Lubrication for Open Transmissions

[Thad House]

So we are design a custom transmission for next year, and it might be open. Is the type of grease for open transmissions different then the type for closed transmissions. If so, what type do we want.

Thanks

[sanddrag]

It can be rather difficult to contain sometimes on the higher-speed stages near the motors. You want something with a bit of 'stick' to it so it doesn't just all fling off. Most teams use a thin coat of white lithium or moly grease, which seems to work fine. I've also heard of different teams using teflon-based lubricants. I don't have any real specific recommendation. I generally use whatever we have on the shelf at the moment and haven't had a real problem yet, with the exception of AndyMark 12-tooth CIM pinions wearing out.

Of course, there's the whole other school of thought that says any sort of 'wet' lubrication at all in an open gearbox will attract dirt and cause more wear.

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Of course, there's the whole other school of thought that says any sort of 'wet' lubrication at all in an open gearbox will attract dirt and cause more wear.

For those people, a little painter's tape will quickly (and lightly) make an "open" gearbox into a "closed" gearbox.

[jspatz1]

We use light amount of white lithium grease on the gear faces. We do this frequently, and remove the dirty excess as needed. Yes, the area around the gearboxes will get dirty with splatter. Its a machine, stuff gets dirty. There is no substitute for frequent lubrication.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Apply lightly so as to not leave lubricant on the field.
From 2011 rules
<R31> Lubricants may be used only to reduce friction within the ROBOT. Lubricants shall not be allowed to contaminate the FIELD or other ROBOTS.