It's got groove, it's got meaning! NLGI has worked on a new specification for premium tier, high performance multi-use greases. Stay ahead of the formulating curve with Afton's performance additive grease technology.
High Performance Multiuse (HPM) Grease Specification
While the GC-LB Mark specification was originally intended to specify quality for greases used in automotive chasses and wheel bearings, since its inception in 1989 GC-LB Mark has become an indication of high-quality grease in various applications. Because of advancements in materials, technologies, and applications, NLGI recognizes that there is a growing need in the market for higher performing greases.
NLGI is finalizing a new specification to supplement GC-LB with a set of classifications for High Performance Multiuse (HPM) greases. The HPM Core specification focuses on a set of performance areas that are common to many applications. Recognizing the diverse operating conditions and applications for grease, enhanced performance subcategories have been chosen to meet particular needs.
HPM Performance Subcategories
The performance subcategories captured within the NLGI specification are as follows: Water Resistance (WR), Load Carrying Capability (HL), Salt Water Corrosion Resistance (CR), and Low Temperature Performance (LT).
The tests and proposed limits for these performance subcategories are shown in more detail below. The enhanced performance subcategories must meet the core HPM specification as well. Additional performance subcategories may be developed in the future to address other common grease lubrication needs.
Test Name
Method
GC LB
ASTM
D4950
HPM
Core
(CR)
(HL)
(WR)
(LT)
Worked-60 Pen (dmm)
D217
220-340
220-340
Rust Prevention
D1743
Pass
Pass
Bearing Rust
(10% SSW)
D5969
Pass
Emcor Rust Test (distilled water)
D6138
0,1
Emcor Rust
(100% SSW)
D6138
1,2
Emcor Rust
(0.5 N NaCl solution)
D6138
2,3
Four-Ball Wear, max
D2266
0.6 mm
0.60
0.50
Four-Ball Wear, min
D2596
200 kgf
250
400
Four-Ball LWI, min
D2596
30 kgf
SRV step Load (procedure B at 80°C)
D5706
800
Fretting Wear
(weight loss)
D4170
5
Fretting Wear Scar by SRV
D7594
0.500
Fretting Protection, max
D4170
10 mg
Dropping Point, min °C (°F)
D566/D2265
220°C (428°F)
High Temp Life, max (hrs)
D3527
80 hrs
Oxid. Stability, 100 hrs.100°C ΔkPa (psi))
D942
35 (4.9)
Copper Corrosion, 24 hrs, 100°C max
D4048
1b
CR Volume Change
D4289
0 to 40
CR Hardness Change
D4289
-15 to 0
NBR Volume Change (Δ vol%)
D4289
-5 to 30
NBR Hardness Change (Δ Hardness)
D4289
-15 to 2
NBR (ISO 13226) 168 hours, 125°C
D4289
-15 to +2
(ΔVol%)
D4289
-5 to +30
Prolonged worked penetration (Δ100k)
D217
+/- 30
Water Washout, % loss, max
D1264
15 wt%
10 wt%
5 wt%
Water spray off, max
D4049
40 wt%
Wet roll stability (2 hrs, RT)
D8022
+/- 15 Δ%
High temp bleed (30 hrs, 100°C)
D6184
Roll stability (2 hrs,RT)
D1831
Oil Separation (24 hrs, 25°C)
D1742
6 wt%
Leakage, grams loss
D4290
10g
Low Temp Torque Ball Bearing, -20°C
D1478
Starting Torque, max
1000 mNm
Running Torque, max
100 mNm
Low Temp Torque (-40°C)
D4693
Low Temp Torque Ball Bearing, -30°C
D1478
Starting torque, max
1,000 mNm
Running Torque, max
100 mNm
U.S. Steel Mobility, -20°C, min
LT-37
10 g/min
Low Temp Flow (Kesternich) -30°C
DIN 51805-2
1400 mbar
Afton Grease Additive Solutions
Afton Chemical specializes in specialty additive components and packages for formulating a range of performance greases. Afton is familiar with the challenges facing formulators evaluating a new HPM certified grease, and is happy to help you and your team navigate these hurdles.
