Different Types of Grease and How to Choose
Different Types of Grease and How to Choose
Greases are commonly classified by thickener, base oil, NLGI consistency and performance additives. Lithium, lithium complex, calcium sulphonate, aluminium complex, polyurea and clay based greases serve different temperature, load, water and speed conditions.
Grease types by thickener
| Grease type | Typical strength | Common applications | Selection caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium | General mechanical stability and availability | Bearings, chassis and plant maintenance | Verify temperature and water conditions |
| Lithium complex | Higher dropping point and broad performance | Industrial and automotive bearings | Base oil and additive package still matter |
| Calcium sulphonate complex | Water resistance, corrosion protection and load carrying | Marine, mining and wet processing | Check pumpability and speed |
| Aluminium complex | Water resistance, tack and food grade options | Food, industrial and wet applications | Confirm approval and compatibility |
| Polyurea | Oxidation stability and long life potential | Electric motor and high speed bearings | Compatibility with other thickeners |
| Clay or bentonite | Non melting thickener behaviour | Selected high temperature service | Oil oxidation can still limit life |
Thickener is only one part of grease selection
Two greases with the same thickener can behave differently because their base oils, viscosities, NLGI consistencies and additive packages differ. Start with the equipment manual and operating conditions. Thickener family helps describe structure, while base oil viscosity influences film thickness and speed suitability. EP, antiwear, oxidation, corrosion and solid lubricant additives address specific demands.
The existing article’s background links to quasi solid materials, lubricants and friction are retained. A further technical reference to lubricating grease remains available.
Grease types by application
- Multipurpose grease: routine bearings, pins and general machinery within specification.
- EP grease: loaded and shock loaded contacts where the equipment calls for extreme pressure performance.
- High temperature grease: selected bearings exposed to elevated continuous or intermittent temperature.
- Water resistant grease: wet processing, marine, washdown and outdoor equipment.
- Food grade grease: food and beverage facilities where the required approval applies.
- Wire rope grease: penetration, corrosion protection and surface coating for ropes and cables.
How to choose between grease types
- Confirm bearing or component design, speed and load.
- Record normal, minimum and maximum operating temperature.
- Describe water, steam, dust and chemical exposure.
- Identify the current grease and assess compatibility before conversion.
- Confirm centralised system pumpability where applicable.
- Specify package, quantity and delivery location.
Start with multipurpose grease uses when the application is general. For component specific selection, read grease for bearings and chains. The commercial route is the industrial lubricants supplier page.
Original product references retained
Original links remain to AeroShell lubricants, calcium sulphonate grease, AeroShell Grease 33, Shell consumer lubricants, Castrol Spheerol EPL 2, Total Multis EP 3, aluminium complex grease, Shell Gadus S2 A320 2, Shell industrial lubricants, Lubrax Neo SC 2, bentonite grease, Shell transport lubricants, the Epoxy Oilserv homepage, the lubricants FAQ and Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Which grease type is best?
There is no universal best grease. The correct product matches the component, speed, load, temperature, environment and manufacturer specification.
Can lithium and polyurea grease be mixed?
Do not assume compatibility. Check the product guidance and use a controlled changeover procedure where required.
What does NLGI 2 mean?
NLGI 2 describes a common grease consistency. It does not define thickener type, base oil viscosity or performance level.
Request grease selection support
Send the equipment, operating conditions, current grease, quantity and delivery location.
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