Lubricants - Greasing

Frequently asked questions — Lubricants and Lubrication

• How do you choose between standard lithium grease and lithium complex grease?

  The choice mainly depends on the temperature range and the resistance required. Standard lithium grease is versatile and covers 80% of industrial applications with an operating range between -20 and +120 °C. If your application requires higher thermal resistance, up to +160 °C, or better water resistance, lithium complex is then recommended. These two types of thickening soap determine the overall consistency of the grease for lubrication suited to your operating conditions.
• Which viscosity should you choose for a lubricating oil according to load and speed?

  Viscosity, measured in mm²/s (cSt) at 40 °C in accordance with ISO 3448, must be adjusted according to two opposing parameters. The higher the rotational speed, the lower the oil viscosity must be to avoid unnecessary friction. Conversely, if the applied load is high, a higher viscosity is required to maintain the lubricating film. ISO VG grades range from 32 to 680, making it possible to meet these mechanical requirements precisely and ensure optimum longevity of your components.
• In which cases should EP (Extreme Pressure) additive greases be used?

  EP additives, such as MoS₂, disulphide or graphite, are essential for applications subjected to extreme contact pressures. They are specifically designed for open gears and heavily loaded roller bearings. Their main role is to reduce adhesive wear, particularly micro-welding phenomena, when surfaces are exposed to significant shocks or high loads that exceed the capabilities of standard lubricants.
• Which NLGI grease class should you choose for a centralised lubrication system?

  The NLGI classification quantifies grease consistency, ranging from 00 to 3. For centralised systems and automatic lubricators, it is essential to use greases of class NLGI 00 or 1. The final choice depends on the length of the system's pipework. These more fluid greases ensure correct circulation through the pipes, unlike class NLGI 2, which is the standard for manual application but often unsuited to the fluidity required by automatic or centralised lubricators.
• Why opt for an automatic lubricator such as Simalube or Perma?

  Simalube automatic lubricators, using hydrogen gas, and Perma, based on an electrochemical element, offer a continuous and programmable lubrication solution. They make it possible to deliver regular greasing over a defined period of 1 to 12 months without direct human intervention. This type of device guarantees the precision of the lubricant supplied, limiting dosing errors and significantly extending the service life of bearings compared with one-off manual lubrication, which may be unsuitable.