We were discussing the selection procedure of right grease for our application, Properties of grease lubricants, components of grease, Different types of grease lubricant and their use and Functions of Grease lubricant with the help of our previous posts. Let us discuss now the key properties of grease here in this post.
NLGI Grades of Grease lubricant Â
Grease is a semi-solid lubricant that is used to reduce friction and wear between two surfaces that are in relative motion.
Greases are graded based on their consistency, which is measured using the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) classification system. The NLGI classification system assigns a grade number to a grease based on its firmness or stiffness, which is determined by its penetration value.
Penetration is a measure of how deeply a standard cone penetrates the grease under certain conditions. The cone is allowed to fall onto the surface of the grease, and the depth of penetration is measured in tenths of a millimeter. The higher the penetration value, the softer or more fluid the grease is.
The NLGI classification system ranges from 000 to 6, with 000 being the softest and 6 being the stiffest. The most common grades of grease are 0, 1, and 2, which are used in a wide range of industrial applications.
Let us see here an overview of the NLGI grades Â
NLGI 000Â
NLGI 000 is the softest grade of grease, with a penetration value of less than 85. It has a very fluid consistency and is often referred to as semi-fluid or semi-liquid grease. This grade of grease is used in very low-temperature applications where a very soft, easy-to-pump grease is needed.Â
NLGI 000 grease is typically used in equipment that operates in temperatures below -20°C, such as freezer bearings, low-temperature valves, and some types of refrigeration equipment. It is also used in some gearboxes and enclosed gear systems where low viscosity and good pumpability are required.
However, it should not be used in high-speed bearings or applications with heavy loads, as it lacks the structural integrity to support these types of conditions.
NLGI 00Â
NLGI 00 is a soft grade of grease, with a penetration value of 85 to 125. It has a semi-fluid to fluid consistency, making it suitable for low-temperature applications. This grade of grease is commonly used in electric motor bearings, cold weather machinery, and other low-temperature applications.
NLGI 00 grease is also used in some high-speed applications, such as machine tools and spindle bearings, where it can provide good lubrication and help reduce friction and wear. However, it is not recommended for heavy loads or extreme pressures, as it may not provide sufficient structural support.
Overall, NLGI 00 grease is a versatile grade of grease that can be used in a variety of low-temperature applications, as well as some high-speed applications where its fluid consistency is advantageous.
NLGI 0Â
NLGI 0 is a general-purpose grade of grease with a penetration value of 150 to 220. It has a soft to semi-solid consistency and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including automotive wheel bearings, household appliances, and other general-purpose applications.
NLGI 0 grease is characterized by its ability to provide good lubrication and protection against wear, while also offering some resistance to water washout and oxidation. It is often used in applications where moderate loads and speeds are present, and where a balance of lubrication and protection is required.
NLGI 0 grease can also be used in some high-speed applications, such as fan bearings and centrifugal pumps, where it can provide adequate lubrication and reduce friction and wear. However, it is not recommended for heavy loads or extreme pressures, as it may not provide sufficient structural support.
Overall, NLGI 0 grease is a versatile grade of grease that is widely used in a variety of general-purpose applications.
NLGI 1Â
NLGI 1 is a medium-grade grease with a penetration value of 310 to 340. It has a semi-solid to solid consistency and is suitable for a range of applications where higher speeds and loads are present, such as high-speed electric motor bearings, machine tools, and other industrial equipment.
NLGI 1 grease is characterized by its ability to provide good lubrication and protection against wear, as well as resistance to water washout and oxidation. It is often used in applications where moderate to high loads and speeds are present, and where a balance of lubrication and protection is required.
NLGI 1 grease can also be used in some low-speed, heavily loaded applications, such as open gears, where its thicker consistency and good adhesive properties can provide adequate lubrication and protection.
Overall, NLGI 1 grease is a versatile grade of grease that is widely used in a range of industrial and automotive applications, where higher speeds and loads are present.
NLGI 2Â
NLGI 2 is the most commonly used grade of grease, with a penetration value of 265 to 295. It has a solid to semi-solid consistency and is suitable for a wide range of general-purpose applications, including chassis lubrication, industrial machinery, and other applications where moderate to high loads and speeds are present.
NLGI 2 grease is characterized by its ability to provide good lubrication and protection against wear, as well as resistance to water washout and oxidation. It is often used in applications where a balance of lubrication and protection is required, and where a moderate to high degree of mechanical stability is needed.
NLGI 2 grease is suitable for use in a range of equipment types, including electric motors, pumps, compressors, and gearboxes. It can also be used in some low-speed, heavily loaded applications, such as large rolling mills and heavy-duty construction equipment.
Overall, NLGI 2 grease is a versatile grade of grease that is widely used in a variety of general-purpose applications, where moderate to high loads and speeds are present.
NLGI 3
NLGI 3 is a firm grade of grease with a penetration value of 220 to 250. It has a semi-solid to solid consistency and is suitable for applications where high loads and speeds are present, such as heavy-duty industrial equipment, mining machinery, and other heavy machinery.
NLGI 3 grease is characterized by its ability to provide excellent lubrication and protection against wear, as well as resistance to water washout and oxidation. It is often used in applications where a high degree of mechanical stability is required, and where equipment is exposed to extreme temperatures and other harsh conditions.
NLGI 3 grease is suitable for use in a range of equipment types, including rolling element bearings, journal bearings, and other heavily loaded equipment. It can also be used in some open gear applications, where its thicker consistency and good adhesive properties can provide adequate lubrication and protection.
Overall, NLGI 3 grease is a heavy-duty grade of grease that is suitable for use in applications where high loads and speeds are present, and where a high degree of mechanical stability and protection is required.
NLGI 4-6 Â
NLGI 4-6 greases are considered to be very firm or hard grades of grease, with penetration values of less than 200. They are typically used in extreme heavy-duty applications where very high loads and speeds are present, such as heavy machinery, construction equipment, and mining equipment.
NLGI 4-6 greases are characterized by their ability to provide excellent lubrication and protection against wear, as well as resistance to water washout and oxidation. They have a very high degree of mechanical stability and can withstand extreme temperatures and other harsh conditions.
NLGI 4-6 greases are suitable for use in a range of equipment types, including heavily loaded rolling element bearings, heavily loaded journal bearings, and other types of heavily loaded equipment. They can also be used in some open gear applications, where their thick consistency and good adhesive properties can provide adequate lubrication and protection.
Overall, NLGI 4-6 greases are considered to be heavy-duty grades of grease that are used in very demanding applications, where high loads and speeds are present, and where a very high degree of mechanical stability and protection is required.Â
It is important to select the appropriate NLGI grade for the specific application in order to ensure proper lubrication and performance.Â
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