Guide to greases

Greases are a common type of lubricant used in machinery to reduce friction between surfaces. They have a wide variety of uses and are found in almost every industry. In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of greases available, the benefits they provide and how to choose the right one for your application.

What are greases?

Greases are a semi-solid lubricant made by mixing oil with a thickening agent such as lithium, calcium, or aluminium soaps. The thickener acts as a sponge to hold the oil in place, preventing it from running off the surface. Additives are often added to enhance the properties of the oil + thickener mixture. The most common additives include oxidation and rust inhibitors, extreme pressure agents and friction-reducing agents.

What are the benefits of using greases?

Greases offer several benefits for lubricating machinery. One of the main ones is their ability to provide long-lasting lubrication. Unlike oils that tend to drip or evaporate quickly, greases stay in place and provide continuous lubrication, which means less frequent maintenance and downtime. Another advantage of using greases is their ability to protect against wear and tear. This helps extend the life of the equipment and reduces repair costs.

Greases also offer excellent resistance to water, dust, and other contaminants. They can seal out moisture and prevent rust and corrosion from developing on the equipment’s surfaces. This makes them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as marine applications or dusty factories.

Types of grease

There are several different types of greases available, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Some common types include:

1. Lithium Grease: This multipurpose lubricant is one of the most common types of grease. It works well under pressure and provides long-term lubrication and protection from oxidation and corrosion. It is also resistant to water and extreme temperatures.
2. Aluminium Grease: This type of grease is commonly used in the food industry, but it has many other applications. It is suitable for high-temperature applications and provides excellent resistance to water washout.
3. Calcium Grease: This type of grease is ideal for use in marine, industrial, automotive, and agricultural applications. It has excellent water and corrosion resistance. However, it can’t withstand high temperatures.
4. Synthetic Grease: This type of grease is made from synthetic materials rather than mineral oil. It is commonly used for rotating machinery components, such as bearings. It offers excellent performance in extreme temperatures and has an outstanding resistance to oxidation.
5. Polyurea Grease: This type of synthetic grease provides excellent water resistance, high-temperature stability, and extreme pressure protection. It is often used in heavy-duty applications, such as steel plants and automotive industries.

How to choose the right type of grease

There are several factors to consider when selecting a grease for your application, including:

1. Operating Temperature: The operating temperature range of the grease should match the temperature range of your application.
2. Load Capacity: The load capacity of the grease should be sufficient to handle the weight or force applied to the application.
3. Water Resistance: If your application will be exposed to water or other liquids, choose a grease with good water resistance.
4. Compatibility: The grease should be compatible with the materials used in your application, such as seals and gaskets.

By following the manufacturer’s recommendations and considering the operating conditions of your machinery, you can select the best type of grease based on your particular needs and requirements.

At Conro Electronics, we’ll show you how to improve product reliability while increasing performance and lowering costs. Our team of technical support specialists will provide your company with dependable global supply, unrivalled efficiency, and superior technical support.

Feel free to contact us on 0208 953 1211 or send us an email to info@conro.com