Chloe Zhang
Plastic gears require lubrication to reduce friction and increase component life. However, not all plastics are compatible with lubrication. The chemical and molecular makeup of the plastic is the most important factor in determining the best lubricant. Lubricants with solid additives such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide (moly) should be avoided as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components. Synthetic lubricants with high ageing resistance, such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types, are preferred for long-term lubrication of plastic gears and bearings. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are also compatible with most plastic materials and offer excellent performance. Silicone-based lubricants, such as Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease, are another option that can be used on plastic gears and are compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lubrication | Plastic gears require lubrication to reduce friction and increase component life. |
| Compatibility | The lubricant must be compatible with the specific plastic. Incompatible lubricants can cause stress cracking and failure of the part. |
| Viscosity | High-viscosity oils are less likely to penetrate and degrade plastic. Greases with a lower NLGI grade reduce friction and grease-induced noise. |
| Chemistry | Silicone-based, synthetic hydrocarbon, and mineral oil lubricants work well with plastics. Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols generally do not. |
| Aging Resistance | Synthetic lubricants have high aging resistance and are preferred for long-term applications, high operating speeds, and high temperatures. |
| Additives | Solid additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide should be avoided as they can weaken plastic components. PTFE solid additives can lower startup friction and provide dry lubrication. |
| Temperature | The type of grease must be considered in relation to the operating temperature of the plastic gears. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic gears need lubrication
When choosing a lubricant for plastic gears, it is crucial to consider compatibility. Incompatible lubricants can cause stress cracking and failure of the gears. The lubricant's chemistry, viscosity, and resistance to aging are key factors in determining compatibility. Silicone-based lubricants, synthetic hydrocarbons (such as PAO), and mineral oils are generally compatible with plastics. Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols may not be suitable, although there are exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic. It is recommended to verify compatibility under anticipated loads, speeds, and environmental conditions.
Some recommended lubricants for plastic gears include Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease, which is compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds and is food-grade. Lubriplate Low Temperature Multipurpose EP grease is another option, as it is recommended by manufacturers for certain applications. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are also suitable for plastic gears and offer excellent performance for the cost. However, as machines operate at higher speeds and temperatures, synthetic lubricants like PAO are preferred for their high aging resistance and compatibility with most plastics.
It is important to avoid certain additives in lubricants for plastic gears. Solid additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide can penetrate and weaken plastic components. Extreme pressure (EP) additives and large amounts of corrosion protection additives used for metal parts are not recommended for plastics. Viscosity is another important consideration, as high-viscosity oils are more likely to penetrate and degrade plastics. Greases with an NLGI of 1 or 0 can help reduce friction and grease-induced noise.
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Mineral oil-based lubricants are good for plastic gears
It is important to lubricate plastic components to reduce friction and wear, lower power consumption, and increase part life. Lubricants that are compatible with plastics include those based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO).
However, mineral oil-based lubricants are not suitable for applications requiring high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long operations. In these cases, synthetic lubricants such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types are preferred. PAOs have high aging resistance, are compatible with most plastics, and can provide long-term lubrication at temperatures from −60 to 320°F.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic gears, it is important to consider the specific type of plastic and verify the compatibility of the lubricant under all anticipated loads, speeds, and environments. Solid additives such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide should be avoided as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components. PTFE solid additives, on the other hand, can be beneficial in certain cases, such as providing dry lubrication or reducing startup friction.
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Synthetic lubricants are good for high operating speeds
Plastic gears, like all gears, require lubrication to reduce friction and wear and increase component life. When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, it is important to select one that is compatible with the specific plastic. Outgassing byproducts of plastic, such as formaldehyde and styrene, accelerate aging in lubricants, and as lubricants age, they are more likely to degrade plastics. Therefore, long-term plastic applications do best with synthetic lubricants, which have a high aging resistance.
Synthetic lubricants are particularly well-suited for high operating speeds. Synthetic oils are used as a substitute for petroleum-refined oils when operating in extreme temperatures. They offer better low- and high-temperature viscosity performance, a higher viscosity index, and chemical and shear stability. One type of synthetic oil, polyalkylene glycol (PAG), is commonly used in industrial equipment operating year-round without seasonal changes. PAGs have excellent heat transfer characteristics and thermal and oxidation stability, making them ideal for use in large, open-vented systems and for process fluids in the production of plastics, elastomers, threads, or fabricated parts. PAGs also have high lubricity, polarity, low traction properties, and low wear, and they are available in both water-soluble and insoluble forms.
Another type of synthetic lubricant, polyalphaolefins (PAO), is also compatible with most plastics and can provide long-term lubrication at temperatures from −60 to 320°F. PAOs have high aging resistance, but they may not perform as well as PAGs in extreme weather conditions. PAGs are also commonly used in automotive air conditioning systems and as compressor lubricants, while PAOs are often used in aircraft jet engines.
Super Lube® offers top-quality synthetic greases and oils that can be used on plastic gears and are compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds. These synthetic lubricants provide maximum efficiency and protection against wear, rust, and corrosion in diverse applications.
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Silicone-based grease is recommended
Plastic gears require lubrication to reduce friction and increase component life. The most important criterion when choosing a lubricant for plastic parts is compatibility. If the lubricant and plastic are incompatible, it can cause stress cracking and failure of the part.
It is important to note that not all plastics are compatible with lubrication. Some plastics make their own lubrication when under stress or pressure due to their chemical and molecular makeup. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the chemical makeup of the plastic gears to determine the appropriate lubricant.
Solid additives, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, should be avoided when dealing with plastic gears as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components. High-viscosity oils and greases with a high NLGI grade are also less likely to penetrate and degrade plastic.
When selecting a lubricant for plastic gears, it is essential to consider the anticipated loads, speeds, and environments the gears will be exposed to. The lubricant's chemistry, viscosity, and resistance to aging are critical factors in ensuring compatibility and maintaining the structural integrity of the plastic components.
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Avoid petroleum-based grease
It is important to be cautious when selecting a grease or lubricant for plastic gears, as the wrong choice can lead to equipment malfunction and damage. While some sources recommend simple petroleum-based mineral oil for plastic gears, others advise against its use due to potential negative effects on certain plastics.
One of the main concerns with using petroleum-based grease on plastic gears is the risk of compatibility issues. Incompatibility between the lubricant and the plastic can result in stress cracking and failure of the gear. This occurs when the lubricant attacks the plastic, causing it to become brittle and potentially snap. Some solid additives in lubricants, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, can also penetrate and weaken plastic components, so they should be avoided when dealing with plastic gears.
Petroleum-based greases tend to be very dense, which can make them difficult to apply evenly to plastic gears. They may also not be suitable for machines that operate at higher temperatures or speeds, as they can break down and require more frequent lubrication. In these cases, a silicone-based lubricant or perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant is recommended. These alternatives offer better temperature stability and can provide long-term lubrication without the need for frequent reapplication.
Another consideration is the potential for grease breakdown when using petroleum-based products. This can occur if there is an excess of alcohol present during the cleaning process. If grease breakdown happens, it can lead to equipment malfunction and require starting the cleaning and lubrication process over again. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly clean and dry the gears before lubricating them to avoid this issue.
When choosing a grease or lubricant for plastic gears, it is essential to select one that is specifically compatible with the type of plastic being used. Synthetic lubricants, such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types, are often preferred for plastic gears as they offer high aging resistance and compatibility with most plastics. These lubricants can provide long-term performance over a wide temperature range, ensuring the gears remain well-maintained and functional.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic gears need grease to reduce friction and wear and to increase component life. Lubricated plastic gears last longer than non-lubricated gears.
Any petroleum-based grease is potentially harmful to plastic gears. Solid additives, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, can penetrate and weaken plastic components. Lubricants based on esters or polyglycols are also generally incompatible with plastics.
Silicone-based lubricants, such as PFAE, most synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils work well with plastics. Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease is a good option, as it is compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds. Lubriplate Low Temperature Multipurpose EP grease is another option that is recommended by some manufacturers.
The most important factor when choosing a lubricant for plastic parts is compatibility. The chemical and molecular makeup of the plastic will determine how it interacts with other materials and lubricants. It is important to verify compatibility under all anticipated loads, speeds, and environments the part might be exposed to.
