Lithium greases are lubricants made of lithium soap, or a combination of lithium soap and other additives. Lithium is a soft metal that forms a stable compound when mixed with soaps. When combined with other substances such as oil, the gerase can help reduce friction and protect surfaces from wear. Additionally, this type of grease can provide superior lubrication at high temperatures.
Lithium greases are used in various applications due to their excellent stability, corrosion resistance and waterproofing capabilities. They are commonly found in automotive and industrial settings. Lithium greases can be used in applications involving bearings and gears, along with other machinery requiring strong protection against wear and tear. This type of grease is also used in applications involving extremely high temperatures.
Lithium greases are available in several different grades and viscosities, depending on the application. The most common viscosity range for lithium greases is NLGI 2 (National Lubricating Grease Institute). This range is usually suitable for general purpose applications. But for applications involving extremely high temperatures or low temperatures, special lithium greases with higher viscosity levels may be necessary.
In addition to the viscosity-based variants, lithium greases come in various types based on their base oil. Some of the available options are mineral-oil based, synthetic-oil based, and semi-synthetic greases. Each type of grease has its own advantages and disadvantages and must be chosen based on the application. Mineral oil based greases are cheap, but tend to break down faster. Synthetic-oil based greases are more expensive, but often last longer and can handle higher temperatures.
Other important characteristics of lithium greases include their pour point and flash point. The pour point indicates the temperature at which the grease begins to thicken and become difficult to pump, while the flash point is the temperature at which it starts to burn. In case of high temperature applications, it is important to choose a grease with a higher flash point than the operating temperature of the machine, as this will help to prevent fires.
Overall, lithium greases have many advantages over traditional greases. They are excellent lubricants and can provide superior lubrication at high temperatures. This makes them ideal for many industrial and automotive applications. However, it is important to remember to select the right grease for the right application – selecting an unsuitable grease can cause more harm than good.
