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Air-Oil Lubrication Systems
Air-Oil Lubrication Overview
Air-oil lubrication is an efficient and environmentally friendly solution for high-speed spindle and bearing applications. Designed to lubricate and cool internal spindle bearings, these systems deliver a precisely metered volume of oil into a continuous stream of compressed air. The oil is introduced in controlled pulses at each mixing point, where it blends with the airflow before being carried along the inner wall of the tubing.
The air stream delivers a nearly continuous film of fine oil droplets to each lubrication point, providing contact-free protection and effective cooling. A slight positive pressure inside the bearing housing prevents contaminants from entering, while the carrier air exits almost completely free of oil, eliminating mist and fog.
Modern micro-pneumatic pumps can be equipped with inductive sensors that monitor each discharge, confirming lubricant delivery in real time. This verification ensures consistent performance and early detection of any delivery faults, making air-oil lubrication a clean, reliable, and sustainable method for high-speed machinery.
Mixer X Valves
MIXER-X valves are air-oil mixers complete with high precision volumetric metering devices. They are structured in individual elements that can be assembled up to a maximum of 8 elements (for blocks with a greater number of utilities, consult our technical office).
The head elements RH (right) and LH (left), which include the seats for air and oil supply, are located at the ends.
Metering can be selected for each lubrication point within a range between 10 and 160 mm³/cycle.
In addition to the metering unit, an air flow adjustment screw is provided in Mixer X.
The piping connections for the main and secondary line are available with quick fittings or with compression fittings and are used with pipes with a diameter of 6 or 8 mm (main line) and 4 or 6 mm (secondary line). The MIXER-X.C model combines the characteristics described above with real control of the lubricant flow, from the metering unit to the mixing chamber, and is available for flow rates from 10 to 30 mm³/cycle.
The cycle control consists of a PMM block installed directly in the mixer body. A proximity sensor and a control piston, driven directly by the lubricant flow, are housed inside it.
Each circuit operation corresponds to a movement of the piston which generates a change of state of the sensor. Any anomaly preventing piston movement triggers an alarm. The alarm will be present during start-up if there are air bubbles in the circuit and will continue to apply until complete de-aeration.
Applications
- Lubrication of bearings, specifically electric spindle bearings.
- Transmission system lubrication.
- Sliding guide and rack lubrication.
- Lubrication during assembly and processing.
Advantages
- Higher performance of the bearings thanks to higher speed indexes.
- Greater operational safety thanks to constant supply with pre-defined quantity of lubricant. The air protects the bearing against external impurities.
- Less lubricant for greater protection of the environment.
- Accurate and constant metering suitable to the requirements of individual lubrication points.
- Approximately 70% reduction in lubricant consumption compared to traditional lubrication.
Air-Oil Compatible Pumps
Our CME and MPT Electric Pumps are fully compatible with air-oil lubrication systems, delivering consistent pressure and precise oil flow to support volumetric and mixer-style configurations. Available in a range of capacities and reservoir materials, these pumps provide reliable performance across various system designs and operating conditions.
CME Electric Oil Pump
3 L Plastic Reservoir
200 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 81.O3.CT.24V
MPT Electric Oil Pump
5 L Steel Reservoir
500 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.822.4
MPT Electric Oil Pump
12 L Steel Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.200.0
MPT Electric Oil Pump
3 L Plastic Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.821.0.115
MPT Electric Oil Pump
3 L Plastic Reservoir
500 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.822.0
MPT Electric Oil Pump
3 L Plastic Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.000.1
MPT Electric Oil Pump
6 L Nylon Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.100.0
Contact Us
Air-oil lubrication systems must be carefully configured to match your equipment’s speed, load, and operating conditions. Because each application has unique flow and pressure requirements, proper sizing of pumps, mixers, and control components is essential to ensure consistent oil delivery and clean air discharge.
Our team reviews your application details and recommends the right combination of electric pump, Mixer X valves, and distribution fittings to achieve precise, repeatable lubrication at every point — maximizing efficiency, reliability, and bearing life.
Lubricants - Small Cost, Huge Returns
Lubrication Management Programs Protect Your Assets and Save You Money:
Although lubricants make up a mere 3% of the typical maintenance budget; using ineffective products, techniques and applications can have a significant impact on the lubrication-related costs that make up 40% of that budget. A Lubrication Management Program designed by the Technical Consultants at Lubrication Technologies, Inc. can help you target those areas where you see red.
- Your equipment and components will last longer, run more efficiently and more reliably, and you won’t replace equipment or components prematurely
- Your labor force will spend less time on routine lubrication-related maintenance and no time on lubricant-related equipment failures
- You’ll reduce over-all lubricant consumption as well as waste
Latest News
Stay updated with our latest projects, industry insights, and innovations in lubrication technology. From successful installations to new product launches, discover how we’re driving efficiency and reliability across industries.
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