Grease plays a vital role in keeping machinery running smoothly. Without the right grease, bearings overheat, parts wear down, and equipment can fail long before its expected lifespan. This is why choosing the correct grease is more than just a maintenance task—it’s a cost-saving strategy. Among the wide variety of KRAFTMAX greases available, two common options stand out: polyurea grease and high temperature grease.
At first glance, these products might seem interchangeable, but their differences are significant. Each is designed to solve specific lubrication challenges, and selecting the wrong one could result in poor performance or costly repairs. To help you make the right choice, this guide explores the differences between KRAFTMAX polyurea grease and high temperature grease, outlining their properties, strengths, limitations, and the best usage.
What is Polyurea Grease?
Polyurea grease is a specialty grease that uses polyurea compounds as a thickener instead of the more common lithium soap. This chemical structure gives it unique properties, most notably its excellent resistance to oxidation and its ability to last for long periods without needing reapplication. Because of this, it has become the lubricant of choice for components where regular maintenance is difficult, such as sealed-for-life bearings in electric motors.
Industries often turn to polyurea grease for automotive alternators, small machinery operating at high speeds, and electric motors where downtime for relubrication would be costly. Its advantages include longer bearing life, strong resistance to rust and oxidation, and reliable performance under demanding operating conditions. However, polyurea grease does come with certain drawbacks. It tends to be more expensive than conventional greases, and because of its chemical composition, it may not be compatible with other types of greases. This means that improper mixing can lead to grease breakdown and bearing failure.
What is High Temperature Grease?
High temperature grease, as the name suggests, is formulated to withstand extreme levels of heat. It is often manufactured with lithium complex, calcium sulfonate, or synthetic base oils, and in many cases it includes additives such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) to provide additional load-carrying capacity.
This type of KRAFTMAX grease remains stable at elevated temperatures where other greases would simply melt or oxidize. It is particularly useful in industries like steel production, automotive manufacturing, and food processing, where machinery is frequently exposed to ovens, furnaces, and other sources of intense heat. Common applications include automotive disc brakes, heavy-duty bearings, and industrial ovens. While KRAFTMAX high temperature grease performs exceptionally under hot conditions, it may need more frequent reapplication than polyurea grease, depending on the environment.
Differences Between KRAFTMAX Polyurea Grease and KRAFTMAX High Temperature Grease
Although both lubricants protect machinery, their performance characteristics vary. KRAFTMAX polyurea grease is best known for its long service life and resistance to oxidation, making it suitable for applications where relubrication is inconvenient. On the other hand, KRAFTMAX high temperature grease is designed to survive extreme heat, which makes it indispensable in industries where machinery is exposed to continuous high operating temperatures.
Temperature tolerance is the first major difference. KRAFTMAX polyurea grease performs well in moderate to high temperatures but is not meant for extreme heat. KRAFTMAX high temperature grease, on the other hand, is engineered to resist breakdown above 200°C (392°F) and in some cases even higher.
Another key distinction lies in oxidation resistance. KRAFTMAX Polyurea grease excels in this area, maintaining stability for long periods and ensuring bearings last longer. KRAFTMAX High temperature grease also offers good resistance, but its performance can vary depending on its formulation.
When it comes to bearing life, KRAFTMAX polyurea grease often extends longevity because it stays effective for longer periods without reapplication. KRAFTMAX high temperature grease provides essential protection in hot conditions but may need topping up more frequently. In terms of water resistance, some formulations of high temperature grease, particularly those using calcium sulfonate, outperform polyurea grease.
Compatibility is another important factor. KRAFTMAX polyurea grease is usually incompatible with other grease thickeners, which makes it risky to mix. KRAFTMAX high temperature greases, on the other hand, are often more widely compatible but still require careful consideration before blending. Lastly, availability and cost must be considered. Polyurea grease is less widely available and generally more expensive, however KRAFTMAX bring you the availability and compatible pricing at the same time.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between KRAFTMAX polyurea grease and high temperature grease depends on the specific demands of your equipment. If your machinery operates at high speeds and you want to minimize maintenance intervals, KRAFTMAX polyurea grease is a strong choice. It is particularly valuable in sealed electric motors, where frequent relubrication isn’t practical.
If, however, your equipment operates in scorching environments—such as furnaces, ovens, or heavy industrial settings—then KRAFTMAX high temperature grease is the safer option. Its ability to withstand intense heat ensures that bearings and other components continue running smoothly under pressure.
Conclusion
The differences between KRAFTMX polyurea grease and high temperature grease highlight why choosing the right lubricant is so important. KRAFTMAX polyurea grease is prized for its longevity and oxidation resistance, making it ideal for electric motors and sealed bearings. KRAFTMAX high temperature grease, on the other hand, is unmatched in environments exposed to extreme heat, protecting machinery in some of the harshest industrial conditions.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs. By selecting the right KRAFTMAX grease, you not only improve equipment reliability but also reduce maintenance costs and extend the life of your machinery.
If you are not sure which KRAFTMAX grease is the best suitable choice for you, contact our team right now and get their guidance to choose the right KRAFTMAX grease for your need!
FAQs
Q1: Can polyurea grease handle high temperatures?
Polyurea grease performs well in moderately high temperatures, but it is not designed for extreme heat applications.
Q2: Is high temperature grease always the better choice in hot environments?
Yes, but its effectiveness depends on the specific formulation. Some perform better under load, while others focus on resisting oxidation. Our accredited labs give us the advantage to tailor the products for your specific need.
Q3: Can polyurea grease be mixed with lithium grease?
No, polyurea grease is often incompatible with lithium-based greases and should not be mixed.
Q4: Which grease generally lasts longer?
Polyurea grease typically provides longer service intervals compared to high temperature grease.
Q5: Which grease costs more?
Polyurea grease usually costs more due to its specialized chemistry and extended service life.
Q6: Can high temperature grease be used in electric motors?
It can be used, but polyurea grease is usually preferred for electric motor bearings due to its longevity and resistance to oxidation.