Grease pastes – find manufacturers and suppliers

Grease pastes are lubricants that are used to protect mechanical components against friction, wear, corrosion and the effects of weathering.

They consist of a mixture of base oils, thickeners (often soaps) and additives. Grease pastes are suitable for applications where conventional greases reach their limits.

Below you will find the properties and types of grease pastes, an overview of areas of application and advantages as well as some information on application and disposal:

Properties of grease pastes:

Grease pastes are particularly resistant to pressure, as they are able to withstand high loads without destroying the lubricating films. They can withstand extremely high temperatures without the lubricating effect diminishing or the paste evaporating. Many grease pastes contain additives that prevent corrosion, especially in aggressive environments (e.g. humid, salty air). Grease pastes can displace water and prevent moisture from penetrating mechanical parts. They minimize wear on contact surfaces that are in motion with each other.

Types of grease pastes:

1. High temperature grease pastes:
   Specifically for applications where temperatures above 200 °C are reached (e.g. in turbines, ovens or engines).
2. Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) pastes:
   For extremely pressure-loaded applications, as molybdenum disulphide provides solid lubrication and reduces friction.
3. Copper and graphite pastes:
   These pastes contain metal particles and provide good protection against seizure and corrosion, especially at high temperatures and in chemically aggressive environments.
4. Food grade grease pastes:
   These lubricants are approved for use in food processing and comply with strict hygiene regulations.

Areas of application for grease pastes:

1. Highly loaded bearings:
For example, in roller and plain bearings that are subjected to heavy pressure loads or impact loads.

2. Sliding guides and spindles:
In precision machines or machine tools that perform repetitive movements.

3. Screw connections:
To prevent seizure and corrosion in screw connections, especially at high temperatures.

4. Hydraulic systems:
In seals and O-rings to maintain tightness and mobility.

5. Assembly and maintenance:
As an assembly paste for easier disassembly and to protect against wear during installation.

Advantages of grease pastes:

• Due to their special composition, grease pastes offer a long service life and reduce the need for frequent relubrication.
• They prevent dirt and moisture from penetrating sensitive components.
• Grease pastes can be used in many different industrial and technical applications, from the automotive industry to high-precision equipment.

Application tips for grease pastes:

• Too high a dosage of grease paste can lead to excess pressure in the bearing or component, which can increase wear. The correct amount should therefore always be used.
• Before applying the grease paste, the components should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and old lubricant residues.
• Before use, it should be ensured that the grease paste is compatible with the materials and lubricants used.

Disposal of grease pastes:

Used lubricants and grease pastes must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Grease pastes provide reliable lubrication in extreme conditions, be it high temperatures, heavy loads or aggressive environments. They are developed for special applications and should be selected specifically for the respective application requirements.

Here are the most important aspects to look out for when buying grease pastes:

When buying grease pastes, there are several important factors that need to be considered to ensure that the grease paste is ideally suited to the application in question.

• Grease pastes have different heat resistance. Special high-temperature pastes are required for applications in high temperatures (e.g. ovens, turbines). Check the upper and lower temperature limits of the paste.
• If the lubrication points are exposed to high pressure loads (e.g. in plain and roller bearings), high-pressure resistant grease pastes or those with solid lubricant additives (such as molybdenum disulphide) are recommended.
• For applications in damp or corrosive environments (e.g. in maritime areas), the grease paste should offer a high level of corrosion protection.
• For machines in the food industry, food-grade grease pastes must be used that are certified according to NSF-H1 (non-toxic and safe in the event of unintentional contact with food).
• Some grease pastes contain solid lubricants such as graphite or molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂), which are used for extremely pressurized applications and further reduce friction.
• Extreme Pressure (EP) additives increase the pressure absorption capacity of the grease paste and prevent scuffing or wear under high loads.
• Additives that specifically protect against rust and corrosion are particularly important when the lubricant is exposed to moisture or aggressive chemicals.
• Look out for anti-oxidants that protect the grease paste from ageing and hardening, which is particularly important for applications over long periods of time.
• The consistency of a grease paste is defined by the NLGI class. This ranges from liquid to solid pastes (NLGI 000 to NLGI 6). For rolling bearings and similar applications, a consistency of NLGI 2 is usually recommended.
• The type of thickener (often lithium, calcium or aluminum soaps) influences the thermal stability, water resistance and lubricating performance. For example, lithium complex greases are well suited for high temperature applications, while calcium complex greases offer better water resistance.
• Some grease pastes are not compatible with certain elastomers (e.g. rubber, plastic) or sealing materials. It is important to ensure that the paste does not react chemically with the materials used.
• With metallic components, especially light metals such as aluminum, care should be taken to ensure that the grease paste does not trigger a chemical reaction or promote corrosion.
• In damp or wet environments, a grease paste that is water-resistant should be used. Calcium or aluminum complex-based greases usually offer good water resistance.
• The dropping point is the temperature at which the grease paste begins to liquefy. For high temperature applications, the dropping point of the paste should be well above the maximum operating temperature.
• Grease pastes for cold applications must retain their lubricity even at low temperatures without hardening or losing their viscosity.
• Look for certifications (e.g. ISO, DIN) or industry-specific approvals that ensure that the product meets the technical requirements.
• Check the expiry date or recommended storage time, as grease pastes can lose their lubricity over time.
• In some cases, biodegradable grease pastes may be required, especially in environmentally sensitive areas or in agriculture.
• Grease pastes vary widely in price, depending on their additives, thickeners and specific performance. More expensive pastes often offer specialized performance (e.g. high temperature resistance), but are only useful if these properties are actually needed.
• A high-quality grease paste can last longer and require less frequent refills, which can reduce overall costs.
• Grease pastes are available in different packaging, such as tubes, cartridges or buckets. Larger containers are practical for workshops, while tubes are better for smaller applications.
• Consider how the paste is to be applied. Some pastes are suitable for manual application, others require special application equipment.

When purchasing grease pastes, the application range, temperature and pressure requirements, water resistance, material compatibility and the chemical properties of the paste should be carefully checked. Careful selection will help maximize the service life of machines and components and minimize maintenance costs.

Grease pastes can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Grease pastes from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.