In industrial production, it is often the small things that make the difference. High-performance lubricating greases from Rhenus Lub help minimize friction, reduce maintenance costs, and significantly extend the lifespan of your machines.
Why lubricating greases are crucial for your system performance
They are the largely invisible workhorses that minimize friction, protect against wear, and ensure the lifespan of critical components. However, not all lubricating greases are created equal: the demands of modern systems, extreme operating conditions, and industry-specific requirements call for highly developed solutions. Simply using just any grease can have fatal consequences – from increased wear and system failures to safety risks.
What is a lubricating grease?
A lubricating grease is a carefully composed system consisting of three components: a base oil (mineral or synthetic) that performs the main part of the lubrication, a thickener (e.g., based on metal soaps like lithium, calcium, aluminum complex soaps, inorganic thickeners like bentonite, or organic thickeners like polyurea) that binds the base oil like a sponge and holds it at the lubrication point, and additives that specifically improve properties such as pressure absorption capacity, corrosion protection, or aging stability.
At Rhenus Lub, we use a wide range of thickener technologies - from proven calcium and lithium soaps to high-performance lithium complex and polyurea greases for special requirements. The consistency, specified in NLGI classes (from very soft 000 to very firm 6), is precisely matched to the application to ensure optimal pumpability and adhesion.
Typical challenges in lubrication – and how Rhenus Lub greases master them
Modern machines and systems place the highest demands on the lubricating greases used. We have developed the right solution for every challenge:
Challenge 1: Extreme temperatures – from arctic cold to blazing heat
At low temperatures, greases can harden, lose their pumpability, and drastically increase starting torques. At high temperatures, on the other hand, they can liquefy, leak from the lubrication point, or thermally decompose, leading to lubrication film breakdown and component failure.
Rhenus Lub Solution Approach: For these extremes, we offer synthetic-based greases. Special low-temperature greases, such as those for high-speed rolling bearings, ensure lubrication down to -60 °C. For the highest temperature loads, perfluoroalkyl ether greases (PFPE) are suitable, withstanding operating temperatures of up to +300 °C. Products like rhenus LKZ 2 or rhenus LKK 15 cover a wide automotive and industrial temperature range.
Challenge 2: High Mechanical Loads, Shock Loads, and Wear
In many applications such as rolling and plain bearings in presses, construction machinery, or gearboxes, high pressures and shock loads occur. Unsuitable greases are displaced from the lubrication point, the lubricating film tears, leading to metal-to-metal contact, increased wear (pitting, seizing), and ultimately premature component failure.
Rhenus Lub Solution Approach: Here, EP-additivated (Extreme Pressure) high-performance greases are used. Products like rhenus LZN 2, rhenus ADD 2, LKX 2, rhenus LKP 15, and rhenus CAZ 2 are characterized by excellent pressure absorption capacity and, in some cases, the addition of solid lubricants. They form a resistant lubricating film that reliably protects against wear even under the highest loads and vibrations, extending the lifespan of components.
Challenge 3: Influence of Water, Moisture, and Corrosive Media
Water and aggressive media can wash out lubricating greases, destroy their structure, or cause corrosion on the lubricated components. This is particularly critical in heavy industry, mining, construction machinery, or humid process environments.
Rhenus Lub Solution Approach: We rely on water-resistant thickener systems (e.g., calcium or aluminum complex soaps) and special corrosion protection additives. rhenus CAZ 2, for example, offers excellent corrosion protection even under saltwater influence and prevents tribocorrosion. rhenus ADD 2 and rhenus LCA 2 are also very water-resistant. For applications with exposure to weak acids or alkalis, rhenus BCN 2 is available.
Challenge 4: Specific Industry Requirements and Certifications
Many industries have very specific requirements for lubricating greases that go beyond mere lubricating properties. These include physiological harmlessness (food industry), OEM approvals (automotive), biodegradability (environmentally sensitive areas), or special electrical properties.
Rhenus Lub Solution Approach:
- Food & Pharmaceutical Industry We offer a wide range of H1-registered lubricating greases (e.g. rhenus ABC 2, rhenus ADD 2) based on medical white oils or synthetic oils (PAO). These are flavour- and odourless, Halal and Kosher certified and meet the strict requirements of DIN EN ISO 21469.
Lubricants for the food industry - Automotive industry Special greases such as Rhenus LKC 1 reduce static friction in steering systems, Rhenus LKK 15 protects actuators in various automotive applications, and Rhenus AKC 2 is a low-emission contact grease for charging stations.
Lubricating greases for the automotive industry - Mining & Construction Machinery These applications require robustness, excellent adhesion and protection against extreme environmental conditions. Rhenus Lub offers greases optimised for this purpose, such as rhenus CMN 2 or rhenus ADG 0. For environmentally sensitive areas, readily biodegradable greases such as rhenus CBG 03 (flange lubricant) and rhenus LAC 2 are available.
Lubricating greases for construction machinery, mining and opencast mining - Agriculture Agricultural machinery is exposed to dirt, moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Rhenus Lub offers robust multi-purpose greases such as rhenus CMN 2, or water-resistant speciality greases such as rhenus CAZ 2.
Lubricating greases for agriculture and forestry - Central lubrication systems: Many Rhenus Lub greases (e.g., rhenus LZN 2, LAC 2, CAZ 2) have good pumpability and are therefore ideally suited for use in central lubrication systems.
Selecting the right Rhenus Lub lubricating grease: precision for every application
The choice of the optimal lubricating grease is crucial for the performance and service life of your equipment. Important selection criteria include the specific application (rolling bearings, plain bearings, open/closed gears, guides), the operating temperature range, mechanical load, rotational speeds (nDM value), environmental influences (water, dust, chemicals), any requirements for food compatibility or biodegradability, and necessary manufacturer approvals. Our experts will assist you in selecting the appropriate grease. Furthermore, thanks to our development expertise, we are able to cater to individual customer requirements.
Das bedeutet: Statt auf Standardlösungen zurückzugreifen, können Rezepturen bei Bedarf gezielt auf Ihre technischen, regulatorischen oder prozessbezogenen Anforderungen hin angepasst werden – etwa durch die Auswahl spezieller Grundöle, Additivpakete oder Verdickertechnologien. Auch Kombinationen mehrerer Anforderungen – etwa extreme Temperaturen bei gleichzeitiger Wasser- oder Chemikalieneinwirkung – lassen sich durch maßgeschneiderte Entwicklungen zuverlässig adressieren. So entstehen Schmierfette, die exakt auf den jeweiligen Einsatzfall zugeschnitten sind und maximale Betriebssicherheit gewährleisten.
Rhenus Lub high-performance lubricating greases: innovation and responsibility for your processes
The Development of lubricating greases This takes place in our company's own research and development laboratory in Mönchengladbach and usually starts with a specific customer request. We provide insights into the process in this video:
State-of-the-art testing technologies – including low- and high-temperature test rigs, corrosion tests in accordance with DIN standards, emulsification and kneading stability tests, as well as analytical systems such as XRF, ICP and GC/MS – make it possible to test greases specifically for their performance under realistic conditions. This depth of development and testing makes Rhenus Lub a reliable partner for any company seeking to improve machine performance through the use of precisely tailored greases.
Dr. Marco Pfeiffer, Head of Product Management at Rhenus Lub, emphasizes: “Our high-performance greases are specially designed to remain powerful under extreme conditions. This means protection against wear, extended machine lifespan, and ultimately an increase in operational efficiency.” This is not just about the product itself, but also about its contribution to resource conservation through less material wear and longer maintenance cycles – one example is the switch lubricant rhenus LSN 04 XT, which could halve lubricant-related maintenance efforts.
Lubricate safely, efficiently, and sustainably with Rhenus Lub
Lubricating greases from Rhenus Lub are more than just operating materials - they are an integral part of a forward-looking maintenance strategy and a key to increased productivity and sustainability. By correctly selecting and applying customized high-performance lubricating greases, you ensure the reliable operation of your systems, reduce costs, and contribute to resource conservation.
Put your trust in Rhenus Lub’s expertise. Our application engineers will be happy to advise you on selecting the ideal grease for your specific requirements. Unlock the potential of Rhenus Lub high-performance greases for your production. Our experts will be happy to assist you:
