Anyone working in a machinery or production environment knows that lubrication is an essential part of keeping equipment running smoothly. However, to ensure that your machinery stays well-lubricated and in optimum condition, it is important to have qualified machine lubrication technicians on staff. If you’re responsible for the maintenance and lubrication of machinery in your workplace, then you may be wondering if certification is a good idea. A Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) certification is a course for lubrication training and certification. In this post, we’ll discuss what the MLT certification entails and what benefits it can offer.
What is the Machine Lubrication Technician Certification?
Machine lubrication technician certification training comes in two levels, level one and level two. These courses are available from various educational organizations in a traditional classroom setting as well as a self-paced online option. Additionally, getting certified is optional. Also, you can participate in the courses to increase your knowledge without the requirement to take the exam for certification.
Machine Lubrication Technician Certification Level 1
The level one MLT course introduces oil-sample-based condition assessment and reliability-centered machine lubrication practices. It will give you an understanding of how world-class lubrication practices can affect the health of your machines and your plant’s productivity. Additionally, this course sets you up to either start your lubrication program or transform an existing one.
Machine Lubrication Technician Certification Level 2
The level two MLT course is ideal for lubrication program managers, machine lubrication engineers, and lubrication technicians. This course dives deeper into machine specifications and lubrication practices. The International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) has a body of knowledge that acts as the curriculum for the MLT two course, including:
- Lubrication Theory
- Proper Formulations
- Lubricant Testing and Analysis
- Lubricant Selection
- Application Best Practices
- Maintenance Strategy
- Lubricant Condition Control
- Proper Lubricant Storage and Handling
Additionally, this course level includes engaging case studies and problem-solving practices to apply the lessons to real-world issues.
Who Should Take the MLT Courses?
MLT training isn’t limited to only lubrication technicians. In fact, it is an excellent opportunity to increase the maintenance and reliability knowledge of:
- Equipment Operators
- Maintenance Technicians and Engineers
- Machine Reliability Technicians
- Maintenance Managers and Supervisors
- Reliability Engineers
- Operations Managers
Benefits of MLT Training
The advancement of your reliability team’s lubrication knowledge and experience is just one of the many advantages of MLT training. It can assist you in taking charge of both your daily maintenance routine and the lubrication process. Additionally, there are several long-term benefits of improving your lubrication management. These include better equipment performance, lower labor and repair costs, and a reduction of downtime. Furthermore, it creates an opportunity to increase production and profits.
What Do Machine Lubrication Technician Courses Usually Cover?
Machine lubrication technician certification covers a wide range of topics suitable for employees who are in charge of everyday lubrication duties like greasing bearings, top-ups, oil changes, lubricant receiving, and handling or storage of lubricants and dispensing equipment.
The MLT course topics include:
- Maintenance Strategy
- Mechanics of Lubrication
- Lubricants
- Selection of Lubricants
- Lubricant Formulation
- Contamination and Cleanliness Control
- Lubricant Management and Storage
- Grease Application Practices
- Testing and Evaluation of Lubricant Performance
- Procedures and Equipment for Oil Sampling
- Recommended Techniques for Handling Lubricants
- Basics of Filtration
- Strategies for Lubrication Management
Is the Machine Lubrication Technician Certification Exam Optional?
Yes, the MLT certification exam is optional. But, if you do want to take the exam, there are some prerequisites you must meet. These include at least two years of post-secondary education or on-the-job training, in addition to 16 hours of formal machinery lubrication training. After you meet those requirements, you can schedule a time to take the machine lubrication technician certification exam with ICML.
Lubrication Training is a Valuable Asset
Even highly efficient organizations must find ways to complete more work in less time in today’s competitive industrial environment. Skilled labor and budget shortages increase this pressure to do more with less. So, the more knowledge your maintenance team has, the more strategic your maintenance, lubrication, and reliability programs can be. Your team’s increased lubrication reliability knowledge and skill will enable you to take advantage of labor savings and other unrealized gains that are directly associated with a more effective reliability program.
