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Grease

Grease is a semi-solid lubricant made by dispersing a thickener in a base oil (mineral or synthetic). Because it does not flow out easily like oil, it is used in rolling bearings, linear motion bearings, ball screws and other locations that need sealed structures or long relubrication intervals. Thickeners include lithium soap, lithium complex, calcium sulfonate complex and urea, which differ in heat and water resistance. Many types are available by application, including high-load grades with extreme pressure additives or solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide and graphite, low-temperature and high-speed grades using PAO or ester base oils, biodegradable grades, and fluorine-based grades for vacuum and low-outgassing use.

How to choose Grease

  1. 1. Check the operating temperature range and dropping point

    First confirm that the operating temperature falls within the service temperature range. Listed dropping points range from 120 to 300°C, which indicate the temperature at which the grease softens and flows at high temperature, but the dropping point is not the same as the continuous service temperature. On the low-temperature side, starting torque and pumpability are affected.

  2. 2. Select base oil viscosity to suit speed and load

    The base oil kinematic viscosity at 40°C varies widely among listed products, from 18 to 1370 mm2/s. Low viscosity suits high-speed rotation or low-torque applications, while high viscosity suits low-speed, high-load applications where an oil film must be maintained. Estimate the required viscosity from bearing speed, load and operating temperature.

  3. 3. Evaluate water and heat resistance by thickener

    Lithium soap is general purpose, lithium complex tends toward higher-temperature use, and calcium sulfonate complex tends to be resistant to large amounts of water and high loads. Greases with different thickeners may soften when mixed, so confirm compatibility with the existing grease when replenishing.

  4. 4. Match the NLGI consistency grade to the lubrication method

    In NLGI grades, a smaller number means a softer grease. Grade 1 is used for pumpability in centralized lubrication, grade 2 for general bearings, and grade 3 for locations where grease tends to flow out, such as vertical shafts and large bearings. Also check the worked penetration range.

  5. 5. Check extreme pressure performance for high-load applications

    For shock loads or low-speed, high-load conditions, the four-ball weld load (2000 to 8000 N among listed products) serves as a guide to extreme pressure performance. Where micro-slip or oil film breakdown is likely, grades containing solid lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide or graphite are also candidates.

  6. 6. Select base oil type for special environments

    Mineral oil grades are used for general applications, synthetic oils such as PAO for low temperatures down to around -50°C or ultra-high speeds, ester-based biodegradable grades for environmental considerations, and fluorine-based grades for vacuum and clean environments. For vacuum applications, also check the ambient pressure, cleanliness level and evaporation loss data.

This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.