Reliable protection for machines: The advantages of lubricants

Lubricants are the invisible heroes in every machine. They reduce friction, prevent wear and ensure that machines work efficiently and reliably. From lubricating oil and grease to assembly paste and dry lubricant, each type has its own specific advantages and areas of application. With the right lubrication, you can minimise downtime, extend service life and ensure the long-term performance of your machines.

What is lubrication for?

First and foremost, lubricants protect against wear. Wear occurs due to the continuous movement of two parts against each other and the resulting friction. In consequence, the surfaces wear down, leading to material loss. Chemical or thermal stress can also cause wear. Lubricants are therefore indispensable in industry and are used on a wide range of components and machines. Lubricants are distinguished by type: oils, greases, pastes and dry lubricants.

What is the purpose of lubrication?

Lubricants are used to build up a separating layer and thus reduce the friction between two parts moving against each other. They support power transmission, ensure sufficient heat supply or cooling, dampen vibrations, can seal systems and protect against corrosion.

What should be considered when servicing machines?

After some time, lubricants wear out and need to be reapplied at regular intervals. The machine manufacturers’ manuals provide information on the intervals at which relubrication is required. Operating machines for long periods with worn-out lubricants can lead to damage and even machine failure.

When is which lubricant used?

Basically, the selection of the right lubricant depends on the individual requirements and, above all, on the design of a machine and its area of application and mode of operation. The base of a lubricant provides information about its fundamental characteristics and its compatibility with other lubricants.

Overview of lubricants

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Assembly pastes

Assembly pastes contain a high proportion of solid lubricant, usually between 30 and 50 percent. This means they are ideally suited for high operating temperatures, high pressure loads or permanent open weather conditions. They protect against oxidation, corrosion, fretting corrosion, stick-slip effects and cold welding. Assembly pastes are used where little to no movement occurs, but very high forces are present. They are therefore the ideal lubricant for screw connections or for pressing in pins and bolts. They ensure that bolted connections hold securely, while still allowing them to be disassembled at any time.

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Lubricating oils

Lubricating oils, or multifunction oils, have a high base oil content. The advantage of lubricating oils is their very fine lubricating film. Owing to their low viscosity, lubricating oils are ideal for hard-to-reach areas on machines. They also cool and dissolve contaminants. They cope very well with high speeds on gearboxes, chains or bearings.

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Lubricating greases

Lubricating greases have a higher viscosity compared to lubricating oils and are more stable, which is why they adhere better and for longer at the friction point. Lubricating greases are particularly pressure-stable and are used when high forces act on surfaces at low speeds. This is the case with joints, levers, sliding guides, spindles, shafts, gearboxes or roller and plain bearings. Lubricating greases also consist largely of a base oil, along with thickeners and additives.

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Dry lubricants

Additionally, there is the group of dry lubricants. They can be divided into powdered solid lubricants, wax-like lubricating films and anti-friction coatings containing solids. Dry lubricants also form a very fine, dry and firmly adhering lubricating film. They have high pressure resistance and prevent the adhesion of dirt. They also protect against stick-slip effects, facilitate assembly and disassembly, protect against corrosion and reduce mechanical noise. One example is our Anti-Friction Spray MoS2. MoS2 is a soft mineral that, when contained in grease, provides high pressure resistance. The spray can be used, for example, on open sliding surfaces exposed to dust, on conveyor belts, and in any area where oil or grease lubrication is not permitted or desired.

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Lubricants compared – applications & suitability

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Application / criterion	Assembly pastes	Lubricating oil	Lubricating grease	Dry lubricant
Friction reduction & wear protection Reduces metal-to-metal contact, prevents abrasion and extends service life. Examples: rolling bearings, gears, hinges	✅	✅	✅	⚠️
Heat dissipation / cooling Dissipates heat and prevents overheating. Examples: electric motors, high-speed bearings	⚠️	✅	⚠️	❌
Corrosion protection Protects metal parts against rust and chemical exposure. Examples: bearings, screws, tools	✅	✅	✅	⚠️
Sealing, vibration damping, noise reduction Seals components, reduces vibrations and noise. Examples: door hinges, plain bearings, machine housings	✅	✅	✅	❌
Influence of environmental conditions Resistance to dust, moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures. Examples: outdoor machinery, chemical plants	✅	✅	✅	✅
Viscosity / flow behaviour Determines how well the lubricant flows and spreads. Examples: low viscosity oils for spray application, thick greases for rolling bearings	⚠️	✅	✅	⚠️
Base oil type & additives Mineral, synthetic or biological; affects lubrication performance and durability. Examples: high-pressure additives, corrosion inhibitors	✅	✅	✅	❌
Temperature range Suitable for low to high temperatures. Examples: -20 °C to +190 °C for greases; -50 °C to +210 °C for oils	⚠️	✅	✅	✅
Load (pressure / speed) Suitable for high-pressure bearings, gears or rapid movements. Examples: rolling bearings under heavy loads	✅	⚠️	✅	✅

✅ = optimally suited

⚠️ = limited suitability

❌ = not suitable

Note: This table serves as a guideline. For precise applications, please check technical data sheets and manufacturer specifications.