Next-Generation Ester Grease Lasts Longer, survives Higher Temps
7 December 2000
Next-Generation Ester Grease Lasts Longer, survives Higher Temps
FAIRHAVEN, Mass.--Dec.7, 2000--Design engineers who need a long-life grease for switch contacts or bearings are finding that an old grease with a new antioxidant offers a simple, cost-effective solution.Nye Lubricants, Inc., recently introduced Rheolube 716HT, the first of a new generation of ester greases. The new grease contains a proprietary antioxidant that pushes the grease's upper temperature limit to 175(degree)C -- 25 degrees higher than traditional ester greases.
"The extra 25 degrees is providing the margin needed to pass grueling 3X life-cycle testing of both multifunction and headlamp switches," said Brian Cichoski, a Nye engineer who specializes in automotive applications. "Rheolube 716HT provides a very economical alternative to perfluoropolyether greases, which used to be the only option for engineers who wanted a grease that would survive temperatures in excess of 150(degree)C for an extended period."
While PFPEs can survive temperatures up to 250(degree)C, they can be "overkill for some applications," Cichoski added. "Further, they don't mix as well as esters with antiwear additives, nor do they stand up as well under heavier loads."
Nye's national sales manager Brian Holley sees a bigger picture.
"Our R&D team has found an antioxidant that we believe can boost the upper temperature limit of any ester grease." Holley said. "Whenever an ester grease doesn't quite have the legs it needs to meet life or temperature requirements, we can now offer customers a very cost-effective `25 degrees' that will likely be a solution to those requirements."
Rheolube 716HT is an NLGI Grade 2 blend of complex esters gelled in a lithium-soap with a useful temperature range of -54(degree)C to 175(degree)C. It is fortified to reduce noise and wear and contains a UV-tracer to facilitate inspection during production. Evaluation samples are available to qualified customers. For more information, contact Nye at 12 Howland Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719; call (508) 996-6721; or send e-mail to techhelp@nyelubricants.com.
Nye Lubricants is an engineering company dedicated to formulating high quality synthetic lubricants. Its products are specified in a full range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, appliance, aviation, electronics, medical instrumentation, office automation, paperboard manufacturing, photonics, recreational equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications, and textiles. Founded in 1844, Nye maintains regional engineering offices throughout the United States as well as a network of distributors in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America.
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