Lubrication Facts & Knowledge

Chocolate factories use special food-grade lubricants to keep molds and conveyor belts running smoothly without contaminating the product. These lubricants must be completely tasteless, odorless, and safe to eat in case of accidental contact with...

Zippers rely on invisible lubricants to slide smoothly without snagging. Manufacturers often apply wax-based lubricants or silicone during production that can last years. When a zipper...

Enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards often lubricate each individual key switch to improve typing feel and reduce noise. The process involves disassembling the keyboard and applying thin synthetic lubricants to tiny plastic stems and springs....

Modern artificial hearts require special blood-compatible lubricants that must work continuously for years inside the human body. These synthetic oils must never cause blood clots, immune reactions, or break down from constant body temperature...

The smooth swivel and roll of an office chair relies on multiple lubrication points that most people never notice. The central column gas cylinder uses specialized grease that must handle thousands of height adjustments without leaking....

Two-stroke engines found in chainsaws, leaf blowers, and older motorcycles require oil mixed directly into gasoline because they lack a separate lubrication system. The typical mixing ratio ranges from 40:1 to 50:1, meaning 40 to 50 parts gasoline to 1 part oil....

In extreme Arctic conditions below -40°C, regular motor oil becomes so thick it can't flow properly, making engines impossible to start. Arctic vehicles use special synthetic oils that remain fluid even at -55°C, allowing snowmobiles and research vehicles to...

For decades, castor oil was the preferred lubricant for high-performance racing engines and early aircraft. Unlike petroleum oils, castor oil doesn't mix with gasoline, so when fuel enters the crankcase it doesn't...

That strong, sulfurous smell from gear oil comes from special additives designed to protect metal under extreme pressure. These additives contain sulfur compounds that activate when gears mesh together with tremendous force, forming a protective film that...

Air compressors need specialized oils because they face extreme heat from rapidly squeezing air. Regular motor oil can create dangerous carbon deposits when exposed to compressed air and...