1. Overview

Greases and lubricants are critical components in industrial automation systems, designed to reduce friction, wear, and heat generation in moving parts. These materials consist of base oils thickened with additives to enhance performance under specific operating conditions. In modern manufacturing and automation, they ensure equipment reliability, prolong service life, and optimize energy efficiency. Their importance spans robotics, conveyor systems, and precision machinery where consistent performance and minimal downtime are essential.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Mineral Oil-Based Lubricants	Cost-effective, moderate thermal stability	General-purpose hydraulic systems
Synthetic Lubricants	High-temperature resistance, extended service life	CNC machine spindles, turbines
Lithium-Based Greases	Water-resistant, good load-carrying capacity	Robot joint bearings, conveyor rollers
PTFE-Enhanced Greases	Low friction coefficient, chemical inertness	Food processing equipment
Anti-Wear Hydraulic Oils	Prevents metal-to-metal contact	Heavy-duty presses, injection molding machines

3. Structure and Composition

Greases typically consist of three components: a base oil (70-95% of volume), a thickener (3-30%, e.g., lithium soap), and additives (2-10%, e.g., antioxidants, EP agents). Lubricants primarily use refined mineral or synthetic base oils with additive packages. The thickener forms a sponge-like matrix to retain the base oil, releasing it under mechanical stress. Additives modify viscosity, prevent oxidation, and enhance extreme-pressure performance.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Viscosity (ISO 3448)	Measures flow resistance	Affects film formation and energy efficiency
Dropping Point ( C)	Temperature at which grease liquefies	Determines high-temperature applicability
Four-Ball EP Test	Load-carrying capacity	Prevents wear in high-pressure contacts
Oxidation Stability	Resistance to chemical degradation	Extends lubricant lifespan
Corrosion Protection	Ability to prevent metal oxidation	Ensures component longevity

5. Application Fields

Key industries include:

• Automotive manufacturing (robotic assembly arms)
• Food and beverage processing (hygienic conveyor systems)
• Pharmaceutical equipment (precision tablet presses)
• Renewable energy (wind turbine gearboxes)
• Textile machinery (high-speed looms)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Key Product	Special Features
Shell	Shell Omala S4 GX	Synthetic gear oil with 8,000-hour lifespan
ExxonMobil	Mobil SHC 600 Series	PAO-based with excellent thermal stability
BASF	Lubrizol 8052	Multi-metal compatible hydraulic oil
Kl ber Lubrication	Kl berplex BEM 41-131	Food-grade grease with NSF H1 certification
BP	BP Energrease X	Extreme-pressure lithium complex grease

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

• Operating temperature range (-40 C to 180 C standard)
• Load requirements (light to extreme-pressure)
• Environmental exposure (water, dust, chemicals)
• Regulatory compliance (food-grade ISO 22000, REACH)

Case Study: In a automotive plant, switching from mineral to synthetic lubricants extended robotic arm bearing life by 40% while reducing energy consumption by 12%.

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

• Biodegradable formulations addressing environmental regulations
• Smart lubricants with condition-monitoring additives
• Nano-particle enhanced greases for ultra-low friction
• Integration with predictive maintenance systems via IoT sensors

The market is projected to grow at 4.2% CAGR through 2030, driven by automation adoption and stricter environmental standards.