How to evaluate the corrosion resistance of lubricating grease?

How to evaluate the corrosion resistance of lubricating grease? 

A comprehensive guide to lubricating grease corrosion resistance testing and professional testing equipment.

A tiny corrosion spot in a bearing can cause millions of dollars worth of equipment to shut down. Seemingly simple grease testing safeguards the reliability of the industrial world.

Grease corrosion resistance testing is a crucial step in ensuring the long-term reliable operation of machinery. According to ASTM D1743, this test precisely evaluates the 

corrosion resistance of grease-lubricated tapered roller bearings in a simulated humid environment. This method not only differentiates the relative corrosion resistance of 

different greases but has also proven a strong correlation between laboratory results and grease performance in real-world applications.

01. Significance of the Test

Lubricating grease plays a dual role in mechanical systems: it is both a protector against friction and a potential equipment killer due to insufficient 

corrosion protection. Studies show that up to 75% of bearing failures are directly related to improper lubrication.

In industrial applications, corrosion can lead to reduced equipment efficiency, shortened lifespan, and even catastrophic failures. The ASTM D1743 test, 

by simulating harsh, humid working environments, predicts the corrosion protection performance of lubricating grease in real-world applications. 

This test method, based on CRC technology L 412, has demonstrated a reliable correlation between laboratory results and the field performance 

of aircraft wheel bearing lubricating grease.

The test results directly affect the safe operation and maintenance costs of mechanical equipment, and are particularly valuable in fields with 

extremely high reliability requirements, such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and heavy industry.

Based on ASTM D1743, China has also formulated a corresponding national standard, GB/T5018-2008. Both standards share essentially the same test 

principles and conditions, providing a unified technical basis for the performance evaluation of lubricating grease products both domestically and internationally.

02 Analysis of Mainstream Testing Instruments

There are various testing instruments on the market that conform to the ASTM D1743 standard, each with its own characteristics. For ease of comparison, 

the core information of our representative product is presented below in a clear format:

Dongguan Skyline Industrial Co., Ltd. Model: SL-OA108

• Origin and Brand: SKYLINE

• Key Features: Beautiful and elegant design, reasonable structure, easy operation, and accurate measurement results

• Technical Parameters: Motor speed 1450r/min±50r/min, power 60W, operating power AC 220V±10%

The core design of this equipment strictly adheres to the requirements of the ASTM D1743 standard, ensuring the reliability and comparability of test results.

03 Detailed Test Procedure

The ASTM D1743 corrosion test is a systematic process, mainly consisting of four stages:

The sample preparation stage requires uniformly applying grease to the clean surface of the tapered roller bearing. A dedicated grease applicator is 

typically used to ensure a uniform coating. This step is crucial for the accuracy of the final results.

During the bearing operation stage, the grease-coated bearing is operated under a slight thrust load for 60 seconds ± 3 seconds, simulating 

the distribution of grease in actual use.

The environmental exposure stage is the core of the test. The bearing is placed in an environment of 52℃ ± 1℃ and 100% relative humidity for 

48 hours ± 0.5 hours, simulating high humidity operating conditions.

In the results evaluation stage, technicians clean the bearing and carefully inspect the raceway corrosion. The evaluation criteria are very clear: 

the presence of corrosion spots of 1 mm or larger on the outer raceway of the bearing indicates failure, meaning the grease's anti-corrosion performance 

has not met the requirements.

04 Other Key Grease Testing Equipment

Besides corrosion resistance testing, a complete grease performance evaluation includes several aspects, requiring different specialized equipment:

A grease oil separation analyzer is used to assess the stability of grease. Grease releases base oil during storage and use, a characteristic that directly 

affects its service life and lubrication performance.

A grease water spray characteristic tester simulates the grease's ability to retain moisture under water erosion conditions. This performance indicator is 

particularly important for machinery frequently exposed to water or humid environments.

An automatic copper wire corrosion tester specifically assesses the grease's corrosiveness to non-ferrous metals. Many pieces of machinery contain 

copper alloy components, and grease should not accelerate the corrosion process of these components.

In addition, there are various devices specifically designed to test grease's oxidation resistance, mechanical stability, and low-temperature performance. 

These tests together constitute a comprehensive grease performance evaluation system, providing a scientific basis for selecting the appropriate grease for different applications.

In the hidden corners of the mechanical world, these tests silently safeguard the operational safety of everything from precision instruments to heavy equipment. 

The next time you hear the roar of airplanes taking off and landing or the hum of factory machinery, you'll know that lubricating grease corrosion testing equipment has played a part in it.

If you need further information on technologies and instruments for testing the combustion performance of building materials, please contact Dongguan Skyline Team!

• ·New type Crockmeter- Manual Is Newly Released!
• ·Chinese New Year's Holiday!
• ·Skyline Instruments to SASO Installing and Training with a perfect Ending
• ·2014 New Design Toys 2m/s. Dynamic Strength Tester
• ·In 2014, the latest launched Caster and Chair Base Durability Tester
• ·The Blockbuster Launched Chair Stability Tester