This phrase could be said to sum up the long tradition of using grease for lubrication. Regardless of whether we’re talking about multipurpose grease or special-purpose grease for the latest technologies, grease is essential for technical infrastructure that runs reliably and frictionlessly.
Where liquid lubricants cannot be used, grease provides a reliable alternative. It adheres well to surfaces, reduces friction, protects effectively against wear and corrosion, and provides a reliable seal.
Technical greases comprise base oil, thickener (saponifying agent(s)) and additives. In simple terms, grease is oil that has been thickened. The thickener consists of sponge-like structures that hold the oil, which is released during operation, then reabsorbed. The additives give the grease the required properties.
Choosing the right grease is crucial to good performance. Manufacturers’ recommendations should always be observed. The following key data may also be helpful for evaluation purposes.
I Consistency (NLGI scale)
I Thickener type
I Base oil viscosity
I Operating temperature range
I FBT weld load
Greases with a high FBT (four ball tester) value are particularly effective under high pressure and impact loads. The specific type and structure of saponification ensures even pressure distribution and minimizes direct surface contact. The consistency of a grease and its extreme pressure (EP) additives enable it to absorb powerful forces, while bond enhancers ensure it adheres durably to the lubrication point.
The primary goal of lubricating bearings such as roller and slide bearings is to reduce friction and wear. Properties such as high water, temperature, oxidation and corrosion resistance help safeguard operational safety. In addition, grease damps noise in bearings, which qualifies it perfectly to satisfy constantly rising comfort requirements. As a rule, bearings of the types mentioned above should not be packed too tightly with grease as this can cause overheating. It is much better to apply grease more often than less frequently and overabundantly.
MOTOREX’s range of greases extends to over 50 products. Multipurpose greases such as FETT 2000, which have a very wide range of applications, are increasingly being joined by special-purpose greases. From icy temperatures in snow groomers to the heat of a conveyor oven in a baking line, from near-water use in a walking excavator to a MotoGP racing bike, everything revolves around—and thanks to—the correct grease.
Solid greases such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or graphite (C) have a layered structure that is ideal for reducing friction. Because the particles in solid greases slide over each other, they guarantee uniform coefficients of friction and prevent phenomena such as the dreaded surface-fusing under extreme loads. Solid greases also have good fail-safe characteristics since the lubricant particles adhere reliably to the lubrication point.
Rapidly biodegradable grease is particularly suitable for outdoor and total-loss applications. Using renewable raw materials not only fulfills EAL (Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants) criteria, it also satisfies the constantly growing demands that petroleum-reduced products have to satisfy. The best proof that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.
For more information on greases, contact your MOTOREX partner.
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