Lubricant Selection — Quick Reference
Lubricant selection turns on application (bearing/chain/open-gear/food-contact/corrosion-prevention), operating temperature, load, and compliance (food H1/H2 grade for food processing). The wrong lubricant = accelerated wear, contamination risk, or compliance failure.
| Lubricant Type | Best For | Operating Temp | Key Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Grade Grease (NSF H1) | Food + bev processing — incidental food contact permitted | -20 to 150°C | CRC, Molytec, Rocol |
| Lithium / Lithium Complex Grease | General workshop bearings, multi-purpose | -30 to 130°C | CRC, Rocol, Inox |
| Moly (MoS₂) Grease | High-load, shock-load, slow-speed bearings, CV joints | -20 to 150°C | Molytec, CRC, Castrol |
| EP (Extreme Pressure) Grease | Gears, heavy bearings, mining + agricultural | -20 to 140°C | Rocol, Castrol, Mobil |
| Silicone Spray / Grease | Plastics, rubber, electrical contacts, non-staining | -40 to 200°C | CRC, Dy-Mark |
| White Lithium Grease (Aerosol) | Light-duty hinges, sliding mechanisms, sporting/automotive | -20 to 130°C | CRC, Inox |
| Chain Lube (Wax / PTFE) | Roller chain, drive chain — penetrate then film over | -20 to 200°C | CRC, Rocol |
| Corrosion Inhibitor (CRC SP-350 etc.) | Long-term metal protection, outdoor storage | Ambient | CRC, CorrosionX, Inox |
| Anti-Seize (Copper / Nickel / Moly) | High-temp threaded assemblies, exhaust, flanges | Cu: -30 to 1100°C; Ni: -50 to 1450°C | Loctite, Molytec, CRC |
Food grade key: NSF H1 = incidental food contact OK | H2 = NO food contact zones | 3H = direct release agent. Brands: CRC, Rocol, Molytec, CorrosionX, Inox, Dy-Mark, Helmar. Companion: industrial lubricants guide, grease types guide, moly grease guide, anti-seize guide.
Industrial Lubricants: Food Grade Greases, Silicone Sprays, Machine Oils and Corrosion Inhibitors
The right lubricant in the right application reduces friction, prevents corrosion, extends component life, and maintains compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements. AIMS Industrial offers 250+ lubricants from CRC, Rocol, Molytec, CorrosionX, Inox, Dy-Mark, and Helmar — covering food grade greases, silicone lubricants, machine oils, white lithium grease, and corrosion inhibitors for industrial plant, food processing, and general maintenance applications.
The AIMS Lubrication Range
Our lubricants range covers both general industrial and food-safe applications, with a strong focus on Australian-relevant maintenance environments.
- Food Grade Greases (H1): CRC Food Grade Multi-Purpose Grease, Rocol Sapphire Silicone Grease (MX22), Molytec M808 Spraysafe Food Grade Silicone Spray, Inox MX6 Food Grade Grease, and CRC Industrial Food Grade Silicone Grease are NSF H1 registered lubricants for incidental food contact applications in food processing, beverage, and packaging plant.
- Silicone Sprays: CRC Food Grade Silicone Spray and Helmar High Performance Silicone Spray provide dry, non-staining lubrication for plastic components, rubber seals, conveyor belts, and mould release applications where petroleum-based lubricants would cause swelling or contamination.
- Machine Oils: CRC Food Grade Machine Oil (312g) provides light-viscosity lubrication for food machinery bearings, chains, and moving parts requiring low-viscosity oil lubrication in incidental food contact zones.
- Corrosion Inhibitors: CorrosionX corrosion inhibitor and moisture displacer provides long-term protection for steel, aluminium, and electrical components in humid, coastal, and marine environments. Displaces existing moisture and forms a creeping film that penetrates tight tolerances and corrosion pits.
- White Lithium Grease: Dy-Mark Protech White Lithium Grease (300g) is a general-purpose grease for metal-to-metal contact points, hinges, slides, and general machinery — a lighter alternative to EP grease for low-load applications.
Lubricant Selection: Key Considerations
- H1 vs H2 vs H3 Food Grade: NSF H1 lubricants are approved for incidental food contact (used where there is a possibility of contact with food). H2 lubricants are for non-food-contact areas of food plants. H3 (edible) lubricants are used where direct food contact is intended. Using the wrong grade in a food processing environment creates a food safety compliance risk.
- Grease Gun Compatibility: Most cartridge greases require a 400g or 450g grease gun. For mechanical lubrication of plant, see our grease guns range to ensure you have the right application tool for your grease cartridges and lubrication points.
- Expert Support: Not sure which lubricant grade or specification your equipment requires? Contact our team or request a quote for product selection guidance.
- Australian Business, Local Supply: As a proudly Australian business since 1988, we stock locally and work with trusted local Australian manufacturers and distributors to ensure fast, reliable supply.
Also see our grease guns and oil tanks for lubricant dispensing and bulk oil storage solutions.
Browse our complete lubrication range
Greases, oils and dispensing equipment for plant and workshop:
Greases
Oil Dispensing
Silicone & Specialty
Corrosion Inhibitor
People Also Ask — Industrial Lubrication
Q: What lubrication products does AIMS stock across the range?
Greases (lithium, lithium complex, calcium, moly, polyurea, food-grade), oils (engine, gearbox, hydraulic, compressor, machine, way, slideway), penetrants (CRC, WD-40, Inox MX-3), assembly lubricants (anti-seize, threadlock-compatible lubes), dry-film lubricants (PTFE, graphite, MoS2), corrosion inhibitors, cutting fluids, and specialty lubricants for food processing, mining, and high-temperature service.
Q: How do I choose between grease and oil for my application?
Use grease where you can't easily replenish the lubricant — sealed bearings, exposed bearings without oil return, long-interval service points. Use oil where you can circulate the lubricant — gearboxes, engine sumps, hydraulic systems, machine slideways. Oil dissipates heat better than grease (think hot bearings, high speed); grease stays in place better (think open assemblies, dirty environments). Both have specific roles.
Q: Which brands does AIMS supply across the lubrication range?
Loctite (anti-seize, threadlock), Castrol (industrial oils), Macnaught (transfer equipment), CRC (general workshop), Inox (penetrant and corrosion protection), Rocol (cutting fluids and food-grade), Tap Magic (cutting fluids), Anglomoil (industrial oils), Molybond (moly-based lubricants), and others for specialty applications. For your specific application, contact us with the OEM specification and we'll match to the right product.
Q: What's the difference between mineral and synthetic lubricant?
Mineral oils are refined from crude oil, lower cost, suit moderate-temperature general lubrication. Synthetic oils are engineered for specific properties — wider temperature range, better oxidation resistance, longer service life. Synthetics typically cost 3-5x more per litre but extend service intervals 2-4x. For high-cost equipment in critical service, synthetics often pay back through longer drain intervals and better protection.
Q: How do I match lubricant viscosity to my equipment?
Follow the equipment manufacturer's specification — viscosity is usually called out in ISO VG, SAE, or AGMA grades depending on the application. Hydraulic systems typically ISO VG 32 or 46, gearboxes ISO VG 220 or higher, engine oils SAE multi-grade (5W-30, 15W-40). Don't substitute viscosity grades without checking — wrong viscosity causes overheating (too thick) or bearing damage (too thin).