Grease – Types & Applications
🔧 What is Grease?
Grease is a semi-solid lubricant made of:
Base oil (mineral, synthetic, or vegetable),
Thickener (soap or non-soap type), and
Additives (anti-wear, anti-rust, extreme pressure).
It is used when oil lubrication is not practical and where retention of
lubricant on the surface is required.
⚙️Types of Grease
1. Lithium Grease
Most common type.
Good water resistance and high-temperature stability.
Used in: automotive wheel bearings, chassis, electric motors.
2. Calcium Grease
Excellent water resistance but limited temperature range.
Used in: marine applications, agricultural equipment.
3. Sodium Grease
High shear stability, but poor water resistance.
Used in: high-temperature bearings (not in wet conditions).
4. Aluminum Complex Grease
Excellent water resistance, oxidation stability, and corrosion
protection.
Used in: food industry, marine equipment.
5. Polyurea Grease
Long life, high-temperature capability, no soap thickener.
Used in: electric motors, sealed-for-life bearings.
6. Synthetic Grease
Made from synthetic oils (like PAO, esters).
Extreme temperature resistance, long service life.
Used in: aerospace, high-performance machinery.
7. Specialty Greases
Graphite grease → high-load, low-speed applications.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) grease → high-pressure, anti-
wear for gears, heavy machinery.
Food-grade grease → NSF/FDA-approved for food processing
machines.
Applications of Grease
Automotive: wheel bearings, chassis joints, ball joints,
universal joints.
Industrial: electric motors, gear couplings, conveyors, rolling
mills.
Marine: ship propeller shafts, deck machinery, fishing
equipment.
Aerospace: aircraft landing gears, control linkages,
instruments.
Construction & Mining: heavy-duty equipment, excavators,
loaders, cranes.
Food & Pharma: mixers, packaging machines, conveyors (using
food-grade grease).
✅ Advantages of Grease
Stays in place (no leakage like oil).
Provides sealing against dust, dirt, and water.
Long re-lubrication intervals.
Better for shock loads and intermittent motion.
