Course Overview
Who Should Attend
- Maintenance and asset managers responsible for equipment reliability.
- Reliability engineers and CMMS coordinators seeking to optimize lubrication practices.
- Technicians and maintenance leads involved in hands-on lubrication and system upkeep.
Learning Outcomes
- Select and apply the right lubricants for various machine types and operating environments.
- Design and implement lubrication strategies that support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Manage lubricant storage, application systems, and contamination control to maximize equipment uptime.
Additional Information
This course is part of the Maintenance and Reliability Management Certificate. Enhance your maintenance skills while earning a recognized credential.
Course Outline
Maintenance Strategy
- Why machines fail
- The impact of poor maintenance on company profits
- The role of effective lubrication in failure avoidance
Lubrication Theory
- Fundamentals of tribology
- Functions of a lubricant
- Hydrodynamic lubrication (sliding friction)
- Elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication (rolling friction)
- Mixed-film lubrication
Lubricants
- Base-oils
- Additives and their functions
- Oil lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications
- Grease lubrication
- How grease is made
- Thickener types
- Thickener compatibility
- Grease lubricant physical, chemical and performance properties and classifications
Lubricant Selection
- Viscosity selection
- Base-oil type selection
- Additive system selection
- Machine specific lubricant requirements
- Hydraulic systems
- Rolling element bearings
- Journal bearings
- Reciprocating engines
- Gearing and gearboxes
- Application and environment related adjustments
Lubricant Application
- Basic calculations for determining required lubricant volume
- Basic calculations to determine re-lube and change frequencies
- When to select oil, when to select grease
- Effective use of manual delivery techniques
- Automatic delivery systems
- Automated deliver options
- Automated grease systems
- Oil mist systems
- Drip and wick lubricators
- Deciding when to employ automated lubricators
- Maintenance of automated lubrication systems
- Automated deliver options
Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
- Lube routes and scheduling
- Oil analysis and technologies to assure lubrication effectiveness
- Equipment tagging and identification
Lube Condition Control
- Filtration and separation technologies
- Filter rating
- Filtration system design and filter selection
Lube Storage and Management
- Lubricant receiving procedures
- Proper storage and inventory management
- Lube storage containers
- Proper storage of grease-guns and other lube application devices
- Maintenance of automatic grease systems
- Health and safety assurance
Instructor
Joe Anderson
Joe Anderson is the COO for ReliabilityX. He began his maintenance career, while in high school, working for Tyson (formally IBP). He possesses over 20 years of leadership experience improving maintenance departments processes for Fortune 500 companies in the food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Joe is the author of a column in Plant Services magazine and is a recognized leader in reliability. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Strayer University. He is a CMRP, CRL, CARO, MLT2, MLA1, LSSGB, IAM-55k, CRL Black Belt and was recognized as one of the top 50 leaders in the country by the United States Congress, being awarded the National Leadership Award.
Upcoming dates
Maintenance Lubrication Fundamentals
Location: Madison, WI or Live Online
Course #: RA01820-E176
Fee: $1,495
interpro.wisc.edu/RA01820
Fee
- $1,495
This course has two attendance options, face-to-face or online.
Face-to-face attendance fee includes morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches, in-person instruction, and course materials.
Online attendance fee includes online instruction and course materials. Online attendees will access course sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform.
Credits
- CEU: 1.4
- PDH: 14
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
10/13/2026 07:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 10/13/2026 8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
- 10/14/2026 8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
Course Notes
This is a HyFlex (in-person and online) taught course. Your registration is for one teaching platform only. Please be prepared to attend all days either in-person or online. Contact us if you have any questions before registering.
This course uses the Canvas course management and Zoom platforms. A UW NetID is required to access Canvas and digital course materials. Both in-person and online students need a NetID. Your registration confirmation email will walk you through the NetID process and how to access Canvas.
All materials for this course are digital and will be available on the Canvas course website. Access to the course materials and the webinar platform will be provided a few days before the course. Please watch the email address you provided during registration for release dates and pre-course information. Check your spam file if you do not see emails from the "wisc.edu" addresses.
Instructor
Paul Dufresne
Location
Accommodations
Accommodations include: Enjoy complimentary business center, WiFi and Local/Airport Shuttle. Each room has a refrigerator, microwave, 42-inch HDTV, and executive desk. Parking available $15/night.
Room: rates start at $160
Accommodations include: Complimentary WiFi, Local/Airport Shuttle, Pool, and Fitness Center.
Accommodations include: Your stay includes hot breakfast buffet, fitness center, business center, convenient on-site parking. Guest rooms are complete with Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, complimentary high-speed Internet, and 40-inch, flat screen, high-def TVs.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us as soon as possible before the course start date for a refund. Once you access course materials, a refund is not available.