Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Types | Greases (lithium/synthetic/food-grade), oils (hydraulic/gear/cutting), sprays, pastes |
| Standards | ISO 6743 (lubricant classification), NLGI grades (grease consistency), ISO VG (oil viscosity) |
| Brands | SKF, Castrol, Shell, Fuchs, Kluber, Molykote, WD-40 |
| Temperature range | -40C to +250C depending on formulation |
## What are Lubrication?
Lubrication refers to the application of substances like oils and greases to reduce friction between moving parts in machinery and equipment. Proper lubrication is important for minimizing wear, extending component life, and maintaining system efficiency.
## Types of Lubrication
Lubrication comes in several forms tailored to different needs:
- **Greases**: Consist of a base oil thickened with a stabilizing agent like lithium soap or urea. Greases vary widely in consistency and temperature range. For instance, SKF greases include options for high-speed ball
bearings (NLGI grade 2) and extreme low-temperature applications (-60°C).
- **Oils**: Classified according to ISO standards such as ISO 6743, these oils are used in hydraulic systems, gearboxes, and cutting processes. For example, Castrol's Hyspin X1 series is an anti-wear industrial oil suitable for hydraulic equipment.
- **Sprays**: Quick-dry lubricants like WD-40 Multi-Use Lubricant offer easy application and protection against rust and corrosion. Kluber offers specialized sprays designed for specific industries like electronics or automotive.
- **Pastes**: High-viscosity greases often used in heavily loaded bearings, gears, and splines to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
## Materials and Specifications
Lubricants are specified using international standards:
- **ISO 6743/ISO VG**: These codes classify oils based on viscosity. For instance, ISO 100VG oil is suitable for gearboxes requiring medium lubrication at operating temperatures up to +85°C. - **NLGI Grades (Grease Consistency)**: Greases are graded by their consistency using the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) system. A2 greases, such as those from Fuchs, are typically used for high-speed applications due to their low-pour point and smooth texture. - **Materials**: Common materials include synthetic oils like PAO (polyalphaolefin) and PAG (polyalkylene glycol). Which offer superior thermal stability compared to mineral oils. Food-grade lubricants must meet FDA standards, such as NSF H1 certification for incidental food contact.
## How to Choose the Right Lubrication
Selecting the right lubricant involves considering several factors:
- **Operating Conditions**: Temperature range and load conditions dictate the type of base oil and additives needed.
- **Component Type**: Different mechanical components require specific types of lubricants. For instance, gears need oils with high viscosity index (VI) to maintain consistent film thickness across a wide temperature range.
- **Environment**: Consider whether the equipment will be exposed to water or dust, which can affect lubricant performance and longevity.
## UK Suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House for procurement managers seeking reliable sources of Lubrication. Some reputable brands include Castrol, Shell, and Kluber, all available through MLC's directory. These suppliers adhere to industry standards set by bodies like the British Industrial Fluid Association (
BIAFD) and the British Lubricating Oil Distributors Association (BLODA).
## Common Applications
Lubrication is widely used across various industries:
- **Manufacturing**: Cutting fluids, gear oils, and hydraulic oils are important for machinery in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
- **Construction**: Heavy equipment like excavators rely on high-viscosity greases to protect bearings under extreme loads and temperatures. Shell's Spirax series offers protection against wear and corrosion.
- **Automotive**: Engine oils (e.g., Castrol EDGE) provide critical lubrication to pistons, crankshafts, and other engine components. These oils must meet stringent performance requirements set by organizations like the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Proper Lubrication ensures optimal performance, reduces downtime, and extends equipment lifespan in diverse industrial settings.