SKF grease is a semi-solid lubricant primarily used for bearings and rotating equipment. It consists of three main components:
Base oil (mineral or synthetic)
Thickener (e.g., lithium, calcium, polyurea)
Additives (for anti-wear, corrosion inhibition, oxidation stability)
SKF produces a wide range of greases tailored for various industries like automotive, industrial machinery, food and beverage, railways, wind turbines, and marine.
🧪 Key Characteristics of SKF Grease
Property Description
NLGI Grade Consistency of the grease (scale from 000 to 6, where 2 is common)
Base Oil Viscosity Determines film strength and temperature performance
Thickener Type Impacts water resistance, thermal stability, and compatibility
Operating Temperature The range within which the grease performs effectively
Load Carrying Ability Ability to support mechanical loads (via EP and AW additives)
Water Resistance Essential in wet or humid environments
Oxidation Stability Resistance to degradation over time
⚙️ Types of SKF Grease
Here are some popular SKF grease products and their specific uses:
1. SKF LGMT 2
Type: General purpose
Thickener: Lithium soap
Temp Range: –30 °C to +120 °C
Use: Electric motors, conveyors, industrial fans
2. SKF LGEP 2
Type: High load, extreme pressure
Thickener: Lithium
Temp Range: –20 °C to +110 °C
Use: Heavy machinery, construction equipment
3. SKF LGWA 2
Type: Wide temperature range
Thickener: Lithium complex
Temp Range: –40 °C to +150 °C
Use: Automotive, industrial, wheel bearings
4. SKF LGHP 2
Type: High performance, high temperature
Thickener: Polyurea
Temp Range: –40 °C to +150 °C
Use: Electric motors, pumps, fans
5. SKF LGET 2
Type: Extremely high temperature
Thickener: Clay
Temp Range: –20 °C to +200 °C (up to 250 °C intermittent)
Use: Kilns, oven fans, textile machinery
6. SKF LGGB 2
Type: Biodegradable
Thickener: Lithium-calcium
Temp Range: –40 °C to +120 °C
Use: Agriculture, forestry, water treatment
🧰 Applications
SKF greases are used in:
Bearings (ball, roller, needle)
Electric motors
Industrial gearboxes
Conveyors
Automotive chassis
Wind turbines
Food processing (with NSF H1 certified greases)
✅ Grease Selection Criteria
When selecting an SKF grease, consider:
Operating Temperature Range
Load and Speed Conditions
Environment (wet, dusty, corrosive?)
Relubrication intervals
Compatibility with existing grease
Regulatory standards (e.g., food grade)
SKF offers tools like the SKF DialSet and the SKF Grease Selection Tool to help in proper lubricant selection.
🧼 Handling and Storage Tips
Store grease in cool, dry areas away from direct sunlight
Always use clean tools when applying grease
Avoid mixing different types of greases (incompatibility issues)
Ensure containers are sealed to prevent contamination
