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Friction as a cost trap: How to save energy and costs with automatic lubrication


Small dispenser, big impact


At a time when energy efficiency, CO₂ reduction, and sustainability are top priorities in the industrial sector, even seemingly minor components are coming into focus – such as automatic lubrication. What many don't realize: continuous lubrication using the simalube lubricant dispenser from simatec not only reduces maintenance efforts but also enables significant energy savings.

Friction – The Invisible Energy Drain


"Today, one fifth of all energy is used to overcome friction."
This is the conclusion of a study by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in cooperation with the OECD/IEA.

Friction is omnipresent in industrial operations – and costly. In machinery, conveyor systems, and production lines, it not only leads to wear and tear, but also results in substantial energy losses. Without proper lubrication, the coefficient of friction can range from 0.5 to 1.0. With continuous lubrication, it drops to 0.01 to 0.1 – a difference that has a direct impact on energy consumption.

simalube: Automatic Lubrication for Maximum Efficiency


The solution from simatec: the simalube lubricant dispenser. It supplies bearings, chains, guides, and other components with continuous and precise lubrication – maintenance-free for up to one year.

Your Benefits:
 

  • Reduced friction → lower energy consumption
  • Prevention of dry running → extended service life
  • Automation → no manual lubrication intervals
  • Time savings → less personnel required
  • CO₂ reduction → through lower power consumption

Learn more about simalube 

Energy Savings Through Lubrication


Numerous studies confirm: targeted lubrication can prevent 10–20% of energy losses in machinery.

This also applies to chains. A well-selected and continuously applied chain lubricant not only reduces wear, but also lowers the power consumption of the drive system. Friction in the chain joints decreases, leading to measurable energy savings.

Practical Example: Conveyor Technology in Logistics

In modern logistics centers, 25,000 or more pallets are transported via conveyor systems every day. According to an estimate by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, the energy required per pallet per day is 0.1 – 0.3 kWh/day. With a reduction of 15%, or 0.03 kWh as an average per pallet, the result is:

Daily energy savings: 750 kWh
Annual energy savings: 270,000 kWh
Annual energy cost savings: EUR 48,600 (Ø cost in Europe: EUR 0.18/kWh)

Sustainability Starts at Production and Conveyor Systems


simatec takes responsibility – not only for efficiency, but also for the environment. Our products actively contribute to CO₂ reduction by:

  • reducing power consumption
  • avoiding maintenance trips
  • optimizing lubricant usage
  • extending the service life of components


The average CO₂ emission per kWh in Europe is 213 g. Through the use of simalube lubricators and the resulting energy savings, 57.5 tons of CO₂ are saved annually in the example above. This corresponds to the emissions from heating more than 70 households or driving 480,000 kilometers by car.

More about Sustainability at simatec

Responsibility for the Future

As a Swiss family-owned company with a global focus, simatec stands for quality, innovation, and responsibility. Our products – simalube, simatherm, and simatool – are developed and manufactured in Switzerland with the goal of making maintenance more efficient and sustainable worldwide.

Saving Energy Starts with Lubrication

simalube is more than just a lubricant dispenser – it is a key to saving energy, saving time, and reducing CO₂ emissions. For companies looking to optimize their maintenance processes, reduce costs, and contribute to sustainability at the same time, simalube is the ideal solution.

Act Now: Boost Efficiency with simalube
Visit simatec – or contact us directly for a personalized consultation.

«Because true responsibility begins with smart maintenance.”