Vibrations are one of the biggest challenges for industrial machines and devices in terms of their operation and, consequently, the lubrication of friction nodes. Vibrations often lead to premature wear of components, their degradation and equipment failure. To minimize the risk of such problems, it is crucial to select the right grease that will withstand high loads and intense vibrations . To narrow down our considerations on the subject of grease and friction nodes subjected to vibrations, we will answer the question of which grease is more appropriate for our solution: mineral or synthetic.
Synthetic grease is considered superior to mineral grease in many industrial applications for several reasons, the main ones being:
- Better temperature stability Synthetic greases are more resistant to extreme temperatures. Mineral greases can lose their effectiveness in extreme conditions, leading to increased component wear.
- Longer service life Synthetic lubricants have a longer service life compared to mineral lubricants because they are more resistant to oxidation.
- Better wear protection Thanks to their improved molecular structure, synthetic lubricants create a more durable protective film between moving parts, which reduces friction and surface wear.
- Greater resistance to chemical degradation Synthetic greases are less susceptible to chemical reactions with other substances, such as moisture, oxygen or contaminants. Mineral greases can degrade more quickly under the influence of environmental factors.
- Better lubrication properties under high loads Synthetic greases have better lubrication properties under high loads and pressures, making them more suitable for applications in heavy machinery and equipment.
- Reduced volatility Synthetic lubricants have less tendency to evaporate at high temperatures, which helps maintain proper lubrication levels under extreme conditions.
In summary, synthetic greases are more technologically advanced and offer better performance and longer life, especially in harsh operating conditions, and vibration is one of them. However, they are more expensive, so the choice between synthetic and mineral grease depends on the specific application and equipment requirements.
Due to price and compatibility with other greases, we will consider a synthetic grease based on polyalphaolefin (PAO) for further consideration of the vibration grease. PAO greases these are products with advanced properties that are dedicated to work in extreme conditions.
The key element of PAO synthetic grease recommended for vibration is its thickener – lithium complex works best here. Additionally, very often the vibration grease is enriched with molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or another solid grease that increases its lubricating capacity and increases its performance in extreme conditions. MoS₂ is particularly effective under high pressure and temperature conditions. At temperatures above 350°C, traditional greases can lose their properties, but molybdenum disulfide still works, making it an ideal additive for greases operating in extreme conditions.
This solution makes the PAO synthetic grease thickened with a lithium complex, enriched with a number of inhibitors and molybdenum disulfide seem to be the best solution from the technical and economic point of view in the design of a vibration grease.
Vibration lubricants are used in many industries where intense vibrations and high loads occur. The most important applications include:
- Rolling and sliding bearings – in industrial machines, especially in places exposed to vibration, proper lubrication of bearings is crucial to ensuring their long service life.
- Gears and drive screws – these components operate under high dynamic loads, so synthetic grease is essential to ensure smooth operation and protection against wear.
- Pins and bushings – those mechanical components that are exposed to high vibrations must be adequately protected against friction and wear.
- Guides and splines – Vibration can cause these components to wear out faster, so it’s important to use a grease that works at both high and low temperatures.
- In equipment meeting the Cincinnati P-64 and NLGI GC-LB specifications , synthetic grease must be used because it meets the requirements of these specifications, making it an ideal choice for industrial machinery that must operate under extreme conditions.
One factor for vibratory machine lubricant that we have not yet claimed is compatibility with plastics and rubbers. Many industrial machines have components made of plastics or rubbers and synthetic lubricant (including PAO) is safe to use with these materials, which allows for its wide application.
As previously indicated, high load capacity is one of the basic features of grease used in applications exposed to vibration. The grease must be able to carry high loads without the risk of damaging the lubricated surfaces. Thanks to the use of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and a base synthetic PAO grease has excellent load-bearing capacity, which provides protection against wear even in the most demanding conditions.
Extended grease life – one of the key issues in applications exposed to vibration is the need for frequent grease replacement. Synthetic grease enriched with molybdenum disulfide, thanks to its properties, maintains longer durability, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and machine downtime.
What dangers can a lubrication unit face if the wrong lubricant is selected?
Loss of lubrication capacity under extreme pressures – vibrations and intense loads can cause separation or loss of oil in traditional greases. PAO synthetic grease with MoS2 provides stability even in the most difficult conditions.
Low grease efficiency – traditional greases have a problem with excessive wear under dynamic conditions. PAO synthetic grease is characterized by high efficiency, which allows for longer periods between grease changes and reduces wear. Synthetic grease based on PAO with molybdenum creates a protective layer that prevents friction and reduces the risk of equipment failure.
Our offer includes several greases dedicated to use in vibratory applications and the most popular ones in the range of mineral products are Molykote BR2 plus and Molykote Longterm 2 plus while in synthetic products the undisputed winner in this range is Molykote G-4700 .
