Methods of Reducing Friction

Wheel is considered to be greatest invention of mankind for the simple reason that rolling is much easier than sliding. Because of this, ball bearings are used in machines to reduce friction. In a ball-bearing, steel balls are placed between two co-axial cylinders.

Use of lubricants such as grease or oil between the surfaces in contact reduces friction considerably. In heavy machines, oil is made to flow over moving parts. It reduces frictional force between moving parts and also prevents them from getting overheated.

Flow of compressed and purified air between the surfaces in contact also reduces friction. It also prevents dust and dirt from getting collected on the moving parts.