Different Types of Grease and How to Choose

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.