Industrial Greases

What is Industrial Grease and How Does It Work?

Industrial grease is a semi-solid industrial lubricant composed of base oil, a thickener, and performance additives. Unlike standard oils, grease stays in place under high-load and high-temperature conditions and offers superior sealing ability. This makes it ideal for applications where liquid lubricants might leak or fail to provide long-lasting protection. By reducing friction, preventing wear, and resisting water washout, multipurpose industrial grease helps protect bearings, pins, and other components in demanding operating environments.

Types of Industrial Grease & Their Applications

Different industrial greases are formulated for specific conditions and equipment:

• Lithium Complex EP Greases: Versatile, high-temperature capable, and excellent for general-purpose use in construction, trucking, and agriculture.
• Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly) Greases: Offer extreme pressure protection for pins, bushing, and slow-moving heavy machinery in mining or quarry work.
• Polyurea Greases: Commonly used in electric motors and bearings operating at high speeds: valued for their long service life.
• Calcium Sulfonate Greases: Exceptional water resistance and corrosion protection, perfect for marine equipment or wet environments.

In addition, when protecting sensitive metal surfaces from corrosion or scoring, consider exploring ferrous-safe oils as part of your maintenance strategy.

Understanding NLGI Grades and Consistency

NLGI grades define grease consistency, influencing pumpability and operating performance:

• #000-#0: Semi-fluid greases for enclosed gearboxes or central lubrication systems.
• #1: Pumpable in cold climates, suitable for moderate-speed bearings.
• #2: The most common grade for chassis lubrication, general-purpose bearings, and heavy equipment.

Choosing the right grade ensures proper lubrication in temperature extremes, high temperatures, and varying speed/load conditions. 

Key Benefits of High-Performance Industrial Greases

High-quality complex greases and specialty formulations provide:

• Extended re-lubrication intervals, reducing downtime and labor costs
• Shock load protection and oxidation resistance under extreme pressure conditions
• Superior rust and corrosion protection for metal components, even in wet or dusty environments
• Compliance with OEM certifications and ASTM standards for industrial applications

Selecting the Right Grease for Your Equipment

Always consult your equipment’s OEM manual when selecting industrial grease. Match the grease type to your environment – wet, dusty, or high-temperature. Choose the appropriate NLGI grade for your operating conditions and consider additive packages for extreme pressure or corrosion protection.