If maintaining machinery, mechanical components and other industrial tools falls within your remit, you may have considered the difference between two commonly used lubricants; lithium grease and silicone lubricant.
Both substances are effective lubricants in their own way – but each have different properties, applications and advantages.
These points of difference are what we will focus on in this article, which compares silicone lubricant to lithium grease.
Is silicone lubricant the same as lithium grease?
No, silicone lubricant and lithium grease are fundamentally different products, with their own chemical compositions and physical properties.
Lithium grease is a thick, soap-based lubricant that is made by combining mineral or synthetic oil with lithium soap thickeners. It has a paste-like consistency and provides excellent mechanical stability.
In contrast, silicone lubricant is typically a thin, synthetic fluid made from silicone polymers, offering different properties and applications from lithium grease.
Uses of lithium grease
Lithium grease is used extensively in various industrial applications and automotive settings.
Thanks to its thick consistency and excellent adhesion properties, it can be ideal for heavy machinery bearings, which require constant lubrication due to the high pressure and temperature in which they are used.
It is also used for applications involving industrial equipment with slow-moving parts operating under heavy loads. Because lithium grease has high viscosity (resistance to flow), it offers sufficient lubrication even under extreme pressure. Examples of these applications include mining and construction equipment, steel mill machinery, heavy press machines and cargo handling equipment.
Advantages of lithium grease
As we’ve touched upon, lithium grease offers several distinct benefits. It offers outstanding mechanical stability, which means the grease maintains its consistency even under high mechanical stress and repeated use. This stability equates to longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements.
Excellent water resistance makes it ideal for outdoor and marine applications. The grease forms a protective barrier that keeps moisture away from metal surfaces.
There is also the high-temperature tolerance that allows the grease to maintain its lubricating properties from -20°C to 130°C. This makes it suitable for use in various operating environments and climates.
There is also good pumpability. Although it has a thick consistency, lithium grease is easily applied through grease guns and centralised lubrication systems.
Uses of silicone lubricant
Moving onto the other of these two lubricants – silicone lubricant. This option is favoured especially in applications where a lighter touch is needed.
Silicone lubricant is chemically inert (not chemically active) and safe for use on most synthetic materials. For this reason, it is applied to plastic and rubber components, where traditional oil-based lubricants might cause degradation.
Used with weather stripping and seals, silicone lubricant prevents them from drying out and helps them maintain their flexibility.
Silicone lubricant’s low viscosity allows it to penetrate tight spaces without leaving residue. This makes it suitable for electronic equipment, which requires a clean and non-staining lubricant.
There are also food-grade silicone lubricants available that are specifically designed to lubricate food processing equipment, meeting relevant safety requirements.
Advantages of silicone lubricant
Silicone lubricant has its own unique advantages that make it suitable for different applications to lithium grease.
Firstly, its chemical inertness means it is compatible with a wider range of materials, including plastics, rubber and metals. The lack of chemicals means it doesn’t cause degradation or adverse reactions on these surfaces.
Silicone lubricant also doesn’t attract dust or dirt like traditional greases, and won’t stain or leave residue on surfaces.
Excellent temperature stability allows the lubricant to maintain its properties across an even wider temperature range than lithium grease, typically from -50°C to 200°C.
Water-repellent properties make it effective in preventing moisture-related issues while providing a protective barrier against corrosion.
Making the choice
The choice between lithium grease and silicone lubricant ultimately depends on the specific application requirements.
As we’ve discussed, the main factors involved are the operating conditions and materials, although other considerations, such as the desired maintenance schedule, may come into play.
If you are dealing with machinery, tools and components that have metal-on-metal surfaces, lithium grease is likely to be a better option than silicone lubricant, especially if those surfaces are exposed to high pressure and harsh weather conditions.
When working with wood, rubber and plastic surfaces – or other non-metal materials that need lubrication and moisture protection – silicone lubricant tends to be the better choice.
Both types of lubricants – manufactured by trusted brands such as Mobil, Fuchs and Petronas – have certainly proved their worth in a broad range of industrial settings, and continue to be vital products for maintaining machinery, tools and components.
