Most people are familiar with the need to lubricate parts and machinery to reduce friction, ensure trouble-free operation and increase maintenance intervals and service life. But what is the difference between the different types of lubricants? Here is a brief guide.
Oils
Oils are good at conducting heat away from the lubrication point. In addition, oils have a good creeping and wetting capacity, which affects the lubricating effect. Oils are therefore often used for lubrication at high temperatures and/or high speeds. Depending on the type of application, there are different base oils to choose from (mineral, synthetic PAO, silicone, ester, polyglycol).
Typical uses: Gears, chains, friction/sliding bearings, compressors and in hydraulic systems.
grease
Grease consists of a base oil that is mixed with a soap (thickener) that gives the grease its consistency. The grease thus stays at the lubrication point where it ensures safe protection against friction and wear and at the same time protects the lubrication point against the influence of external media such as moisture, chemicals, etc. Depending on the type of application, greases are available with different base oils (mineral/synthetic) and with different thickeners (lithium, calcium, aluminium, etc.).
Typical uses: Roller and friction/slide bearings, valves, seals, chains, gearboxes, spindles.
Pastor
Pastes are used to facilitate assembly and disassembly. A paste is basically constructed in the same way as a grease, with the difference that pastes contain a higher proportion of solid lubricants (PTFE, MoS2, aluminium, copper, etc.). In addition to very good lubricity, a paste provides very good protection at high temperatures and in applications with high stresses. The good adhesion and chemical resistance of the pastes also protect against corrosion (rust) and attack by aggressive media. Special bolted joint pastes are available to achieve precise friction in the threaded joint (constant friction).
Typical uses: Lubrication of threads/screw joints, spindles, splines.
Dry lubricants
Dry lubricants, can be divided into solid lubricants in powder form, wax-like sliding films and sliding coatings.
Typical uses: For dry lubrication without oil and grease, clean lubrication without dirt adhesion, very low friction requirements, high temperature resistance, in vaacum applications, at low speeds, long term/life lubrication.
Tribotec has a comprehensive range of lubricants in all these areas through our world-leading supplier and partner OKS. Contact us or our retailers in Sweden for more info. Read more about the products in our Maintenance/Industry brochure.
