Lubricating grease
Lubricating grease is an important lubricant that reduces friction and improves durability in machines, automobiles, industrial equipment, etc. Its quality depends on proper viscosity management, which has a significant impact on performance and durability. This article explains the types of lubricating grease, the importance of viscosity measurement, and appropriate management methods.
Types of lubricating grease
Lubricating greases have different characteristics depending on the application and ingredients, so appropriate selection is required. Below are some typical types.
General industrial grease
- Lithium grease (high heat and water resistance, used for many purposes)
- Calcium grease (excellent water resistance, suitable for wet environments)
- Sodium grease (excellent high temperature properties, but low water resistance)
Automotive and machinery grease
- Chassis grease (for automobile suspensions and ball joints)
- Wheel bearing grease (for bearings that require high temperature resistance)
- Synthetic grease (used under extreme temperature and pressure conditions)
High-load and special-purpose grease
- Molybdenum grease (used under high load and extreme pressure conditions)
- Silicone grease (electrically insulating, wide range of temperature resistance)
- Food-grade grease (for food processing machinery, safety-oriented)
Importance of viscosity measurement of lubricating grease
The viscosity of lubricating grease is closely related to friction reduction and machine protection performance, and if not properly managed, the following risks will occur.
Deterioration of lubricating performance
Increased wear: If the viscosity is too low, the lubricating layer will not be formed sufficiently, and wear of parts will progress.
Seizure due to insufficient lubrication: Inappropriate viscosity can cause parts to come into direct contact with each other, resulting in damage and seizure.
Machinery and equipment troubles
Abnormal operation and increased vibration: Inappropriate viscosity can cause rotating parts to operate unstably and abnormal vibrations to occur.
Seal damage and leakage: If the viscosity is too low, seals are more likely to leak, causing environmental pollution and breakdowns.
Deterioration of workability
Poor application: If the viscosity is too high, the lubricant cannot be applied evenly and does not reach the necessary parts.
Pump clogging and discharge failure: Inappropriate viscosity can cause mechanical trouble in automatic supply systems.
Increased costs and economic losses
Increased maintenance costs: Poor lubrication can lead to more frequent part replacements and repairs.
Decreased energy efficiency: Increased friction can increase energy consumption and drive up operating costs.
Safety and regulatory risks
Accidents due to machine failure: In high-load environments, insufficient lubrication can lead to machine failure and accidents.
Generation of non-standard products: In industrial applications, there is an increased risk of non-compliant products being released into the market.
Summary
Measuring the viscosity of lubricating grease is essential to maintain the normal operation of machines and equipment and ensure their durability and efficiency. Proper viscosity management can maximize lubricating performance, reduce maintenance costs, and improve safety. As part of quality control, thoroughly measure viscosity to extend the life of machinery and equipment and reduce operating costs.
RION's viscometer is recommended for measuring viscosity!
RION's viscometer is recommended for the following three reasons.
１．Confidence in accuracy
RION has a long history of manufacturing and developing viscometers. Utilizing our many years of knowledge and experience, we are able to achieve accurate viscosity measurements that are competitive with our competitors.
２．Portable type that can be measured anywhere
Most common viscometers are large and heavy. However, RION's VT-06 is compact and lightweight while maintaining measurement accuracy. The structure is simple, so even people with no knowledge or experience of viscosity measurement can easily measure it.
３．Loved by many customers around the world
RION is a Japanese manufacturer, but the viscometer VT-06 is used not only by customers in Japan but also by customers in countries around the world. VT-06 may be used for quality control in the things you usually use and eat.