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Greases

for long-term lubrication under critical operation conditions

Greases consist of a base oil that is bound by a thickener (soap). The lubricant thus remains at the lubricating point, where it ensures continued effective protection against friction and wear and seals the lubricating point against external influences such as humidity and foreign matter. Greases are often used at roller and friction bearings, spindles, fittings, seals, guides but also at chains and gears.

Characteristics	Standard	Description
Base oil viscosity	DIN 51561	Influences speed range and load-bearing capacity of a grease
Drop point	DIN ISO 2176	If this temperature is exceeded, the grease structure is destroyed
Operating temperature	DIN 51805 DIN 51821/2 (roller bearings)	Temperature range of the optimal performance
Speed characteristic data (DN factor)		Maximum rotational speed up to which a grease can be used in a roller bearing
Consistency	DIN ISO 2137	Measure for the consistency of a grease
NLGI grade	DIN 51818	Classification into consistency classes
Four-ball test	DIN 51350	Determining of the wear protection and of the maximum load‑bearing capacity of a grease

The main difference in the structure of greases compared to oil is the thickener that determines the typical characteristics of a grease.

Thickener (soap)	Operating temperature[°C] Mineral oil	Operating temperature [°C] Synthetic oil	Drop point [°C]	Water resistance	Load-bearing capacity
Calcium	-30 -> +50	not applicable	<100	++	+
Lithium	-35 -> +120	-60 -> +160	170/200	+	-
Al-Complex	-30 -> +140	-60 -> +160	>230	+	-
Ba-Complex	-25 -> +140	-60 -> +160	>220	++	++
Ca-Complex	-30 -> +140	-60 -> +160	>190	++	++
Li-Complex	-40 -> +140	-60 -> +160	>220	+	-
Bentonite	-40 -> +140	-60 -> +180	without	+	-
Polycarbamide	-30 -> +160	-40 -> +160	250	+	-

In addition to the miscibility of the base oils, the compatibility of the thickeners must also be taken into consideration.