A guide to lubricants for industrial applications

There are so many lubricant products on the market that it can be difficult to know where to start. Lubricants change far more frequently than the machines that need them, so the information and specifications provided in a user manual are often out of date, and without detailed knowledge of current products or their technical specifications, it can be hard to know how to find the right product for your needs.

With over 90 years’ experience supplying industrial oils and greases, Broughton Lubricants’ experienced team of Field Sales Engineers is well placed to provide expert advice on the supply and application of a wide range of oils, greases and other lubrication products.

There are four types of lubricants that are often used for industrial applications. The most common are oil and grease, and it’s important to understand when and how to apply these effectively, but you should also be familiar with dry lubricants and penetrating lubricants to ensure that you can make informed decisions about different applications.

Here, we’ve provided some key information on the differences between these types of lubricants, guidance on which products are best for which applications and advice on how to use them as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Oils are among the most common lubricants used for machinery in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, food production, and the automotive industry. Oils are made using a base of mineral oil or synthetic oil, which may be thickened according to the intended use, and combined with additives to provide extra benefits tailored to specific applications.

For example, common additives include those that prevent corrosion and improve resistance to high or low temperatures, water and oxidation. Depending on your application, you may also find that specific additives can deliver additional benefits above and beyond what you could achieve with a generic oil product.

The type of base oil can greatly affect the suitability of the product for your application, so this is one of the first considerations you should make. Mineral oils often need to be reapplied regularly, but are ideal for circumstances wherein conditions aren’t overly demanding and where you intend to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

On the other hand, synthetic lubricants are better for demanding environments and can last much longer than oils with a mineral base. Synthetic oils have had their impurities removed and this can result in more consistent and efficient lubrication, a longer lifespan, fewer deposits and other key benefits.

When applying oil, make sure the area you are lubricating is clean, because dust or dirt can add friction and prevent the product you’ve chosen from operating at maximum efficiency. You can use manufacturer recommendations or rely on the advice of experts to determine how often to change this oil, according to the nature of your specific application.

Some heavy-duty machinery will require you to use lubricating grease rather than  oil. Greases are usually made from the same bases as oil lubricants, whether mineral oil or a synthetic equivalent, and the same additives in most cases, but have an added thickener (such as metal soaps) to create a more solid or paste-like consistency. Common types of grease include lithium grease, lithium complex grease and calcium complex grease.

Lithium grease is the most commonly used grease, although lithium complex greases are growing in popularity thanks to improved thermal stability and pumpability. The types of greases are ideal for bearings in both automotive and industrial applications.

Because the grease forms a protective layer when it is applied to machinery, it is ideal for uses where wear and tear are of particular concern, or where components have already suffered from wear. In both of these ways, grease can extend the lifespan of certain parts. Grease lubricants are long lasting and remain in place for extended periods of time, so they are perfect for machinery that is only used intermittently and can also make maintenance easier in areas that are difficult to lubricate frequently, whether because they are inaccessible or because they are sealed components, because they don’t need to be topped up often.

However, most greases will have a fairly low temperature ceiling (or dropping point) under which they are effective. If the temperature gets too high, the grease can lose its structure and begin to drip, or melt completely to become more like an oil, so if this is a requirement it is important to ensure you use a specific high-temperature grease.

There are several other factors that are vital to consider when determining whether a particular product is appropriate for your application, most of which you can find by comparing the technical specifications of relevant products. This may include the dropping point and the operating temperature, the ability of the grease to protect from corrosion, and the viscosity or pumpability of the product. If you are unsure, you may be able to find specifications in the user manual for your machinery, but products are regularly discontinued and it may be better to speak to an expert for specific recommendations.

You may also need to consider the specific regulatory requirements for your machinery - if you are producing food, for example, your machinery will need food-grade grease, while pharmaceutical machinery will require pharmaceutical-grade lubricant.

These two types of lubricants are not suited to long-lasting lubrication applications but can provide a quick fix. Penetrating lubricants often come in spray cans and are great for loosening tight bolts and screws, or fixtures that have stuck together over time due to a build-up of rust. It’s always a good idea to keep some of this on hand, but it won’t be used as a standard lubrication product in most industries as the oily film it leaves behind can actually damage some equipment.

Dry lubricants are also typically dispensed via spray cans. They are usually powders made of substances like graphite and are most commonly used to lubricate locks. Dry lubricants are also ideal for applications that are vulnerable to corrosion, where machinery needs to operate at higher temperatures, or where there is a risk of liquid-based lubricants leaving behind particles that can exacerbate problems.

If you have questions about specific applications or need tailored advice on lubricant products, get in touch with Broughton Lubricants. We offer a full range of lubricant test packages using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, meaning that we can provide the exact information you need with precision and accuracy and offer bespoke advice that will give you full confidence in the reliability of your operations.

To get in touch with our experts or find out more about our lubricant testing services, call us on 03300 555 655.