What is a grease?

A grease usually consists of three components. In a carefully controlled process, these components are combined in finely balanced proportions to produce a high-performing end product.

A grease is like a sponge

A simpler way to describe a grease is to think of it as a sponge. The thickener is the sponge and the base oil is the water. The thickener in the grease creates a matrix that keeps the base oil in place in a solid structure and gives the grease its consistency. When the grease is subjected to different operating conditions such as temperature, loads or shearing, a viscoelastic flow is created in it. The plasticity of the grease, its consistency, is generally given a number according to the NLGI grading system. Semifluid (00) to normal (2) are the most common.

Greases are primarily used in ball and roller bearings, as well as slide bearings, gearboxes and open gears. Nowadays greases are also increasingly used in forest machines for central lubrication of the cutting bar and chain.

A grease should:

• Provide good lubrication, reduce friction and wear

• Seal the lubricated area to prevent dirt, water and pollutants getting in

• Protect against corrosion

• Remain in the lubricated area and not leak, drip or be dashed out

• Be compatible with the sealing material and other component materials it comes into contact with • Not alter to either solidify or soften when the bearing is repeatedly worked mechanically during the lubrication interval. Learn more: https://www.fuchs.com/fileadmin/za/Download_Center/Grease-book_EN.pdf