Benefits of Lubricating Pastes
 
The thicker nature of lubricating pastes makes them ideal for specific applications. While pastes are generally thicker (or more viscous)than greases, these two types of lubricants usually include the same base ingredients, such as natural oils, synthetic compounds or blends of the two.
 
Pastes also contain solidifying agents to make them effective during parts assembly and on open gears, each of which are situations in which other, more watery lubricants would drip or ooze away. With a variety of associated uses, paste lubricants can be applied to things as commonplace as home appliances or as specialized as power plant machinery. Although a paste itself may not act as a thickener, it will typically have a thickening agent as one of its ingredients.
 

Benefits of Pastes

In additional to their natural lubricating properties, pastes can also:
  • bear high loads
  • cut down on maintenance costs for machines to which they are applied
  • function effectively at high (or extremely low) temperatures
  • minimize corrosion
  • perform reliably in low- or high-speed operations
  • reduce friction.
Most pastes also contain anti-seize compounds to ensure their performance and effectiveness in a variety conditions. In gear designs that would otherwise leak lubricants, a paste will keep parts working properly, reducing the risk of extreme failure. Similarly, pastes' ability to function in high temperatures makes them efficient in setup and takedown operations.
 
When used in threading, some pastes provide the same friction resistance as oils to avoid over-tightening. In some applications, oils evaporate, leaving the needed residue for operation.
 
A variety of pastes are now environmentally safe and pose no risk with exposure. While all manufacturers provide specific guidelines for handling pastes properly, one basic rule of handling this lubricant is to wash your hands after using it.

Types of Paste Lubricants

Base oils or synthetics in pastes tend to be thicker (more viscous) than those used as bases for other lubricants. While pastes include additional thickeners, such as lithium complex, they also contain solidifying agents like graphite and/or molybdenum disulfide. Along with these compounds, pastes can have a variety of other ingredients that make them more or less suited for particular environments, equipment and/or machinery:
  • Assembly pastes are available in spray form for easy use. In any format, they're simple to apply and won't drip as oils do. They also feature exceptional adhesion and reduce fretting during normal or extended operation.
  • Chemical resistant pastes provide non-reactive adhesion on metal parts. Most are also effective at higher temperatures.
  • High temperature pastes, which provide lubrication at lower friction rates, prevent corrosion with characteristically easy breakaway movements.
  • Waterproof pastes are beneficial in offshore use or for areas with extreme weather conditions. Many contain non-hazardous compounds that will impact humans or the environment. This group includes laboratory and food-grade rated paste.

Paste can be applied through:

  • aerosol sprays
  • manual application
  • automatic application.
When applied properly, pastes are easy to remove during routine inspections, maintenance and/or repairs. They also provide exceptional adhesion on vertical or sliding surfaces with added cohesive properties.

Uses for Pastes

The fact that pastes have a higher ratio of solids to liquids makes them an ideal component for many types of indoor and outdoor operations. Their viscous properties leave them malleable and less prone to drying and cracking. In addition to marine use, pastes are also helpful lubricants in the manufacture of transportation devices, including buses and train flanges. Experts suggest that using thicker pastes typically saves money on the cost of fuel and reduces the need to replace parts or completely overhaul equipment.
 
In terms of industry and manufacturing, pastes are used in:
  • automated bottle washers
  • mining operations
  • pneumatics (the branch of science that deals with the applications of pressurized gases)
  • rails on escalators
  • ship building and other marine applications.

The types of parts that will accept lubricating pastes include:

  • bearings
  • bushings under heavy loads
  • catalytic converters
  • hydraulic tools
  • lathe chucks
  • open gears
  • plastic parts
  • press fittings
  • push plates
  • steering axles
  • threaded parts
  • turbines
  • U joints
  • valve stems
  • wheel hubs.

Storing Lubricant Paste

Unlike other lubricants, paste is biodegradable. However, pastes will deteriorate if they are not stored properly. As with other lubricants, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to maintain adequate shelf life. Additionally, follow these storage tips:
  • Always be sure lids or caps are tightly closed.
  • Control surrounding temperatures, if possible.
  • Do not transfer to an unspecified container.
  • Keep products in a dry area.
  • Use all paste, if possible, to avoid waste.
In large-scale operations, train employees how to use paste so that they avoid injuring themselves and don't overuse or waste the paste.
 
Because pastes are not appropriate for all jobs, especially those that require oil lubricants, be sure to consult the manufacturer's guidelines regarding use, storage and disposal for particular pastes.
 
Resources
 
Fuchs.com (n.d.). Pastes and Grease Pastes. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from the Fuchs.com Web site: http://www.fuchs.com.cn/eindex/pro_list.asp?top_type_id=299&type_id=337.

Ludwig, Lawrence G., Jr. (2006). Practical Lubrication of Open Gearing. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from the Machinery Lubrication Web site: http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?articleid=910&relatedbookgroup=Lubrication.

Mclube.com (n.d.). Industrial Lubrication Agents. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from the McLube.com Web site: http://www.mclube.com/frames/lubricat/index.html.