03/08/2026 by Daniel Tait
The term dropping point is commonly found in the data sheets provided by leading lubricant makers producing grease like Fuchs and Shell.
It is a measurement used as a quality control safeguard after greases, especially those that use metal soaps as a thickener, to ensure that the thickening agent has been properly formed.
The dropping point of a grease is defined as the temperature when grease transitions from its semi-solid state to become a liquid state and starts to drip under specific, standardised test conditions. The measurement shows the grease’s thicker structure’s exact resistance to heat.
Understanding the dropping point versus the maximum operating temperature
It is critical to understand that the dropping point of a grease is not the same as its advised maximum operating temperature. In fact, the highest temperature that a grease can work under safely in operation should always be substantially below its recorded dropping point.
This is because when a grease gets near to its dropping point, its base oil will begin to separate from the thickening agent. When this happens, the semi-solid lubricant typically selected for its high viscosity will lose its coveted consistency. No longer able to adhere to components and lubricate them, it runs off, leaving the parts unprotected. Ultimately, this leads to lubrication starvation and total failure in equipment.
What factors influence dropping point?
Three primary factors that have an impact on the dropping point of a grease include the type of thickening agent used, the viscosity of its base oil and the cohesiveness between the two elements.
Different thickeners dictate heat resistance. Simple lithium greases have a dropping point of about 180°C, while calcium sulphonate complex and lithium complex thickeners can cope with temperatures that exceed 250°C. Heavier base oils and those with a synthetic formulation used in greases resist oxidation at elevated temperatures, better supporting their structural integrity before the dropping point occurs. However, how well the thickener and base oil adhere to each other also dictates stability.
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