Level of Lubrication

Level of Lubrication

When selecting the right vacuum grease for your project we have pages discussing the importance of Vacuum Level, Working Temperature and Compatibility of Materials. The next important issue to consider is the Level of Lubrication required. All greases offer some level of lubrication and can be used, for example, to prevent glassware seizing. However, some greases are designed with enhanced lubrication in mind. For specific applications such as gearboxes and bearings with moving parts, special consideration should be given to the level of lubrication needed and the properties of the grease. This will help prevent damage or failure of the gearbox or bearing system.

Establishing the Level of Lubrication

Base oil viscosity is one property which is typically important in establishing the level of lubrication. Other useful information you might need could be the results of a four ball wear test (available from Apiezon on request) or the NLGI number. In a four ball wear test, the load carrying ability of a grease is analysed for comparison to other greases. A higher number means that a higher load can be applied before galling or welding. The NLGI rating tells you about the consistency of a grease, ranging from 000 which is the consistency of cooking oil, up to 6 which is the consistency of cheddar cheese.  For a lubricating application, if a grease is used which is the wrong consistency or is not sufficiently lubricating then parts will not move smoothly against each other, this could mean seizing of a tap or dynamic O-ring, or in extreme cases galling of the mechanism and failure.

The Apiezon range contains three greases enhanced for lubrication, these are AP100, AP101 and PFPE 501.