Sofia Martinez
Plastic gears require lubrication to reduce friction and increase component life. However, not all plastics are compatible with lubrication. The chemical makeup of the plastic gears must be considered when choosing a lubricant. Silicone-based lubricants, such as PFAE, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils, are generally compatible with plastics. Lubricants with solid additives such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide should be avoided as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components. High-viscosity oils are also less suitable for plastic gears as they are more likely to penetrate and degrade the plastic. For this reason, greases with a lower NLGI grade, such as 1 or 0, are preferable as they reduce friction and grease-induced noise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lubricant Type | Silicone-based |
| Examples | Super Lube Silicone Lubricating Grease, Lubriplate Low Temperature grease |
| Other Options | Synthetic lubricants, mineral-oil-based lubricants |
| Factors to Consider | Plastic's chemical makeup, compatibility with specific plastic, temperature, viscosity, additives |
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What You'll Learn
- Silicone-based lubricants are safe for all plastics
- Mineral-oil-based lubricants are good for general plastic applications
- Synthetic lubricants are preferred for higher operating speeds
- Avoid solid additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide
- The plastic's chemical makeup determines interaction with other materials
Silicone-based lubricants are safe for all plastics
Plastic gears require lubrication to reduce friction and wear and increase component life. Silicone-based lubricants are safe for all plastics. They are slippery by nature, with a low coefficient of friction. This makes them ideal for use with plastics, as they do not produce structural variations. They are inert towards plastics and elastomers, increasing the lifespan of components and improving their performance.
Silicone-based lubricants are compatible with most plastics and can be used in a variety of applications. They are commonly used in the automotive industry, for example, to protect plastic pipes, rubber hoses, seals, and washers. They are also used in food-grade applications, as they are non-toxic and safe for incidental food contact. These lubricants are dielectric and leave a clear, non-staining film that doesn't stick or make a mess, so they won't attract dirt.
The compatibility of a lubricant with a specific plastic must be verified under all anticipated loads, speeds, and environments. If the lubricant and plastic are incompatible, it can cause stress cracking and failure of the part. Therefore, it is important to choose a lubricant that is specifically designed for use with plastics and is compatible with the type of plastic being lubricated.
Solid additives in lubricants, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, should be avoided when dealing with plastic gears as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components. However, PTFE solid additives can be useful in lowering startup friction or providing dry lubrication. High-viscosity oils are also less suitable for plastics as they are more likely to penetrate and degrade the material.
Overall, silicone-based lubricants are a safe and versatile choice for lubricating plastic gears. They are compatible with most plastics and provide excellent performance, making them a preferred option for many applications.
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Mineral-oil-based lubricants are good for general plastic applications
Plastic gears and bearings require lubrication to reduce friction and wear and increase component life. Mineral-oil-based lubricants are good candidates for general plastic applications because they are compatible with most plastic materials and offer excellent performance for the cost. They do not attack most plastics and are therefore less likely to cause stress cracking and failure of the part.
However, it is important to note that the compatibility of the lubricant with the specific plastic must be verified. If a lubricant's formulation is incompatible with a plastic part, it can cause issues such as discolouration and loss of dimensional stability and structural integrity. Factors that contribute to compatibility include the lubricant's chemistry, viscosity, and resistance to aging.
Mineral-oil-based lubricants are a good option for general plastic applications because they offer a good balance between adhesion and wetting plastic surfaces. They are also cost-effective and readily available. However, as machines move towards higher operating speeds, temperatures, and longer operations, synthetic lubricants may be preferred.
When selecting a lubricant for plastic gears, it is important to avoid solid additives such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide (moly), as these can penetrate and weaken plastic components. PTFE solid additives can be useful for lowering startup friction and providing dry lubrication. Additionally, extreme pressure (EP) additives and large amounts of corrosion protection additives that are typically used for metal parts are not recommended for plastic components.
Overall, mineral-oil-based lubricants are a safe and effective choice for general plastic gear applications, offering good compatibility and performance at a reasonable cost. However, for specific applications or more demanding operating conditions, other types of lubricants may be more suitable.
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Synthetic lubricants are preferred for higher operating speeds
Plastic gears and bearings require lubrication to reduce friction and wear and increase component life. The most important criterion for choosing the right lubricant for plastic parts is compatibility with the specific plastic. Solid lubricants such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide (moly) should be avoided when dealing with plastic gears and bearings as they can penetrate and weaken plastic components.
As machines move to higher operating speeds, higher temperatures, and longer operations, synthetic lubricants are preferred for plastic bearings and gears. Synthetic lubricants have high ageing resistance and are compatible with most plastics. They can provide long-term lubrication at temperatures ranging from −60 to 320°F. Synthetic lubricants also have better thermo-oxidative stability than petroleum-based oils, which suffer from oxidation issues that deplete lubricant supply and create abrasive oxides that can speed up gear failure.
Silicone-based lubricants such as perfluropolyether (PFPE), synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and mineral oils work well with plastics. PFPE is resistant to aggressive chemicals and has very low vapour pressure, which is essential when out-gassing is a concern. Synthetic hydrocarbons or polyalphaolefins (PAOs) offer excellent cold-temperature performance, oxidative stability, and compatibility with many plastics. They are relatively inexpensive and have a good balance between adhesion and wetting plastic surfaces.
Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease is a dielectric, food-grade lubricant that can be used on plastic gears and is compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds.
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Avoid solid additives like graphite or molybdenum disulfide
When selecting a grease for plastic gears, it is important to consider the potential interaction between the grease and the plastic. Solid additives in grease, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, should be avoided as they can negatively impact the performance and longevity of plastic gears.
Graphite and molybdenum disulfide are solid additives commonly found in lubricants. These additives are designed to enhance lubrication and reduce friction in metal components. However, when used with plastic gears, these solid additives can have detrimental effects. The issue lies in the chemical reaction between the additives and the plastic material. Over time, the solid additives can penetrate and weaken the plastic, compromising its structural integrity. This can lead to premature failure of the plastic gears and reduce their overall lifespan.
Therefore, it is crucial to select greases that do not contain these solid additives when working with plastic gears. The priority should be to maintain the strength and durability of the plastic components. By avoiding graphite and molybdenum disulfide additives, the risk of degradation and failure is significantly reduced. This ensures the optimal performance of plastic gears over an extended period.
While graphite and molybdenum disulfide are not suitable for plastic gears, there are alternative additives that can be beneficial. PTFE solid additives, for instance, can be useful in specific scenarios. They can provide dry lubrication and help lower startup friction in plastic gears. This type of additive does not negatively affect the plastic material, making it a safer choice.
In summary, when selecting a grease for plastic gears, it is essential to consider the potential interaction between the additives and the plastic. By avoiding solid additives like graphite and molybdenum disulfide, you can prevent the weakening and degradation of the plastic components. Instead, opt for greases with alternative additives, such as PTFE, that are known to be compatible and beneficial for plastic gears.
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The plastic's chemical makeup determines interaction with other materials
The chemical composition of plastics varies widely, and this influences their interaction with other materials, such as lubricants. Different plastics have different sensitivities, and this affects their compatibility with lubricants. For example, mineral oils in grease can cause some plastics to swell or soften, while others are more chemically resistant and less likely to degrade.
The formulation of the grease is also important. Greases with synthetic oils or additives might exhibit different compatibility profiles. For instance, greases with synthetic oils may be more plastic-friendly compared to mineral oil-based formulations. The presence of thickeners and fillers, such as lithium soap, can also influence compatibility.
Silicone-based lubricants are generally compatible with plastics and are considered safe for all plastic types. They have a low coefficient of friction, which makes them ideal for use with plastic gears. They do not produce structural variations and are used in operations with mixed materials, such as rubber-plastic or metal-plastic.
PTFE greases are also compatible with plastics and can be used in certain cases, such as lowering startup friction or providing dry lubrication.
When choosing a lubricant for plastic gears, it is crucial to verify compatibility under all anticipated loads, speeds, and environments. A compatibility test can be performed by applying a small amount of grease to a hidden area and observing any changes over 24 to 72 hours. This helps to ensure that the lubricant does not cause stress cracking or failure of the plastic component.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to use a silicone-based grease for plastic gears. Lithium grease can also be used on some plastics, but silicone is safe for all plastics.
Petroleum-based grease is potentially harmful to plastic gears because plastic is petroleum-based. The saying "like dissolves like" applies here.
The most important factor is compatibility with the specific plastic. The chemical makeup of the plastic gears will determine how they interact with other materials and lubricants. Other factors include viscosity, resistance to aging, and additives.
Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Grease is a popular option that is compatible with most rubber and plastic compounds. Lubriplate Low Temperature Multipurpose EP grease is another option that is recommended by some manufacturers for plastic gears.
Plastic gears should be lubricated frequently to maintain their working condition. The frequency of lubrication will depend on the specific application and the type of plastic used.
