What kind of greases are used for what?
Grease is used in applications where liquid lubricants cannot provide the required protection. It is easy to apply and requires little maintenance. The main properties of grease are that it stays in place, provides sealing action, and provides extra film thickness. Grease consists of three main components: thickener, base oil, and additives. Most grease are identified by their thickeners. The most widely used thickeners and their properties are listed below. Dropping Max Serv Thickener structure Point(F) Temp (F) ——————————————— Sodium Soap Fibrous 350 200-275 _____________________________________________ Calcium Soap Simple Smooth 270-290 250 Complex Smooth >450 300 buttery _____________________________________________ Lithium Soap Simple Smooth 390 325 Complex Smooth >450 350 slightly stringy _____________________________________________ Aluminum Smooth gel >450 300 Complex _____________________________________________ Clay Smooth >500 350 ______________
