What is the difference between using different types of lubricating oils for P3KA17 planetary gear reducers?

The P3KA17 planetary gearbox uses different types of lubricating oil, which mainly differ in the following aspects:

Viscosity characteristics: For example,  oils with grades 68, 100, 150, and 220, the number represents their viscosity grade at a specific temperature, and the larger the number, the higher the viscosity. Low viscosity gear oil (such as 68 and 150) has good fluidity and can quickly reach various lubrication parts in low temperature environments, reducing wear during start-up. It is suitable for use in situations where the temperature is low, the gear load is small, and the speed is high. High viscosity gear oils (such as 100 and 220) have stronger load-bearing capacity and wear resistance, and can maintain a stable oil film thickness in high temperature environments. They are suitable for situations where the temperature is high, the gear load is large, and the speed is low.

Applicable ambient temperature:

When the ambient temperature is between -10 ℃ and 15 ℃, if the output shaft speed is higher than 100 revolutions per minute, 68 gear oil is suitable, and if it is lower than 100 revolutions per minute, 100 gear oil is suitable. Because in this temperature range, high viscosity oil is required at low speeds to ensure lubrication and prevent wear from worsening due to a thin oil film; At high speeds, low viscosity oil can better leverage its fluidity advantage, reducing energy loss and heat generation.

When the ambient temperature is between 0 ℃ and 30 ℃, if the output shaft speed is higher than 100 revolutions per minute, it is recommended to use No. 150 gear oil, and if it is lower than 100 revolutions per minute, No. 220 gear oil should be selected. At relatively high temperatures, high viscosity oil can better maintain oil film strength and withstand greater loads; Low viscosity oil can effectively reduce frictional heat generation and improve transmission efficiency at high speeds.

The impact on the performance of the gearbox:

Lubricating oil with low viscosity may not form a sufficiently thick oil film on the surface of gears, resulting in increased direct metal contact between gears, intensified wear, and also affecting the transmission efficiency of the gearbox, increasing energy loss and potentially causing noise and vibration.

Although lubricating oil with high viscosity can provide better load-bearing capacity and wear protection, it will increase transmission resistance, raise tooth surface temperature, increase power consumption, and reduce the flushing effect and heat absorption cooling effect of lubricating oil on the tooth surface, making it difficult for abrasive particles to settle, which may cause abrasive particle wear.

If the reducer operates under special conditions such as high temperature, high load, and frequent starting, it is also necessary to consider using gear oils with better performance, such as heavy-duty industrial gear oils or synthetic gear oils. Heavy duty industrial gear oil has superior extreme pressure anti-wear properties, thermal oxidation stability, corrosion and rust resistance, and emulsion resistance, which can provide reliable lubrication protection for reducers under harsh working conditions; Synthetic gear oil has good low-temperature fluidity, high-temperature stability, and wear resistance, which can extend the service life of lubricating oil and the maintenance cycle of equipment.