Sofia Martinez
Lubricating plastic parts is essential to reducing friction and wear, lowering power consumption, and increasing the life of the component. The wrong lubricant can cause irreparable damage, so it is important to choose a compatible product. Factors that contribute to compatibility include the lubricant's chemistry, viscosity, and resistance to aging. Synthetic lubricants, which have a high aging resistance, are best for long-term applications. Silicone-based lubricants, such as PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), tend to work well with plastics. Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols are generally incompatible with plastics. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide should be avoided, while PTFE solid additives can be beneficial in certain cases.
How to lubricate plastic moving parts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why lubricate plastic parts | To reduce friction and wear, lower power consumption, and increase part life |
| Choosing a lubricant | Check for compatibility with the plastic material, avoid solvents or reactive substances, petroleum products, and esters or polyglycols |
| Recommended lubricants | Silicone-based sprays or greases, mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), PTFE (Teflon) sprays or dry additives, graphite powder or grease with graphite |
| Lubricants to avoid | Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide, esters and polyglycols |
| Other considerations | Test under worst-case conditions, check for dimensional stability and structural integrity, avoid at high operating speeds or temperatures |
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a lubricant: silicone, PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons are plastic-compatible
- Avoid esters and polyglycols: these are generally incompatible with plastics
- Solid additives: graphite and molybdenum disulfide weaken plastic parts and should be avoided
- PTFE additives: these can be beneficial, providing dry lubrication and reducing friction
- Synthetic lubricants: these are best for long-term applications as they have high ageing resistance
Choosing a lubricant: silicone, PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons are plastic-compatible
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, the most important factor is whether the lubricant is compatible with the plastic material. Lubricants with a chemical structure based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics.
Silicone-based lubricants are compatible with plastics and are a great choice for low-load applications and a wide temperature range (typically -90º to 425ºF). Electrical grade spray silicone lubricants specifically state that they are plastic-safe and are used on electrical components insulated with PVC.
Mineral-oil-based lubricants don't attack most plastics and offer excellent performance at a low cost. However, if your application requires high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long operation, synthetic lubricants are a better choice.
Synthetic hydrocarbon lubricants, such as PAO types, are compatible with most plastics, have high aging resistance, and offer long-term lubrication within a temperature range of -60º to 320ºF.
PFAE lubricants are extremely compatible, even with hard-to-match plastics, and can be used in extreme temperature applications up to 500ºF. However, due to their high cost, they should only be used when necessary.
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Avoid esters and polyglycols: these are generally incompatible with plastics
When lubricating plastic parts, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. Choosing an incompatible lubricant can lead to undesirable outcomes, such as the plastic developing stress cracking, discolouration, or loss of dimensional stability and structural integrity.
Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols are typically incompatible with plastics. These lubricants can cause adverse reactions and negatively impact the performance and aesthetics of plastic parts. While there may be exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic material, it is generally advisable to avoid using ester- or polyglycol-based lubricants on plastic components.
Ester-based lubricants, also known as "EP" gearbox oils or synthetic oils, can contain additives that are not suitable for plastic parts. For example, additives like Molybdenum Disulfide (Moly) or graphite, which are commonly used in metal lubrication, can react with plastic and cause undesirable effects. These additives may penetrate and weaken the plastic, compromising its structural integrity.
Polyglycol-based lubricants, on the other hand, can also be detrimental to plastic parts. They can accelerate the aging process of the lubricant, leading to a shorter lifespan and reduced effectiveness. Additionally, polyglycols may not provide adequate protection against high temperatures or adverse environmental conditions, which can further impact the performance and durability of the plastic components.
To ensure the best results and prolong the life of plastic parts, it is recommended to select lubricants that are known to be compatible with plastics. Options such as mineral-oil-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants, perfluorinated PFAE lubricants, and synthetic hydrocarbons (PAO) are generally safe choices that offer excellent performance and compatibility with most plastics. However, it is always advisable to consult manufacturer guidelines and conduct thorough research to determine the most suitable lubricant for your specific application.
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Solid additives: graphite and molybdenum disulfide weaken plastic parts and should be avoided
When lubricating plastic moving parts, it is essential to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. Incompatible lubricants can cause issues such as stress cracking, discolouration, and loss of dimensional stability or structural integrity in plastic parts. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide should be avoided when lubricating plastic parts as they can penetrate and weaken the plastic.
Graphite, a dry lubricant, has a lamellar structure with planes of polycyclic carbon atoms arranged hexagonally. It functions well at high temperatures and in radiation atmospheres. However, graphite requires water vapour for lubrication and is not effective in a vacuum. Additionally, graphite can promote galvanic corrosion due to its electrical conductivity. When used in forming aluminium, graphite leaves dark stains on the surface, requiring further grinding or polishing.
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is another dry lubricant with a lamellar structure. It has very low friction and strength, making it ideal for two-stroke engines, bicycle coaster brakes, automotive CV joints, and universal joints. MoS2 can also function in a vacuum without losing its slippery property. However, it is not suitable for humid conditions as moisture increases friction.
When used as additives in plastics, both graphite and molybdenum disulfide can weaken the material. Therefore, it is crucial to choose alternative lubricants that are compatible with plastic, such as silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO). These lubricants have been specifically designed to work effectively with plastic materials without causing undesirable reactions or compromising the structural integrity of the plastic parts.
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PTFE additives: these can be beneficial, providing dry lubrication and reducing friction
Lubricating plastic components is essential to reduce friction and wear, lower power consumption, and increase part life. PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) solid additives can be beneficial in this regard. PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer or polymer that delivers friction-lowering properties without the need for grease or oil. This makes it ideal for applications where greases or oils may be unsuitable or where high heat or pressure could oxidise oil. PTFE lubricants are also used to prevent sticking and galling of moving parts, protect parts against contaminants, and extend the lifespan of components by reducing wear and tear.
PTFE lubricants are widely used due to their heat-resistant, non-stick, and anti-corrosive properties. They are suitable for use on plastic parts exposed to high temperatures, with a range of -90º to 425ºF, and can be used in extreme temperature applications up to 500ºF. PTFE lubricants are also chemically inert, non-reactive to other chemicals, and can improve electrical conductivity while reducing the risk of arcing.
When choosing a PTFE lubricant, it is essential to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the specific plastic material. Manufacturers typically test the compatibility of lubricants with plastics by monitoring changes in physical properties such as weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation under various conditions. PTFE lubricants are generally compatible with most plastics and can be used on nuts, bolts, hinges, bearings, rails, chain drives, rollers, and other machinery components.
PTFE lubricants offer superior oil-shedding properties, ensuring that parts stay cleaner for longer and reducing downtime due to maintenance or repairs. They are a cost-effective solution, providing long-term lubrication and protection for plastic parts in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. PTFE lubricants are available in various forms, including sprays and food-grade options, making them versatile and convenient for different application methods and requirements.
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Synthetic lubricants: these are best for long-term applications as they have high ageing resistance
Lubricating plastic components is essential as it reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases the life of the component. When choosing a lubricant, the most important factor is its compatibility with the plastic material. Incompatible lubricants can cause discolouration, loss of dimensional stability, and structural integrity.
Synthetic lubricants are best for long-term applications as they have high ageing resistance. Lubricants tend to attack plastic parts as they age, and outgassing byproducts of plastic, particularly formaldehyde and styrene, accelerate the lubricant ageing process. Synthetic lubricants like hydrocarbon (PAO) types are compatible with most plastics and offer long-term lubrication within a temperature range of -60º to 320ºF. They are a better choice for applications requiring high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long operations.
Other types of synthetic lubricants include perfluorinated PFAE and silicone-based lubricants. PFAE lubricants are extremely compatible, even with hard-to-match plastics, and can withstand extreme temperatures of up to 500ºF. However, due to their high cost, they should be used only when necessary. Silicone-based lubricants, on the other hand, are a great choice for low load applications and offer a wide temperature range of -90º to 425ºF.
When selecting a synthetic lubricant, it is crucial to consider the specific plastic material and the operating conditions, such as temperature and load. Manufacturers typically set limits on allowable changes in the physical properties of the plastic material, such as weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation, to ensure compatibility and prevent adverse reactions.
By choosing the right synthetic lubricant for plastic moving parts, you can ensure smooth and efficient operation while extending the lifespan of the components.
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Frequently asked questions
Lubricating plastic parts reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases the life of the part.
Good lubricants for plastic parts include silicone-based lubricants, PFAE, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils. PTFE (Teflon) is also a good lubricant, even for self-lubricating plastic materials.
Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols generally do not work well with plastics. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can penetrate and weaken plastic parts, so they should be avoided. Petroleum-based lubricants and oils are also risky as they tend to soak into the plastic.
The most important factor when choosing a lubricant for a plastic part is compatibility. Check that the lubricant is compatible with the specific type of plastic by verifying its physical properties, such as volume, weight, elongation, strength, and hardness, before and after exposure to the lubricant.
Using the wrong lubricant for a plastic part can cause immediate or gradual destructive effects, such as stress cracking, discolouration, loss of dimensional stability, and structural integrity failure.
