Chloe Zhang
Plastic components are often subjected to high mechanical stress, which can deteriorate their structure. Therefore, it is important to lubricate plastic parts to ensure longevity. The most important criterion for choosing a lubricant is its compatibility with the specific plastic. Silicone-based lubricants such as PFAE, most synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils work well with plastics. Pure petroleum jelly is also compatible with plastics. However, lubricants based on esters or polyglycols generally do not mix well with plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lubricant Type | Silicone-based, hydrocarbon (PAO), mineral oil, synthetic |
| Plastic Compatibility | Most common plastics, some plastics may require specific lubricants |
| Temperature Range | Silicone: -90°F to 425°F, PAO: -60°F to 320°F, PFAE: up to 500°F |
| Application | Low load, high-speed applications |
| Viscosity | Low to high viscosity options available |
| Additives | Yes, but check compatibility with plastic |
| Cost | Varies, some options are expensive |
| Availability | Widely available, including hardware stores and online |
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What You'll Learn
Silicone-based lubricants
Lubricating plastic components is essential as it reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases their life. Silicone-based lubricants are a great choice for plastic lubrication and are widely available. They are compatible with a wide range of materials, including plastics, rubbers, and metals, and are used in the automotive, industrial, and agricultural industries.
Silicone greases, in particular, are inert towards plastics and elastomers and do not produce structural variations. They are versatile and can be used in mixed couplings such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic. When selecting a silicone-based lubricant, it is important to choose one intended for your specific application. Some mixes contain additives or have specific viscosity ratings that may hinder performance or damage certain materials.
It is worth noting that while silicone-based lubricants are generally safe for plastics, they may not be suitable for all types of plastic or applications. Manufacturers typically determine compatibility by monitoring changes in the physical properties of the plastic material under conditions of speed, load, and environment. These properties include weight, volume, hardness, strength, and elongation. Therefore, it is essential to select a silicone-based lubricant that is specifically designed for use with plastics and is compatible with the specific type of plastic you are working with.
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Synthetic lubricants
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, the most important factor is whether the lubricant is compatible with the plastic material. Lubricants with a high ageing resistance are the best choice for long-term applications. Outgassing byproducts of plastic, such as formaldehyde and styrene, accelerate the lubricant ageing process and should be kept to a minimum.
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 ester oils offer outstanding lubricity and excellent load-carrying characteristics. They are ideal for metal-on-metal wear prevention and are often chosen for high-speed metal gear applications.
Hydrocarbon (PAO) types are compatible with most plastics, have high ageing resistance, and offer long-term lubrication within a temperature range of -60º to 320ºF. Silicone-based lubricants also show excellent compatibility and are a great choice for low-load applications and a wide temperature range (typically -90º to 425ºF). Lubricants based on perfluorinated PFAE, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils also typically work well with plastics.
It is important to note that esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, although there are exceptions based on the type of plastic material. Additionally, solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can penetrate and weaken plastic parts, so they should be avoided. Conversely, PTFE solid additives can be beneficial in certain cases, such as providing dry lubrication or reducing startup friction.
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Lubricants for plastic bearings and gears
Lubrication is an essential component for all moving parts, especially those made of plastic. Plastic components are often subjected to high mechanical stress, which can deteriorate their structure. Lubrication helps reduce friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases the life of plastic parts.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, the most important factor is whether the lubricant is compatible with the plastic material. Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO) typically work well with plastics. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are good candidates for lubricating plastics because they don't attack most plastic materials and offer excellent performance for an economical cost. Synthetic lubricants, such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types, are preferred for plastic bearings and gears in high-speed, high-temperature, and long-term operations due to their high aging resistance and compatibility with most plastics.
On the other hand, lubricants based on esters or polyglycols generally do not work well with plastics, although there may be exceptions depending on the specific type of plastic. It is important to verify the compatibility of the lubricant with the plastic under all anticipated loads, speeds, and environments to avoid issues like stress cracking, discolouration, and loss of structural integrity.
Other factors to consider when choosing a lubricant include the viscosity and the presence of additives. High viscosity oils are less likely to adversely affect plastic materials, while lower viscosity oils are needed for lighter loads to prevent viscous drag. Additives like PTFE can provide benefits such as dry lubrication and reduced startup friction, but solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide can weaken plastic parts.
In some cases, grease may be a more suitable lubricant than plain oil, especially for high-load applications. Grease has a higher viscosity than oil and can help reduce friction and noise. However, the choice between grease and oil depends on the specific application and the speed of the moving parts.
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Plastic-safe lubricants
It is a common misconception that plastic components do not require lubrication or require special lubricants. However, this is false. Lubricated plastic parts can last up to five times longer than non-lubricated ones.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic, it is essential to select one that is compatible with the specific type of plastic. Incompatible lubricants can cause stress cracking and failure of the plastic part. Silicone-based lubricants are a good option for most plastics, including polycarbonate and ABS. They are well-suited for low-load applications and can withstand temperatures from −90 to 425°F. Silicone grease, in particular, is recommended for plastic parts. It is available in small tubs and can usually be found in hardware stores near the PVC solvent cements. However, it is important to select the correct type of silicone lubricant for your specific application, as certain mixes contain additives or viscosity ratings that could hinder performance or damage internals.
Other plastic-safe lubricants include white lithium grease and pure petroleum jelly. Lithium grease is safe for use with plastics and rubbers and will not eat away at these materials. However, it is important to note that different plastics have varying degrees of solvent resistance, and some types of rubber may continue to swell when exposed to silicone spray lube or lithium grease. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the chemical compatibility of the lubricant with the specific plastic you are using.
Mineral oil is another option that can be used with most common plastics. However, it is important to note that mineral oil will penetrate and eat through latex, so nitrile or vinyl gloves are recommended when handling it. Additionally, some plastic parts may be incompatible with petroleum-based lubricants, so it is important to verify compatibility before use.
For high-performance applications, synthetic lubricants such as hydrocarbon (PAO) types are preferred for plastic bearings and gears. PAO has high aging resistance and is compatible with most plastics. It can provide long-term lubrication at temperatures ranging from −60 to 320°F. Another option is PFAE lubricants, which are more expensive but have excellent compatibility and can handle temperatures up to 500°F.
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Lubricants for chemically fragile plastics
Choosing the right lubricant for chemically fragile plastics is crucial to avoid damage. Some plastics, such as polycarbonate and ABS, are sensitive to chemical attack and are considered "chemically fragile." The wrong lubricant can cause immediate or gradual deterioration, leading to irreparable harm. To prevent this, it's essential to select a compatible lubricant that blends well with the plastic material.
Silicone-based lubricants are highly compatible with plastics and are known for their inertness towards plastics and elastomers. They do not produce structural variations and are versatile, making them ideal for various applications, including mixed couplings like rubber-plastic or metal-plastic. Silicone grease, in particular, is a popular choice for lubricating plastics and is widely used in the automotive industry. It is important to select the appropriate type of silicone product for your use case, as certain mixes contain additives that could hinder performance or damage internals.
Mineral-oil-based lubricants are also compatible with most plastics and offer excellent performance at a reasonable cost. However, they may not be suitable for applications requiring high operating speeds, high temperatures, or long-term use. In such cases, synthetic lubricants like hydrocarbon (PAO) types are recommended due to their compatibility with most plastics, high aging resistance, and long-term lubrication capabilities over a wide temperature range.
Another option is to use white lithium grease, which has been reported to work well with plastics and rubber without causing any negative effects. However, it is important to choose the plain variety, as different additives can affect compatibility.
It is important to avoid using spray lubricants or petroleum-based products on plastics, as they can aggressively damage them. Additionally, solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide should be used with caution as they can penetrate and weaken plastic parts.
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Frequently asked questions
Silicone-based lubricants are generally considered good for plastic. Silicone grease is a popular option and is available in hardware stores.
Avoid using spray cans of any kind, as they may contain petroleum products and solvents that can damage plastics. Petroleum-based lubricants are also not recommended for lubricating petroleum-based components.
Yes, other options include mineral oil, synthetic hydrocarbons (PAO), and PFAE lubricants. White lithium grease is also an option, but it is important to choose a plain variety with minimal additives.
Yes, it is important to ensure that the lubricant is compatible with the specific type of plastic. Different plastics have varying degrees of solvent resistance, and using an incompatible lubricant can cause stress cracking and failure of the plastic part.
No, it is a common misconception that plastic components require special lubricants or no lubrication at all. However, plastic components can benefit from lubrication to reduce friction and prolong their lifespan.
