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Daniel Amevor, P. Eng., CMRP, CRE, PMP, CLS.

This course provides the fundamentals of lubrication and industry best practices necessary for understanding and achieving lubrication-enabled equipment reliability. The foundational principles of lubrication, friction and wear (tribology) are covered in this course.

In addition, the course presents the foundational knowledge for gears and bearings, which are universal elements in the design and application of machine components.

In this course, you will:

Read more

This course provides the fundamentals of lubrication and industry best practices necessary for understanding and achieving lubrication-enabled equipment reliability. The foundational principles of lubrication, friction and wear (tribology) are covered in this course.

In addition, the course presents the foundational knowledge for gears and bearings, which are universal elements in the design and application of machine components.

In this course, you will:

  • Understand how lubricants work on machine elements and their impact on equipment availability and reliability.

  • Learn the basics of grease, the most effective application method, and how to determine the optimum application amount and frequency.

  • Learn the basic types of industrial gear and their application. With the use of 3D animations, you will see the inner workings of meshing gears and how lubricants play a vital role in maintaining or improving gear reliability.

  • Understand the basic types of bearings and their inner working principles with the aid of 3D animation models.

  • Understand the key elements and uses of oil analysis.

  • Learn how to read and interpret engine oil licenses and quality symbols to make the right oil selection for your equipment.

  • Learn how to identify gaps in your program and create a game plan for your next steps.

  • Learn the basics of tribology ( the science behind lubrication, friction and wear) and how it applies to our daily life.

Who will benefit from this course: It is geared toward anyone in the following category:

  • Lubrication specialist/engineer

  • Reliability Manager/Engineer/Analyst

  • Reliability Specialist/Advisor

  • Sales Engineer/Manager

  • Sales Consultant/Manager

  • Machine lube Technician

  • Asset Management Specialist/Engineer

  • Engineers-in-Training (E.I.T)

This course presents a good foundation for preparing candidates who aspire to obtain higher-level lubrication certificates like Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) by STLE, Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA), or Machine Lubrication Specialist (MLE) by ICML.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn the basics of lubrication. this includes lubrication regimes, base oil classification and lubricant additives
  • Understand the principles of machine wear types and wear mechanisms. not only that but you learn to interpret iso oil cleanliness levels and best practices.
  • Learn the fundamentals of gears and their application. these lessons utilize 3d models and animations to explain the inner working principles.
  • Learn bearing types and their application. this lessons utilizes 3d models and animations to explain the inner working principles.

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction to Lubrication Fundamentals
Introduction to Tribology
Let's check your understanding on the topic Tribology
Read more

Pick the correct answer from the options provided

API Base Oil Interchangeability Guidelines for Passenger Car Motor Oils and Diesel Engine Oils

Select the best answer from the given options.

For each question, please select the best answer.

Please select the best answer from the given options.

Let's check your understanding of gears and their characteristics. Choose the best answer from the options provided.

Let's check your understanding of gear nomenclature. Choose the best answer from the options provided.

Select the best answer from the options given

Select the best answer option

Please select the best answer from the options provided

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Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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Provides foundational knowledge for gears and bearings, which are essential components in machine design and operation, enhancing practical understanding
Explores tribology, the science of lubrication, friction, and wear, offering insights applicable to various mechanical systems and daily life scenarios
Covers engine oil licensing and certification, enabling informed oil selection based on quality symbols and industry standards, which is crucial for equipment maintenance
Utilizes 3D animations to illustrate the inner workings of gears and bearings, which helps learners visualize complex mechanical processes and lubrication principles
Presents a foundation for lubrication certifications like Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) and Machine Lubrication Analyst (MLA), supporting professional development
Includes quizzes after each section, which allows learners to check their understanding of tribology, friction, wear, and base oil classification

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Reviews summary

Fundamentals of lubrication for professionals

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in lubrication principles and industry best practices. Students particularly appreciate the coverage of tribology, oil analysis, and contamination control. Many find the inclusion of 3D animations for gears and bearings exceptionally helpful for understanding complex concepts. While considered an excellent starting point for beginners and those seeking certification prep (like CLS, MLA, MLE), some more experienced professionals note that the course primarily covers fundamentals and may lack depth on advanced topics. Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for building core knowledge relevant to various professional roles.
Good starting point for further certifications.
"This course is a perfect introduction before pursuing certifications like CLS or MLA."
"Helped me get a grasp on the topics covered in the basic certification exams."
"Provides a good theoretical base for advanced lubrication studies."
Applicable to various industry roles.
"I found the content directly applicable to my job as a maintenance technician."
"Useful insights for reliability engineers looking to understand lubrication's impact."
"Great course for anyone involved in asset management or machine maintenance."
Visuals aid understanding of machine components.
"The 3D animations of gears and bearings were incredibly useful for visualizing how lubrication works."
"Seeing the internal mechanics through the animations made complex topics much clearer."
"The visuals really enhance the learning experience, especially for difficult concepts."
Course offers strong basics in lubrication.
"This course provided me with a solid foundation in lubrication fundamentals."
"I feel much more confident in the basics of tribology after taking this."
"A great starting point for anyone new to the field or looking to refresh their knowledge."
May be too basic for experienced learners.
"As an experienced lubrication engineer, I found this course quite basic, focusing mostly on introductory concepts."
"Good for beginners, but doesn't go into significant depth on advanced topics."
"Could benefit from more complex case studies or troubleshooting scenarios for seasoned pros."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Lubrication Fundamentals and Industry Best Practices with these activities:
Review Basic Physics Concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic physics concepts like friction, viscosity, and wear to better grasp the tribology principles covered in the course.
Browse courses on Friction
Show steps
  • Review relevant chapters in a physics textbook.
  • Solve practice problems related to friction and viscosity.
  • Watch introductory videos on tribology.
Study 'Bearing Design in Machinery'
Deepen your knowledge of bearing lubrication by studying the design principles and considerations outlined in this book.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Bearing Design in Machinery'.
  • Focus on chapters related to lubrication and bearing types.
  • Work through example problems to reinforce understanding.
Read 'Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication'
Gain a deeper understanding of practical lubrication techniques and best practices by reading this comprehensive handbook.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the 'Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication'.
  • Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Gear Lubrication Tutorials
Refine your understanding of gear lubrication by following online tutorials that demonstrate different lubrication methods and best practices.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on gear lubrication.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials carefully.
  • Take notes on key techniques and considerations.
Create a Presentation on Oil Analysis
Solidify your understanding of oil analysis by creating a presentation that explains its key elements, uses, and interpretation of results.
Show steps
  • Research the key elements of oil analysis.
  • Organize the information into a presentation format.
  • Include visuals and examples to illustrate key concepts.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Lubrication Program Assessment
Assess the lubrication program at your workplace or a simulated environment to identify gaps and areas for improvement, applying the knowledge gained from the course.
Show steps
  • Define the scope of the lubrication program assessment.
  • Gather data on current lubrication practices.
  • Analyze the data and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop recommendations for optimizing the lubrication program.
Develop a Lubrication Schedule
Create a detailed lubrication schedule for a specific piece of equipment, incorporating the principles of proper lubricant selection, application frequency, and amount.
Show steps
  • Select a piece of equipment for which to develop a lubrication schedule.
  • Identify the lubrication requirements of each component.
  • Determine the appropriate lubricant, application frequency, and amount.
  • Document the lubrication schedule in a clear and concise format.

Career center

Learners who complete Lubrication Fundamentals and Industry Best Practices will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Lubrication Technician
A Lubrication Technician is responsible for the proper application and maintenance of lubricants in machinery and equipment. This course provides practical knowledge of lubrication principles, grease application, and oil analysis, all essential for a Lubrication Technician. By understanding the fundamentals of lubrication and industry best practices, the Lubrication Technician can contribute to improved equipment availability and reliability. The sections on fluid contamination and best practices may be useful. The course specifically mentions this career role in its description, so it may be especially useful for current and aspiring lubrication technicians.
Field Service Engineer
A Field Service Engineer travels to customer locations to install, maintain, and repair equipment. This course provides Field Service Engineers with a practical understanding of lubrication principles, which is essential for diagnosing and resolving equipment issues in the field. Learning about grease application, gear and bearing fundamentals, and oil analysis helps the Field Service Engineer perform more effective maintenance on-site and prevent future problems, which can minimize downtime. The understanding of different oil licenses may also be useful.
Machine Designer
A Machine Designer creates detailed designs and specifications for machines and mechanical systems. This course may be useful for Machine Designers to gain a strong foundation in lubrication principles, gear and bearing fundamentals, and oil analysis, all of which are critical for designing reliable and efficient machines. By understanding how lubricants work and their impact on equipment lifespan, the Machine Designer can create designs that minimize friction, wear, and energy consumption. Additionally, the 3D models and animations of gears and bearings helps you create better designs.
Asset Manager
An Asset Manager oversees the lifecycle of physical assets, including equipment and machinery. This course provides Asset Managers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about lubrication strategies and maintenance schedules. The course mentions this career role in its description, so it may be especially useful for current and aspiring asset managers. By understanding lubrication fundamentals, gear and bearing applications, and oil analysis, Asset Managers can optimize the performance and lifespan of assets, which can lead to reduced downtime and increased profitability.
Failure Analysis Engineer
A Failure Analysis Engineer investigates the causes of equipment failures and recommends solutions to prevent recurrence. This course helps Failure Analysis Engineers develop a strong understanding of lubrication principles, wear mechanisms, and oil analysis, which are all essential for identifying the root causes of equipment failures. This course can help Failure Analysis engineers improve their precision. By understanding tribology and the impact of lubrication on equipment reliability, the Failure Analysis Engineer can recommend more effective solutions to prevent future failures.
Reliability Engineer
A Reliability Engineer focuses on improving the lifespan and performance of equipment and systems. This involves identifying potential failure points and implementing strategies to prevent breakdowns. This course helps Reliability Engineers build a strong foundation in lubrication fundamentals, which is critical for equipment reliability. Understanding tribology, wear mechanisms, and oil analysis, as covered in the course, helps pinpoint the root causes of equipment failure, and implement more effective lubrication programs. The course may be useful for Reliability Engineers who want to implement or improve lubrication programs.
Plant Engineer
A Plant Engineer is responsible for the overall maintenance and operation of a manufacturing plant or industrial facility. This course helps Plant Engineers understand the importance of lubrication in maintaining equipment reliability and minimizing downtime. The course can also help Plant Engineers make informed decisions about lubrication strategies and optimize maintenance schedules for the plant's equipment. The sections on fluid contamination and industry best practices may be useful for preventing equipment failures.
Mechanical Engineer
A Mechanical Engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical devices and systems. This course provides Mechanical Engineers with a foundational understanding of lubrication principles, gear and bearing fundamentals, and oil analysis, all of which are relevant to machine design and performance. By understanding how lubricants work and their impact on equipment reliability, the Mechanical Engineer can design more efficient and durable machines. The 3D animations of gears and bearings may be useful for visualizing the inner workings of these components.
Service Technician
A Service Technician performs maintenance and repairs on equipment and machinery. This course provides Service Technicians with a strong understanding of lubrication fundamentals, which is essential for diagnosing and resolving equipment issues. Learning about grease application, gear and bearing fundamentals, and oil analysis helps the Service Technician perform more effective maintenance and prevent future problems. A Service Technician who understands how lubricants work and the best practices for their application is essential for maintaining equipment.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer is responsible for selling technical products and services to businesses and organizations. This course may be useful for Sales Engineers selling lubrication products or services. Knowing the fundamentals of lubrication, gear and bearing technologies, and oil analysis allows them to effectively communicate the value and benefits of their offerings to clients. The course mentions this career role in its description, so it may be especially useful for current and aspiring sales engineers.
Maintenance Manager
A Maintenance Manager oversees the maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities. This course helps Maintenance Managers understand the importance of lubrication in preventing equipment failures and extending lifespan. Knowing the basics of gears, bearings, and oil analysis, as covered in the course, allows a Maintenance Manager to make informed decisions about lubrication strategies and optimize maintenance schedules. The course may be useful for Maintenance Managers seeking deeper understanding of lubrication best practices and principles.
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer is involved in the creation and improvement of new products. This course may be useful in providing a foundation in lubrication principles and their impact on mechanical systems. Understanding tribology and wear mechanisms allows Product Development Engineers to optimize designs for durability and performance. The knowledge of gear and bearing fundamentals, including how lubrication impacts their function, helps in the development of more reliable products. By incorporating best practices in lubrication, the engineer can create products that are more reliable and efficient.
Project Engineer
A Project Engineer manages engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. This course may be useful for Project Engineers involved in projects that involve machinery or equipment. A Project Engineer may find that understanding lubrication fundamentals helps them make informed decisions about equipment selection, maintenance planning, and risk management. Knowing the basics of gears, bearings, and oil analysis, as covered in the course, helps the Project Engineer to better manage the technical aspects of the project.
Tribologist
A Tribologist specializes in the study of friction, wear, and lubrication. This course provides an introduction to tribology, covering the fundamental principles and how they apply to real-world applications. Understanding lubrication regimes, wear mechanisms, and oil analysis, as covered in the course, helps tribologists better analyze and solve lubrication-related problems. This course may be useful to aspiring tribologists or those seeking a better understanding of the subject.
Design Engineer
A Design Engineer focuses on creating and improving designs for machines, systems, and components. This course may be useful for Design Engineers to gain a deeper understanding of lubrication principles and how they impact the performance and lifespan of mechanical systems. Understanding gear and bearing fundamentals, as covered in the course, helps Design Engineers create more efficient and durable designs. The sections on tribology and wear mechanisms may be helpful for optimizing designs to minimize friction and wear.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Lubrication Fundamentals and Industry Best Practices.
Provides a detailed explanation of bearing design principles and considerations. It covers various bearing types, load calculations, and lubrication requirements. This book is particularly useful for understanding the engineering aspects of bearing lubrication and ensuring optimal performance. It valuable reference for engineers and lubrication specialists.

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