Lubrication Facts & Knowledge

Every day, millions of people twist open plastic bottles without realizing the caps rely on tiny amounts of food-grade lubricant. During manufacturing, these lubricants are applied to the threads to prevent the caps from jamming on high-speed bottling lines that...

The clicking mechanism in retractable pens relies on tiny amounts of silicone grease to function smoothly over thousands of clicks. Without proper lubrication, the spring and cam mechanism would wear out quickly, making the pen jam or fail to...

Historic drawbridges can use over 100 gallons of grease in their massive lifting mechanisms to raise thousands of tons of steel and concrete. The grease must work in all weather conditions, from freezing winters to hot summers, while resisting water spray from the river below....

Some bronze bearings are like metallic sponges filled with oil. During manufacturing, porous bronze is vacuum-soaked in lubricant, which slowly seeps out during use over many...

Silicone-based lubricants work completely differently from petroleum oils because they're made from silicon and oxygen rather than carbon and hydrogen. They remain slippery across an enormous temperature range from -40°F to over 400°F, making them ideal for everything from car...

Scientists are developing new lubricants inspired by bacterial biofilms, the slippery layers bacteria create on surfaces. These bio-inspired oils mimic how bacteria reduce friction in nature, potentially creating more sustainable...

Camera lenses use special low-outgassing lubricants that won't create fog on glass elements. The lubricant must work silently for autofocus motors and remain stable across temperature changes from cold...

Many motorcycles use the same oil for both the engine and clutch, creating a unique challenge. Unlike car engine oils that aim to minimize friction everywhere, motorcycle oils must lubricate engine parts while still...

Your car's sunroof slides along metal tracks coated with a special white lithium grease that must withstand huge temperature swings, from freezing winters to scorching summer heat when the roof can reach 160°F. If this grease dries out or gets contaminated with dirt, the sunroof can...

Modern vending machines contain dozens of moving parts that require specialized lubrication to operate smoothly in varying temperatures. The spiral coils that dispense snacks use grease that must remain effective whether the machine sits in a hot desert parking...