Various types of greases and lubricants customarily have been utilized to keep vehicles, machines, and their components well lubricated. Different types of grease produce diverse and distinct outputs based on the varied properties they have. Some newer greases are synthetic oil-based while some of the older ones are formulated using mineral oil. Due to this flexibility greases and lubricants have been utilized in a variety of industries such as automotive, construction, mining heavy machinery, and so on.
Various types of greases are engineered with three components,
- Base oil: Used for lubrication thus reducing friction.
- Thickener: Holds the oil like a sponge until it is needed.
- Additives: Boost and support base oil capabilities.
If one is uncertain of the type of grease required, below are some of the common types of grease available.
- Calcium Grease: It is one of the most generic purpose greases produced. Its properties make it suitable for resistance from water and protection from corrosion. It is not suitable for high-temperature functioning making it suitable for industrial, marine, and agricultural applications.
- Lithium Grease: It is a highly viscous and durable grease. It is great for lubrication for metal-to-metal applications. It also supports protection against corrosion, extreme weather, and wear and tear. Its ability to endure high pressure and shock loads makes it suitable for vehicles and industrial purposes.
- Aluminum Complex Grease: It has multiple uses, it has the ability to endure extremely high temperatures, splendid water resistance, prevention from rust and oxidation, and great shear durability making it apt for the Food and Beverage industry as well as the construction and farming industries.
- Barium Complex Grease: It is considered a high-performance grease as it has great mechanical stabilizing properties and is resistant to high operating temperatures. It is also resistant to varied types of chemicals. Its heavy load-bearing capabilities make it suitable for aeronautical, marine, and manufacturing purposes.
- Bentone (Clay) Grease: It is developed using Bentone Clay and is thus one of the few clay-based greases. Known as the non-melt grease as it works great at different temperatures, offers great protection from wear and tear. It has water resistance capabilities and is a splendid adhesive. Bentone grease is typically utilized in steel, mining, and ceramic industries.
- Polyurea Grease: Its popularity is justified by its versatile multi-characteristic abilities. It provides amazing water resistance, protection from rust and oxidation, prevents corrosion as well as high-temperature performance making it pivotal in Steel plants and electric motors.
- Sodium Grease: It is produced by mixing base oils with additives and soda soap. It provides great protection from rust but is poor when it comes to water resistance and oxidation capabilities. It is often mixed with other greases to produce a better quality grease.
The kind of grease or lubricant you choose to utilize is quite important. As seen above each type of grease displays very different and diverse characteristics that decide factors such as consistency, viscosity, capacity to reduce friction, wear and tear, protection from oxidation and corrosion, and its water-resistance from important components of machines. Considering the above-mentioned components is advised before you invest in the right greases for the machines and their requirements.