Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1412702
www.machinerylubrication.com | September - October 2021 | 23 ML ML ally recognized grease specification for grease and equipment manufacturers and end-users since 1989. Although originally conceived as an automotive chassis and wheel bearing grease spec- ification for after-market service, GC-LB is still recognized as a mark of quality for grease specifiers due to NLGI's reputation and recognition of the certification mark. In the 2015-2016 timeframe, one key priority set by NLGI's board was to "modernize and update the GC-LB program." Since grease technology and applications have evolved since 1989, and the original target for GC-LB was chassis and wheel bearing applications, NLGI's board prioritized the modernization of the GC-LB program. Early in the process of collecting input to modernize the GC-LB program, feedback clearly stated the need for a new grease speci- fication with higher performance and broader utility in the marketplace. e result focused on this High-Performance Multiuse (HPM) grease specification, which provides a benchmark for grease used in a variety of bearings and applications that require similar lubricating properties. Machinery Lubrication: What type of applications are a good fit for an HPM certified grease? NLGI: While the NLGI HPM grease specifications are designed to ensure a high level of performance for many different applications (multiuse), they are not suitable for all applications. We consider that multiuse applications may include the following: • Conveyor bearings • Hinges • Electric motor bearings • Pillow block fan bearings • Rollers • rust bearings • Industrial gearbox bearings • Presses • Pump bearings • Ball screws • Winches • Linear bearings • Bushings • Plain bearings • Rolling element bearings us, HPM grease is a good choice for many applications which require "more than just a multi-purpose grease," but not where a "specialty grease" is required. It is important to remember is that the HPM specification should not be used as a shortcut to grease selection. Each application should be evaluated for its requirements based on speed, load, temperature and operating environment. ese parameters will affect the choice of base oil viscosity, consistency, thickener type and additive needs. An HPM-certified grease may or may not meet these requirements. We recommend that you consult an application engineer from your grease supplier to find out if an HPM grease is right for your application. Figure 1. The HPM specification and four performance enhancement categories. High-Performance Multiuse (HPM) Grease Specification NLGI'S HIGH-PERFORMANCE MULTIUSE GREASE CLASSIFICATIONS HPM Grease Specification with enhanced Water Resistance (HPM Grease Spec + WR) HPM Grease Specification with enhanced Salt Water Corrosion Resistance (HPM Grease Spec + CR) HPM Grease Specification with enhanced High Load Carrying Capacity (HPM Grease Spec + HL) HPM Grease Specification with enhanced Low Temp Performance (HPM Grease Spec + LT)