Calcium Grease, commonly known as Calcium Soap Thickened Grease, is a traditional lubricating grease formulated by thickening mineral base oil with calcium soaps, typically calcium stearate. It is widely used due to its excellent water resistance, strong rust protection, good adhesion, and cost efficiency.
Calcium grease performs exceptionally well in wet, humid, and water-exposed environments. However, due to its relatively low dropping point, it is recommended mainly for low to moderate temperature applications.
Composition & Manufacturing
Base Oil: Mineral oil selected to provide adequate film strength, lubrication efficiency, and pumpability.
Thickener – Calcium Soap: Calcium stearate provides excellent adhesion, water resistance, and corrosion protection but limits high-temperature capability.
Additives (Optional): Rust inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, anti-wear additives, and tackifiers may be added depending on application requirements.
Key Performance Characteristics
Excellent Water Resistance: Retains structure and lubrication under direct water exposure.
Superior Rust & Corrosion Protection: Forms a protective film against moisture-induced corrosion.
High Mechanical Stability: Maintains consistency under moderate mechanical stress.
Strong Adhesiveness: Sticks firmly to metal surfaces, reducing grease loss.
Smooth & Uniform Texture: Buttery consistency allows easy application and uniform oil release.
Cost-Effective: Economical solution for large-volume lubrication needs.
Moderate Temperature Capability: Suitable for –20°C to +80°C applications.
Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Range / Description |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth, buttery, light brown / amber |
| Thickener Type | Calcium soap |
| NLGI Grades | 0, 1, 2, 3 |
| Most Common Grade | NLGI 2 |
| Worked Penetration (NLGI 2) | 265 – 295 |
| Dropping Point | 90°C – 110°C |
| Base Oil Viscosity @ 40°C | 80 – 150 cSt |
| Operating Temperature Range | –20°C to +80°C |
| Water Washout (ASTM D1264) | Excellent (very low loss) |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | Pass |
| Four-Ball Wear Test | Good wear protection |
| Mechanical Stability | Good |
Available Grades & Variants
By NLGI Consistency:
NLGI 0 – Central lubrication systems
NLGI 1 – Cold environments, light machinery
NLGI 2 – General-purpose applications
NLGI 3 – Vertical surfaces and high-adhesion needs
Calcium EP Grease: Enhanced with anti-wear or EP additives for slightly higher load conditions.
Anhydrous Calcium Grease: Improved water resistance and slightly higher temperature tolerance compared to conventional calcium grease.
Calcium Grease vs Lithium Grease
| Feature | Calcium Grease | Lithium Grease |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Dropping Point | Low (90–110°C) | High (190–220°C) |
| Temperature Range | Low–Moderate | Moderate–High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical Use | Wet environments | General multipurpose |
Packaging Options
Small Packs: 500 g, 1 kg
Medium Packs: 5 kg, 10 kg
Bulk Containers: 18 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg
Large Drums: 50 kg, 180 kg
Customized packaging available upon request
Applications
Industrial: Water-exposed bearings, pumps, pipelines, agricultural machinery, conveyors.
Automotive: Chassis, steering linkages, suspension joints, wheel assemblies (non-disc brake).
Marine & Water-Exposed: Port equipment, boat trailers, coastal machinery, water-treatment facilities.
General Maintenance: Hinges, couplings, shafts, light mechanical assemblies.
Advantages & Limitations
Advantages:
Outstanding water resistance
Excellent rust protection
Strong adhesion
Smooth consistency
Cost-effective and proven technology
Limitations:
Low dropping point limits high-temperature use
Not suitable for high-speed bearings
Not recommended for disc brake wheel bearings