Greases are high-performance semi-solid or solid lubricants formulated with a blend of thickening agents or additives. The fundamental purpose of greases is to lubricate various moving surfaces or machinery and are applied using grease guns, as well as act as a sealing agent. A grease protects the machinery or tools from water ingress, friction, and rust by lubricating them for extended periods. These lubricating substances feature unparalleled properties, including high viscosity, water resistance, and long-term functionality.
Greases are found in various workplaces and automotive workshops and come packed in aerosol, tin, tub, tube, syringe, cartridge, and spray forms. Depending on the users ' preferences and applications, they come in different package sizes (capacity), ranging from 420ml grease to 18 kg grease. Additionally, greases are available in fat, gel, liquid, paste, semi-fluid, or past-solid greases for different equipment and machinery where other oils or lubricants are hard to stay or apply.
Benefits of Greases
Using greases offers a multitude of benefits, such as:
- Protection: Greases protect against rust, corrosion, friction, and contaminants.
- Stay in Place: Unlike liquid lubricants, grease stays in place, ensuring long-lasting lubrication.
- Load Bearing: Many greases can withstand heavy loads, making them suitable for high-pressure environments.
- Resistance Features: Grease resists ingressing water, dust, and other contaminants.
- Extended Lubrication: Greases lubricate equipment for extended periods, reducing re-application frequency.
- Sealing: Grease can act as a sealant in various machinery and surfaces to prevent leakage.
- Withstand high pressures and temperatures: Greases offer high-temperature performances in various applications, making them cost-effective substances for challenging environments.
- Cost-Effective: Using greases is a cost-effective investment by extending the equipment lifespan preventing costly replacement or buying.
Popular Types of Greases
Greases are available in various varieties, each suited for different purposes and applications. Some of the most common types include:
- Silicone Greases – Silicone greases are lubricants that exhibit good thermal stability and are employed in electrical and low-stress applications.
- Lithium Greases – Probably the most common type of grease, used in a variety of general-purpose, automotive, and industrial applications. They come in a white form with high viscosity levels and have good temperature stability and water-resistance features.
- Calcium Greases – These lubricating materials are known for their excellent water resistance, making them ideal candidates for marine applications and wet environments. They are often known as marine greases that can withstand water exposure.
- Polyurea Greases – Commonly used in high-speed bearings due to their excellent high-temperature performance.
- Clay-based or Bentonite Greases – They have no melting point, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Synthetic Greases – They got their name as they are made from synthetic oils, offering high-performance benefits in extreme temperatures and conditions where conventional greases might fail.
- Thermal greases – These are thermally conductive (but usually electrically insulating) compounds designed to promote better heat conduction between two surfaces. Thermal greases are commonly applied between a computer's CPU or GPU and a heat sink to ensure optimal heat dissipation.
Typical Applications of Greases
Greases are must-have substances for professionals and DIYers with profound applications in multiple sectors, including:
- Automotive
- Industrial Machines and Equipment
- Heavy Duty Off-Road Equipment
- Aerospace
- Home Appliances
- Aerospace
- Plumbing Applications
- Wind Turbines
- Marine Applications
- Agriculture/Farming Equipment
- Railways
- Electric Motors
- Water Plants
- Wastewater Treatment Plants.
