Choosing the Right Industrial Lubricant

Before buying a lubricant, we recommend considering several factors that will condition your choice, starting with the intended application. This is because the same type of lubricant will not be used for bearings, compressors, and pumps, for example.

Then you need to consider the operating conditions. First of all, it is essential to choose a lubricant that is suitable for the working temperature. For example, too high a temperature can cause certain oils to evaporate. Too low a temperature can hinder fluid circulation.

Viscosity is another criterion that must be taken into account. The right choice of viscosity level is essential to ensure good lubrication and depends on the temperature. For example, greases are particularly suitable for high temperatures.

Finally, it is important to take into account the sector of activity and the product. For example, the oils and greases used in food industry equipment must be compatible with food to guarantee consumer safety in the event of accidental contact between the lubricant and the product.

Lubricants are divided into oils, greases, and pastes. Your choice will depend on your intended application, but also on the operating conditions.

There are several types of oils, each with specific functions. For example, automotive oils protect moving parts from wear, while cutting oils protect tools not only from wear but also from excessive heating. The lubricating capacity of oils decreases at very high or very low temperatures. When choosing an oil, you should therefore pay attention to the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer and indicated in the product’s technical characteristics. It should be noted that synthetic oils are suitable for extreme temperatures, maintaining their lubricating capacity at any temperature.

Lubrication with grease ensures the smooth running of moving parts, dissipates heat, and protects against wear and tear. If you are looking for a lubricant for high-temperature services, opt for greases, as they are highly heat-resistant. In addition, they can withstand high speeds and significant loads.

As for pastes, they are very effective at temperatures above 300°C, unlike oils, which tend to evaporate when this temperature is exceeded. Pastes can also be used in low-speed bearings and applications subject to high loads. Finally, pastes are suitable for simple lubrication work, particularly assembly pastes.

MyLubricants lubricating oil

Each type of oil has a specific application, such as cutting, drilling, and machining. Cutting and drilling oils lubricate and cool. By reducing friction and heating, they help to extend tool life and optimize the cutting process. As well as lubricating and cooling the system, machining oils help to remove the swarf from the work area and keep it clean. This is why they are often recommended for machining metals. However, if they come into contact with the skin, they can cause irritation with severe itching. It is therefore recommended to wear personal protective equipment when working with these oils.

There are three main types of lubricating oil: mineral, synthetic and semi-synthetic.
Mineral oil results from the refining of crude oil and consists of a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons. It is still the most widely used lubricant today. However, its lubricating properties vary. It cannot withstand high temperatures and forms sludge relatively quickly, so it should be changed more often to avoid possible clogging. Its main advantage is that it is cheaper than other types of lubricant.

Synthetic oil, on the other hand, stands out for its high performance, obtained through a more complex manufacturing process. Its molecular structure is altered to give it the desired characteristics. As its viscosity is little affected by temperature variations, it can be used at both low and high temperatures. Synthetic oil doesn’t form sludge as quickly as mineral oil, so it lasts longer. However, it is more expensive.

Semi-synthetic oil offers a cost-effective intermediate solution, although it is less resistant to high temperatures than synthetic oil.

These are the three types of oil most commonly used in motors.

ExxonMobil grease

Greases are semi-solid compounds and, as such, do not mold to the shape of the part they are on, unlike oils. The viscosity, which is higher than that of oils, guarantees effective lubrication of machines and tools. In electrical installations, conductive or non-conductive greases can be used, depending on requirements.

Greases are extremely resistant to high temperatures. As such, they can be used in ovens, for example. They are very easy to use–all you have to do is apply them to the parts to be lubricated, whereas oils require a circuit with a pump and filter.

As with oils, you can choose between mineral and synthetic greases.
Mineral greases generally contain petroleum jelly or paraffin. Thanks to their particularly soft texture, they make it easier for parts to slide.

Synthetic greases are composed of synthetic oil and metallic soap. They can be used at relatively high temperatures, up to the melting point of the metallic soap. Synthetic greases are more resistant to oxidation and retain their viscosity for longer than mineral greases.

Bio-Circle lubricating paste

Lubricating pastes can withstand higher temperatures than oils without the risk of evaporation. Electroconductive pastes can also replace greases in certain applications. Pastes also stand out for their resistance, which means they can withstand high loads. In addition to protecting mechanical components against corrosion, they reduce wear caused by friction. As they protect parts against corrosion and oxidation, they make it easier to dismantle components exposed to high temperatures.