As a general rule of thumb, any petroleum-based lubricant will damage plastic. This includes many greases, oils, and vaselines. Instead, most plastic manufacturers will recommend either a white lithium grease or a silicone-based grease. Lithium grease, made by a combination of fatty acids and either lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate, is much more common. https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/icon/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-3kg-1.jpg At indoor temperature, the material shows an excellent resistance to thinned mineral acids, organic acids, bases, and salt solutions. Silicone oil is another excellent all-around option that presents no issues on compatibility. It has better temperature stability, good chemical stability, excellent wetting, and very reliable moisture protection. Silicone oils aren’t much more expensive than mineral oils, making them an economical alternative. However, silicone oil is still inappropriate for heavy load applications.

Choosing the Right Lubricant for Plastic Parts

It is always a good idea to lubricate plastic components whenever possible because it reduces friction and wear, lowers power consumption, and increases part life. For example, studies have shown that lubricated plastic sliding bearings last up to five times longer than non-lubricated ones. When choosing a lubricant for plastic parts, the most important factor is whether the lubricant is compatible with the plastic material. Determining Compatibility of Lubricants and Plastic Parts https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/icon/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-500g-4.jpg https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/large/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-500g-6.jpgA plastic part’s compatibility with lubricants depends on its chemical structure. The lubricants that work best with plastics are based on perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), and silicone. Lubricants made from esters and polyglycols are not suitable for most plastics. https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/large/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-3kg-1.jpg The oil is the base ingredient of the lubricant. It’s the compound that gives lubricants their unique friction-reducing capability. Although there are lots of oils used in lubricants, they can be classified into two broad categories – mineral oils and synthetic oils. However, blends that combine both mineral and synthetic oils are also common.

WD-40 White Lithium Grease 400ml - Screwfix WD-40 White Lithium Grease 400ml - Screwfix

The material is inappropriate for the following chemicals: concentrated mineral acids, concentrated acetic acid, phenols, cresols, chlorinated hydrocarbons, acetone, and ketones.https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/large/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-400g-4.jpg

WD-40 Silicone Lubricant 400ml - Screwfix WD-40 Silicone Lubricant 400ml - Screwfix

To conclude, carefully selecting plastic lubricant ensures its durability and optimal functioning. It is imperative to consider the plastic type, operating conditions, and specific requirements of the application when choosing a suitable lubricant. https://cdn.opieoils.co.uk/images/variants/icon/comma/comma-multipurpose-lithium-grease-nlgi-2-125kg-2.jpgJust as with standard metal gears, lubrication is an essential aspect of using plastic gears. However, the similarity of the chemistry of plastics to most lubricants can prove to be problematic. What lubricants are appropriate for plastic gears? Are lubricants even absolutely necessary? Why are plastic gears being used? This material shows an excellent resistance and insensitiveness to oil, grease, and lubricants and is therefore well suitable for centralised lubrication systems, all kinds of fuel as well as chlorine-free detergents and solvents. In electronics, plastic lubricants are vital for smoothly functioning switches, connectors, and potentiometers. They prevent electrical resistance and corrosion, which is essential for signal integrity.