DIN 62136 Textile Machinery and Accessories - Needle and Platinum Lubricating Oils for Independent Needle Knitting Machines

The standard “DIN 62136 Textile machinery and accessories - Needle and sinker lubricating oils for independent needle knitting machines”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard “DIN 62136-1 Part 1: Minimum requirements for mineral-based oils” applies primarily to mineral-based needle and sinker lubrication oils used in knitting machines for pressure and spray applications of needles and sinkers. Mineral oils are hydrocarbons obtained by distilling and then refining petroleum. This standard harmonizes different test procedures previously used in practice. It also includes minimum requirements regarding oil properties to determine whether needle and sinker lubrication oils are suitable.

In short, this standard covers mineral oil-based lubricating oils, including criteria such as viscosity, flash point, wear protection, and compatibility with plastic machine parts (e.g., resistance testing). It is primarily used for pressure or spray lubrication in independent needle knitting machines.

In the fast-paced world of textile production, where precision and efficiency are paramount, even the smallest components can make or break production lines. Knitting machines, especially those with independent needles, operate under intense mechanical stress, with needles and sinkers subjected to millions of cycles per day. Specialized lubricants are essential to reduce friction, wear, and potential failures. This is where the DIN 62136-1 standard comes into play, setting a benchmark for specially designed mineral oil-based lubricants.

This standard provides manufacturers and operators with clear and testable criteria to ensure lubricants perform reliably without compromising machine integrity or fabric quality. As global textile production shifts towards automation and sustainability, this and similar standards play a critical role in reducing downtime, extending equipment life, and minimizing environmental impact through optimized lubricant formulations.

The DIN 62136-1 standard essentially defines minimum performance thresholds for oils used in pressure or spray lubrication systems of self-contained needle knitting machines. These oils must form a thin, durable film on the needles and sinkers to reduce friction without excessively penetrating the yarn contact areas and leaving stains on the fabric. The standard emphasizes five key property categories, tested under controlled conditions to simulate real-world operations.

• Viscosity and flow properties: Viscosity is the thickness of the oil and is critical for ensuring even distribution at different temperatures. The DIN 62136-1 standard mandates the following:
• Kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees: Typically 15–50 mm2/s, balances flow for spray application with film strength under load.
• Viscosity index (VI): Minimum 95, exhibits stable performance at temperatures from 20 degrees (workshop environment) to 80 degrees (machine temperature).
• Yield point: maximum temperature -15 degrees Celsius; prevents solidification in colder environments.
• Thermal and oxidative stability: Knitting machines generate heat from friction, which accelerates the degradation of the oil. The standard requires the following:
• Flash point: At least 200 degrees to prevent ignition risks.
• Low volatility: At 150 degrees, evaporation loss is a maximum of 5%, minimizing consumption and residue accumulation.
• Oxidation stability: Resistance to gum formation has been tested through accelerated aging to ensure a lifespan of over 1.000 operating hours.

Oils that do not meet these standards can cause varnish deposits, needle jamming, and production stoppages.

• Wear protection and anti-friction properties: The distinguishing feature of DIN-compliant oils is their ability to protect steel needles and sinkers from abrasive wear. The requirements are as follows:
• Four-ball wear test: Must comply with DIN 51350 standard.
• EP (extreme pressure) additives: Minimum levels of anti-wear substances such as zinc or phosphorus are measured by spectrometry.
• Coefficient of friction: Maximum 0,10 in oscillation tests simulating needle-prick interactions.
• Compatibility with machine materials: Modern knitting machines use plastic components (e.g., POM or PA guides). The standard includes resistance tests:
• After immersion at 23 degrees Celsius for 168 hours, the plastics should not swell or crack.
• Corrosion prevention: Neutral pH value (6-8) and rust prevention according to DIN 50017 standard.

This prevents leaks or malfunctions in the seals and cams.

• Environmental and safety considerations: The DIN 62136-1 standard is consistent with, though not exhaustive, environmentally friendly trends.
• Low aromatics: Maximum 3% to reduce skin irritation and emissions.
• Emulsifiability: Special additives improve washability and scrub compatibility of fabrics.
• Biodegradability: Encouraged for mineral-based products, but not mandatory.

The oils must be non-toxic and, where appropriate, suitable for yarns that come into contact with food.

• The standard “DIN 62136-2 Part 2: Minimum requirements for synthetic oil-based lubricants” covers synthetic oil-based lubricants with similar properties such as thermal stability, low volatility, and suitability for high-speed knitting processes.

As knitting machines push the boundaries of speed, precision, and sustainability, the demand for lubricating oils has increased significantly. Needles now operate at over 50 strokes per second, needle bed temperatures exceed 100 degrees, and manufacturers are under pressure to reduce oil vapor, fabric staining, and environmental impact. In this environment, the DIN 62136-2 standard has become the gold standard for first-class knitting operations worldwide. This standard defines the performance limits of fully synthetic and semi-synthetic lubricants.

The basic minimum criteria that synthetic oils must meet or exceed are as follows:

• Specification DIN 62136-2 Requirement (Typical) Test Method Why is it Important?
• Base oil type: Fully synthetic. Importance: Predictable molecular structure.
• Kinematic viscosity at 40 degrees: 18–68 mm²/s at 40 degrees (most common 22–32). Importance: sprayability + film strength.
• Viscosity index: At least 140 (typically 160–200). Important: Stability from cold start to operating temperature.
• Pour point: Maximum -30 degrees (usually maximum -45 degrees). Important for reliable winter performance.
• Flash point: At least 220 degrees (most at least 250 degrees). Importance: Fire safety and low condensation.
• Noack volatility at 250 degrees: Maximum 8% (best products up to 3%). Importantly, it produces minimal oil vapor and consumption.
• Thermal/oxidative stability: No significant increase in viscosity or acid number after 500 hours at 150 degrees. Importance: Long service life, clean machinery.
• Wear protection (4-ball bearing load): At least 2000 N (many at least 3000 N). Importantly, it ensures long service life of the needle and immersion tip under shock loads.
• Material compatibility: No cracking/swelling should occur in POM, PA, and elastomers after 1000 hours of immersion. Importantly, this prevents damage to modern plastic trick parts.
• Fabric cleanability: Easily emulsified and scrubbable. Importantly, the final fabric shows no yellowing or oil stains.

The DIN 62136-2 standard represents much more than a vague technical standard. It forms the foundation upon which the world's most advanced knitting operations achieve exceptional reliability, cleanliness, and sustainability. While mineral oils under DIN 62136-1 still hold their place in cost-sensitive or medium-speed applications, all modern high-caliber, high-speed, or environmentally certified manufacturing plants have made DIN 62136-2 synthetic oils their default choice.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "DIN 62136 Textile machinery and accessories - Needle and sinker lubrication oils for independent needle knitting machines" regulation.