What is centralized lubrication
A centralized lubrication system automatically delivers the right amount of oil or grease to every point of a machine (bearings, slideways, chains, pins, gears) from a single pump unit. Instead of manual greasing, done at irregular intervals and often with the wrong quantities, lubrication takes place in programmed cycles, even at points that are hard or dangerous to reach while the machine is running.
The benefits are tangible: less wear and fewer failures, less machine downtime, shorter maintenance, lower lubricant consumption and lower environmental impact thanks to precise metering.
Components of a lubrication system
- Pump unit (pump with reservoir): manual, pneumatic or electric, it pushes the lubricant into the line
- Metering valves or distributors: split the correct quantity to each point
- Tubing and fittings to the lubrication points
- Control and sensors: timer, minimum level, cycle sensor confirming that lubrication has taken place
The 4 types of lubrication systems compared
| System | Lubricant | Line pressure | Metering / flow | Typical uses |
|---|
| Volumetric (single line) and air/oil | Oil 32–2,000 cSt, semi-fluid grease NLGI 000–00 | 12–50 bar | Volumetric dispensers 15–1,000 mm³/cycle; air/oil 10–160 mm³/cycle; units up to 500 cc/min | Machine tools, production lines, printing, food industry |
| Progressive | Oil and grease up to NLGI 2 | up to 300–400 bar (DPX, DMX) | Distributors with 3 to 20 outlets, monitored by a cycle sensor | Earthmoving, agricultural and municipal vehicles, wind energy, mining |
| Minimal (Lubetool micro-lubrication) | Emulsions and coolants atomised with air | Compressed air | Thin film on the tool | Metalworking, cutting, drilling |
| Resistive | Oil | 2–15 bar | Up to 200 cc/min, proportional to pressure and viscosity | Small and medium machines, the simplest and most economical solution |
How to choose a lubrication system
- Oil or grease: grease resists dirt, water and shocks better (mobile and construction machines), oil is preferred on slideways and tools.
- Number and distance of points: many points far apart call for a progressive or volumetric system with distributors.
- Required monitoring: if you need certainty that every point is lubricated, a progressive system with cycle sensor.
- Power supply: manual, pneumatic or electric units, DC or AC.
- Environment: UL and ATEX certified versions (motors and levels) for hazardous areas.
ILC pumps and units for each system
| System | ILC pumps and units | Metering devices | Catalogue |
|---|
| Volumetric | CME, MPT, PRA, PRD | Ilcomatic 3 and Ilcomatic 4 | PRA, PRD |
| Progressive | ILC-MAX, PAG-PAO | Modular DMX and DPX | ILC-MAX, PAG-PAO |
| Minimal | MINI-GF, MINI-LUBETOOL | Atomising nozzles | Minimal lubrication |
| Resistive | Low pressure units | Resistive metering valves | Resistive lubrication |
For metering devices see also the lubrication systems accessories.
Custom lubrication units and alternatives to Dropsa and SKF
In addition to ILC components, our technical office designs and assembles standard lubrication units to customer specifications, ready to install. ILC systems are an alternative to Dropsa and SKF components: send us the code of the unit or metering valves you use today and we will propose the equivalent.
Centralized lubrication FAQ
What is a centralized lubrication system?
A system that, starting from a single pump unit, automatically delivers the right amount of oil or grease to all the lubrication points of a machine at programmed intervals.
What is the difference between volumetric and progressive lubrication?
In a volumetric system each metering valve delivers a fixed quantity at every pump cycle; in a progressive system the distributor pistons move in sequence and feed the outlets one after the other, so a sensor can confirm that all points have been lubricated.
When is minimal lubrication the right choice?
In metalworking: emulsions and coolants are atomised with compressed air directly onto the tool, with very low lubricant consumption.
Is there an alternative to Dropsa and SKF systems?
Yes: ILC centralized lubrication systems are an alternative to Dropsa and SKF, with pump units, pumps and metering devices available from stock.
Why choose Interfluid
- Official ILC distributor, manufacturer of centralized lubrication components since 1975
- CME, MPT, PRA, PRD, ILC-MAX, PAG-PAO and MINI-GF pumps usually in stock
- Lubrication units assembled to specification by our technical office
- Support in sizing the system
Tell us the machine, the number of points to lubricate and the lubricant – request a quote.
