Types Of Lubricants

Types Of Lubricants

Types Of Lubricants

Greases:
Greases are made by using oil (typically mineral oil) and mixing it with thickeners (such as lithium-based soaps). They also contain additional lubricating particles, such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, aka teflon).

Greases combine the lubricating properties of oils with added stickiness, allowing the lubricant to adhere to the surfaces better. Greases can even act as a barrier, protecting the surfaces from contaminants that can corrode or damage them.

Like oils, greases come in a range of consistencies, from ketchup-thin to thick like cheddar cheese. One downside to grease is that because it’s so thick and sticky, it can cause resistance in small or fast-moving mechanisms.

Uses: Gears, bearings, chains, linkages
Types: White lithium grease, marine grease, silicone grease

Use When:
• You need lubrication to stay put and stick to surfaces for a long time
• You want to seal out contaminants such as water or dust
• You use a machine so infrequently that you may forget to oil it
Don’t Use When:
• You have fine or fast-moving mechanisms where thick grease would create too much resistance
• You don’t want a mess. When parts move, they can fling grease all around, so it may not be
the best option for keeping things clean.

Penetrating Lubricants:
Any shade-tree mechanic would agree that these types of lubricants deserve their own special section. Penetrating lubricants are the saviors of many stuck-bolt combatants, loosening years of rust and debris in minutes.

Contrary to the other substances covered here, penetrating oils are not designed for long-lasting lubrication. Instead, they are low-viscosity oils with additives that are specifically designed for one purpose: to infiltrate the tiny cracks between surfaces (such as screw threads), add lubrication, and break up rust.

There are a lot of different penetrating oils out there, but did you know that you can make your own low-cost penetrating oil.

It’s easy to make! Just mix up a solution that’s 90% vegetable oil and 10% acetone, and squirt it wherever necessary. Be careful when mixing, as acetone is flammable, and will melt many plastic containers.

If possible, use a glass or metal container to mix it, or buy an oil can to make things even easier. Also, be sure to shake the mixture before each use, as acetone and vegetable oil tend to separate over time.
Dry Lubricants:
Dry lubricants are made up of lubricating particles such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, silicone, or PTFE. These particles are super slippery, so they reduce the friction between surfaces in contact with one another.

It’s common to find these lubricants in spray form, where they are mixed with water, alcohol, or some other solvent that will evaporate away after application, leaving behind a thin film.

Uses: 3D printer rails, threaded rods, locks, hinges
Types: Graphite powder or spray, molybdenum disulfide spray, (dry) silicone spray, PTFE spray

Use When:
• You have tiny parts that shouldn’t be gunked up by grease or oil that will attract dust.
• You need to keep surrounding surfaces clean.
• Your surfaces are exposed to extremely high heat or pressure, which would typically oxidize oils.

Don’t Use When:
• Your surfaces are exposed to solvents or other liquids that can wash them away

NOTE: This is the basic information, to give a though in you, to start independently, Please have a clear Document before making any type of lubricant. Please have trade licenses from local authorities.

Wishing you all the best,
http://www.seeyourneeds.in