Maya Ellison
Lubricants are used on plastics to reduce friction between the plastic and other surfaces, as well as between the molecules of the plastic itself. This can lower power consumption, reduce noise, and increase the lifespan of plastic parts. When choosing a lubricant for plastic, it is important to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. Factors such as the chemical structure of the lubricant, the physical properties of the plastic, and the operating conditions (e.g. speed, load, and temperature) will determine the best lubricant for the job. In general, lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) are compatible with plastics, while esters and polyglycols should be avoided.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for using lube on plastic | To reduce friction between the processing machinery and plastic materials, and between the molecules of the plastic materials |
| Benefits of using lube on plastic | Lower power consumption, reduced noise, minimised wear, increased ability to withstand higher temperatures, increased part life |
| Factors to consider when choosing a lubricant | Compatibility with the plastic material, viscosity, aging resistance |
| Examples of lubricants that work well with plastics | Silicone-based lubricants, mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), PFAE, lithium grease |
| Examples of lubricants that do not work well with plastics | Esters, polyglycols, high viscosity oils (ISO VG of 100 or more), spray can adhesives |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Mineral oils are a great choice for lubrication as they do not attack plastic and are economical
- Synthetic lubricants are ideal for long-term use as they have high ageing resistance
- Silicone-based lubricants are compatible with plastics and work well for low load applications
- High viscosity lubricants are not recommended for plastics as they can penetrate the material
- Solid additives like graphite should be avoided as they can penetrate and weaken plastic parts
Mineral oils are a great choice for lubrication as they do not attack plastic and are economical
Lubricants are used in plastics to reduce friction between the processing machinery and the plastic materials. They also help to reduce friction between the molecules of the plastic materials. This lowers power consumption, reduces noise, and minimises wear. Lubricants can also enhance the ability of plastic materials to withstand higher temperatures.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, it is important to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. Lubricants with high viscosity can adversely affect plastic materials by penetrating them. Synthetic lubricants are a good choice for long-term applications as they have high ageing resistance.
Other lubricants that can be used with plastic include silicone-based lubricants, which are compatible with almost all plastics and are a great choice for low-load applications and a wide temperature range. PFAE lubricants are also compatible with most plastics and can be used in extreme temperature applications, although they are quite costly.
Ray-Ban Lenses: Plastic or Glass?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Synthetic lubricants are ideal for long-term use as they have high ageing resistance
Lubricants are used in plastics to reduce friction between processing machinery and plastic materials. They also reduce friction between the molecules of the plastic materials, improving performance and processing properties. Lubricants can also lower power consumption, reduce noise, and keep wear to a minimum.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic, the most important factor is its compatibility with the plastic material. Lubricants with high viscosity can adversely affect plastic materials by penetrating them. Therefore, greases with a consistency of NLGI of 1 or 0 are recommended as they help reduce friction and grease slap.
Other synthetic lubricants include polyalkylene glycol (PAG), various esters, and synthetic hydrocarbons like polyalphaolefins. PAGs are used in applications such as gears, bearings, and compressors, offering excellent friction control, good low-temperature performance, and high viscosity indexes. Bio-based esters offer better performance at a lower cost compared to synthetic esters. Synthesized hydrocarbons are used in engine and turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, gear and bearing oils, and compressor oils.
Live Plastic-Free: Simple UK Swaps for a Greener Life
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Silicone-based lubricants are compatible with plastics and work well for low load applications
When choosing a lubricant for plastic, the most important factor is its compatibility with the plastic material. Lubricants are used in plastics to reduce friction between the processing machinery and the plastic materials, as well as between the molecules of the plastic materials. Lower friction between internal molecules improves performance and processing properties. Lubricants can also lower power consumption, reduce noise, and keep wear to a minimum.
Silicone-based lubricants are compatible with most plastics and are a great choice for low load applications. They offer a wide temperature range, typically -90º to 425ºF, and are less likely to be affected by high temperatures. Silicone-based lubricants are also waterproof, making them ideal for pool equipment.
Other lubricants that are compatible with plastics include mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and perfluorinated PFAE. Mineral oils are a great economical choice as they do not attack plastic and offer good operational performance. Synthetic lubricants, on the other hand, have high aging resistance and are ideal for long-term applications.
It is important to avoid using lubricants with high viscosity, such as those with ISO VG greater than 100, as they can penetrate and adversely affect plastic materials. Solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide should also be avoided as they can weaken plastic parts.
When evaluating lubricants for plastic, it is important to consider the worst possible conditions, as both lubricants and plastics are more prone to change in high temperatures and adverse environments.
Plastic Valves and Teflon Tape: When to Use It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
High viscosity lubricants are not recommended for plastics as they can penetrate the material
Lubricating plastic parts is essential to reducing friction and wear, lowering power consumption, and increasing the life of the plastic components. When choosing a lubricant for plastic, it is crucial to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the specific plastic material. Factors such as speed, load, and environment play a significant role in determining the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic.
While lubricants are essential for plastic parts, not all lubricants are suitable. High viscosity lubricants, particularly those with an ISO VG of 100 or more, are not recommended for use with plastics. This is because high viscosity lubricants can penetrate the plastic material, leading to adverse effects on its performance and structural integrity. Penetration of the plastic material by the lubricant can cause stress cracking, discolouration, and a loss of dimensional stability and strength.
Solid additives in lubricants, such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide, should also be avoided when dealing with plastics. These additives can penetrate and weaken plastic components, creating undesirable reactions between the lubricant and the plastic. On the other hand, PTFE solid additives can be beneficial in certain cases, providing dry lubrication and reducing startup friction.
To ensure the compatibility of a lubricant with a plastic material, manufacturers conduct tests to monitor changes in the physical properties of the plastic under various conditions. These properties include weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation. The allowable changes in these properties are typically within a range of 7% to 10%.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, mineral oils and synthetic lubricants, such as PAO hydrocarbons, are often recommended. These lubricants offer excellent performance, compatibility with most plastics, and high aging resistance, making them suitable for long-term applications.
Rethreading Plastic Pipes: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Solid additives like graphite should be avoided as they can penetrate and weaken plastic parts
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, it is important to consider the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic material. Solid additives like graphite should be avoided as they can penetrate plastic parts and weaken them. This is because solid additives such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide can cause an undesirable or unintended reaction between the lubricant and the plastic.
To verify compatibility, manufacturers monitor changes in physical properties of the plastic material under conditions of speed, load, and environment. These properties include weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation. Each manufacturer determines the limit on allowable changes, but typically the range is 7% to 10%. When evaluating these tests, it is important to ensure that they reflect the worst possible conditions, as both lubricants and plastic materials are more prone to change in high temperatures and adverse environments.
High viscosity lubricants with an ISO VG of 100 or more should also be avoided as they are more likely to penetrate, crack, or otherwise adversely affect plastic materials. Instead, greases with a consistency of NLGI of 1 or 0 are recommended as they help reduce friction and grease slap, a noise induced by grease.
Synthetic lubricants are a better choice for long-term applications as they have high aging resistance and are less likely to attack plastic parts over time. Outgassing byproducts of plastic, such as formaldehyde and styrene, can accelerate the aging process of lubricants, so these should be kept to a minimum if possible.
Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics. Mineral oils, in particular, do not attack plastic and offer good operational performance at a low cost. However, if your application requires high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long operation, synthetic lubricants like PAO are a better choice as they have excellent compatibility and aging resistance.
Notching Plastic Pipes: Easy and Secure Attachment Techniques
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Good lubricants for plastic include mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and silicone-based lubricants.
Avoid high viscosity lubricants with ISO VG greater than 100 as they can penetrate the plastic material and adversely affect it. Also, avoid lubricants with solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide as they can penetrate and weaken plastic parts.
PFAE lubricants are a good option for extreme temperatures of up to 500ºF. However, they are quite costly. Silicone-based lubricants also work well for a wide temperature range, typically between -90º to 425ºF.
Synthetic lubricants are a good choice for long-term applications as they have high aging resistance and are less likely to attack the plastic material over time.
