultra-high-speed spindles, rolling element bearings in machine tools, and high-speed chains, where conventional oil or grease would cause overheating. The systems are highly efficient, using as little as 1-3 mm³ of oil per lubrication cycle per bearing, drastically reducing oil consumption and eliminating oil mist. SKF components include precision metering units, mixing valves, and monitoring sensors that ensure reliable, continuous delivery. By providing only the lubrication that is needed, with no excess, oil+air systems enable the highest bearing speeds and longest service life.
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Minimal Oil Consumption
Nano-litre to milli-litre per hour dosing saves lubricant and reduces waste.
Enables Highest Bearing Speeds
Eliminates churning, achieving n·dm values over 2 million.
Continuous Bearing Cooling
Air stream carries away friction heat.
Positive Pressure Prevention
Prevents contaminant ingress into bearing housing.
Precise, Programmable Metering
Electronic control per lubrication point.
Clean Operation
No oil mist generation, minimal environmental impact.
Oil+Air Lubrication of High-Speed Machine Tool Spindles
Motorised spindles in CNC machining centres rotate at 30,000-60,000 rpm. An oil+air system injects a minute droplet of oil into the air stream feeding each bearing, providing exactly the right lubrication film without the churning heat that would seize the spindle. This enables the extreme speeds required for high-productivity milling and drilling.
System Monitoring and Reliability Features
SKF oil+air systems incorporate flow monitors that can detect a blocked tube or low oil level. They can be integrated into the machine’s CNC controller, triggering an alarm or safe stop if lubrication is interrupted. This protects the high-value spindle from catastrophic bearing failure.