"Our plant is thinking about switching from a lithium-complex grease to a polyurea grease for lubricating several of our machine components. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to using a polyurea grease over a lithium-complex grease if all the other factors are equal?"
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When comparing a polyurea grease to a lithium-complex grease, the biggest drawback is that polyurea thickeners are quite incompatible. This incompatibility can cause hardening or softening of the grease.
Grease softening can lead to several issues, such as not allowing for proper lubrication of rollers. Additional grease must then be supplemented to maintain the appropriate lubrication until the incompatible mixture is displaced.
Hardening of the grease can result in even worse problems, since the grease can no longer flow into the bearing cavity, leaving the bearing starved for lubrication.
However, polyurea thickeners do offer some advantages over lithium thickeners. For instance, polyurea greases are often the preferred choice for sealed-for-life applications. These greases tend to have high operating temperatures, inherent antioxidative properties, high thermal stability and low bleed characteristics.
They also have a dropping point of approximately 270 degrees C (518 degrees F). In addition, since their formulation is not based on metal soap thickeners like lithium greases, which can leave behind wetter sediment when used up, they typically are the preferred choice of lubrication for electric motors. On average, polyurea greases can have a three to five times better life expectancy than lithium-based greases.
On the other hand, lithium complex is the most common thickener on the market, making up nearly 60 percent of the greases available in North America. Compatibility statistics show there is a vast array of thickeners with which lithium-complex thickeners have proven to be compatible.
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They are also the main choice of thickener for most equipment manufacturers. Lithium-complex greases generally offer good stability, high-temperature characteristics and some water-resistance properties.
Both polyurea and lithium-complex greases have their advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to check the compatibility and viscosity of each product first.
Polyurea thickeners can be beneficial in wetter environments and in applications where a longer grease life is expected. Extreme-pressure (EP) and antioxidant additives may be blended in to help achieve longer life and equipment reliability.
Of course, the application and the desired characteristics of the grease will influence which base thickener should be used.
If you want to extend the life of your machine and keep it running at top performance, lubrication is your answer. Lubricating your machines and bearings is the single most important thing you can do. It is so important, that the number one reason for bearing failure is improper lubrication. Not only is choosing the correct lubricant for your application important, but a schedule of lubrication maintenance is crucial as well.
Most people think lubricant is used just to make the machine parts move freely, while this is true, there are also many more advantages to using the right lubricant.
Using the correct type of lubricant is crucial to the longevity and efficiency of your machine tools. In addition, it can reduce energy consumption, which can save you money now and in the long run.
All World Machinery stocks grease syringes filled with either Kyodo Yushi Mutlitemp LRL No. 3, Citrax No. 2., or Kluber Lubrications ISOFLEX NBU 15. But that's not all. We also do custom grease syringes for custom machinery lubrication. When your bearing application calls for grease rather than oil, our bearing grease range is globally accepted by industry standards. Using the right bearing grease can be critical to minimize friction, prevent wear, and extend the life of your bearings.
The company is the world’s best Extreme Pressure Grease supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.