Traditionally grease is used as a lubricant for keeping vehicles, machines, vessels, and the entire components lubricated. However, there are different types of grease available and each can produce different results.
The LGMT 3 SKF general purpose grease-NGLI 3 (skf lgmt 3, term in Thai) has got excellent rust inhibiting properties and you can buy it from Teo Nooseng Co., Ltd. The following are the different types of grease available on the market:
- Calcium grease
Mostly used at lower temperatures and a few key features of this grease are:
- Good corrosion protection
- Great water resistance
- Great mechanical stability
- Lithium grease
Suitable for many applications like:
- Automotive
- Industrial
- Gardening
- Demanding metal-to-metal applications.
- Aluminium complex grease
It has following advantages:
- Can withstand very high temperatures
- Impressive water-resisting properties
- Can prevent rust, corrosion, and oxidation
- Has good shear stability.
- Barium complex grease
It has the following properties:
- Better mechanical stability
- Can withstand high speeds and heavy loads
- High-temperature resistant
- Excellent water tolerance
- Resistant to different chemicals
- Great oxidation stability.
- Bentone (clay) grease
Its main properties are:
- Great protection against wear and tear
- Temperature change resistance
- Exceptional water tolerance
- Impressive adhesiveness
- Good mechanical/shear stability
- Polyurea grease
Its characteristics are:
- Outstanding water resistance
- Prevents rust and corrosion
- Great oxidation stability
- Good mechanical stability
- Durability
- Versatility
- High-temperature performance
- Sodium grease
Sodium grease can offer the following:
- Solid shear stability
- Excellent rust protection
- High dropping point
- Good lubrication
However, it has poor oxidation stability and water resistance.
How to select the right grease
While buying the right grease type for your application, you must consider several factors as follows:
1) Base oil
There are 3 main types of base oils:
- Synthetic
- Mineral
- Vegetable oils
In terms of performance, protection, temperature, weather resistance, and good shear stability, synthetic oils can offer the best results.
2) Additives
Additives can enhance the qualities and features of grease. The most common additives are rust, oxidation, corrosion inhibitors, and polymers used for increasing adhesiveness.
These additives provide increased protection from wear and tear. Also, certain pigments and dyes are added to each type of grease.
3) Thickener
Thickeners increase the bonding and efficiency of every grease. The following thickeners are commonly used:
- Simple or complex soaps based on calcium, lithium, sodium, barium, and aluminium compounds.
- Certain non-soap thickeners, based on polyurea and clay.
4) Consistency
NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) defines consistency and this property is used to determine the softness level or hardness level of every grease. Every grease will be assigned a certain specific NLGI number that will go from 000 to 6.
5) Viscosity
Grease viscosity will determine its stability to offer effective protection against different frictions. Higher viscosity will provide greater stability as the grease will be exposed to heavy and slow loads, while lower viscosity will be ideal for any high-speed applications.
Each lubricant has different characteristics that decide its viscosity, consistency, ability to prevent friction, rust protection, reduce wear and tear, corrosion, and oxidation, mobility, and prevent water and other contaminants to come into contact with your equipment. You must therefore consider all these factors before you buy.
