The color code of grease: Don’t use it randomly, we’ve learned enough lessons from ruining machines!

The color code of grease: Don’t use it randomly, we’ve learned enough lessons from ruining machines!

Never apply grease carelessly to equipment! We once scrapped over a dozen pieces of equipment because we didn't understand the difference between grease colors. Only then did we finally understand the "Morse code" of these colors. Grease color isn't just a mystery; it's a performance code meticulously designed by engineers. Black for pressure resistance, red for heat resistance, blue for water resistance, green for environmental protection... Each color holds the secret to equipment longevity. This article shares these lessons learned the hard way to help you avoid pitfalls and choose the right grease!

The color code of grease revealed

Grease color is determined by the base oil, thickener, additives, and production process, each color corresponding to a specific application. Below are six common grease colors and their core features:

1. Black Grease: A rock-hard grease, a must-have for construction sites and mines

Black grease, often fortified with graphite or molybdenum disulfide, is designed for handling hundreds of tons of pressure and heavy loads at low speeds. Its exceptional wear and high-temperature resistance excels in extreme environments like mining equipment and construction machinery. Outdoor exposure? No problem! Black grease is rock-hard, a true king of pressure resistance on construction sites.
                   

2. Red Grease: Resistant to High-Temperature Flames, a Lifesaver for Motors

Red greases are often formulated with lithium-complex or polyurea-based thickeners. They can withstand temperatures up to 300°C without shedding. They are the lifesaver for high-temperature core components like motors and engines. No matter how demanding the operating conditions, red grease ensures stable operation, earning it the nickname "guardian of flames."
                        

3. Blue Grease: The Waterproof "God of War," the Standard for Offshore Engineering

Blue grease, renowned for its water-resistant and anti-oxidant properties, is a standard feature of ships and offshore engineering machinery. It remains resilient despite wind, rain, and salt spray. Its superior protective properties make it a top choice for use in extreme, humid environments.
                        

4. Green Grease: Environmentally Friendly and Long-Lasting, a Perfect Partner for Agriculture

Green grease utilizes an environmentally friendly formula for a long lifespan and is environmentally friendly. It is commonly used in agricultural machinery or applications requiring high environmental protection. Its green color is not only visually appealing but also demonstrates a commitment to ecological protection, making it an ideal choice for green industries.

5. White Grease: Non-Toxic and Pure, a Food-Grade Choice

White grease is non-toxic and odorless, FDA-approved, and an excellent choice for food processing and pharmaceutical machinery. Its pure formula ensures safe operation while protecting products from contamination. Choosing white means choosing safety and trust.

6. Yellow Grease: A Versatile "Money-Saving King" and a Great Helper in Industry

Yellow grease is the universal grease of the grease world. Based on lithium- or calcium-based thickeners, it offers affordable yet reliable performance. Whether it's automotive wheels or basic industrial equipment, it's a capable choice. Known for its durability, yellow grease is the best choice for budget-conscious users.

The Truth Behind Color

Grease color not only reflects its ingredients; manufacturers sometimes also add dyes to differentiate its intended use. But color is only a starting point; performance is paramount. Keep the following in mind:

Color doesn't guarantee quality: Greases of the same color can have vastly different performance depending on their formulation or brand. When choosing, consult technical specifications such as NLGI grade, dropping point, and viscosity.

Matching the operating conditions is key: use red for high temperatures, blue for humidity, and black for heavy loads... choosing the wrong color can ruin your equipment!

Watch for color changes: Grease may change color due to impurities or aging, indicating the need for equipment replacement or inspection.

How can you choose the right grease and save your equipment?

 We've learned from over a dozen scrapped equipment and summarized these grease selection tips:

Clarify the operating requirements: Is the equipment subject to high temperatures, heavy loads, humidity, or food grade? The operating conditions determine the type of grease.

Check the technical specifications: Pay attention to the NLGI grade, base oil type, and thickener type to ensure it matches the equipment.

Consult a professional: When unsure, seek help from the equipment manufacturer or grease supplier to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Color is a clue, performance is key: Color can help you quickly identify the problem, but ultimately, the decision is based on data.

Conclusion

Grease color isn't a mystery; it's the "Morse code" of engineers. Black is as resistant to pressure as Mount Tai, red is as heat-resistant as flames, blue is waterproof and withstands extreme moisture, green is environmentally friendly and has a long lifespan, white is pure and safe, and yellow is economical and practical. Our lesson is a warning: Choose the wrong grease and your equipment will be obsolete in minutes! Next time you pick up grease, carefully read its "color code" to keep your equipment running smoothly and avoid the nightmare of obsolete equipment!