ISO 6743-9 - International Standard for the Identification of Lubricating Greases
The ISO 6743-9 classification is made for the formulation of the grease and is only related to the conditions of use, as it focuses on a fixed classification for a product. It is therefore advisable for the end-user to contact the manufacturer regarding the intended application.
The ISO 6743-9 code for a grease always starts with ISO-L-X and is structured as follows:
For this example, we have used a grease with a temperature range from -20 to 120°C; good water resistance and corrosion protection, with extreme pressure properties and grade 2 consistency. Below you can see the tables by which each letter or number is assigned:
Table 1 – Minimum operating temperature
Letter | Temperature |
A | 0ºC |
B | -20ºC |
C | -30ºC |
D | -40ºC |
E | < -40ºC |
Table 2 – Maximum operating temperature
Letter | Temperature |
A | 60ºC |
B | 80ºC |
C | 120ºC |
D | 140ºC |
E | 160ºC |
F | 180ºC |
G | > 180ºC |
Table 3 – Water resistance and corrosion protection
Letter | Water Resistance 1) | Corrosion protection (ISO 11007) 2) |
A | L | L |
B | L | M |
C | L | H |
D | M | L |
E | M | M |
F | M | H |
G | H | L |
H | H | M |
I | H | H |
Table 4 – Lubrication at high loads
Letter | EP Properties |
A | Yes |
B | No |
Table 5 – NLGI Consistency Grades
NLGI grade | Worked penetration at 0.1 mm- DIN ISO 2137 | Description |
000 | 445 – 475 | Very fluid |
00 | 400 – 430 | Fluid |
0 | 355 – 385 | Semi-fluid |
1 | 310 – 340 | Very soft |
2 | 265 – 295 | Soft |
3 | 220 – 250 | Firm |
4 | 175 – 205 | Moderately hard |
5 | 130 – 160 | Hard |
6 | 85 - 115 | Very hard |
