Why this article?
Anyone working in production, maintenance, or process engineering knows the problem: the lubricant has to be the right one – otherwise, downtime, costly rework, and dissatisfied customers are inevitable. Here you'll learn how to make the optimal choice, which parameters are crucial, and which Bonderite products from our portfolio are ideal for your application.
How to find the right lubricant
Using the wrong lubricant can slow down processes, shorten tool life, and increase scrap. Before you decide, clarify:
- Temperature range: Start, operation, peak load.
- Friction and load situation: Do you need solid lubricants such as graphite or PTFE?
- Consistency & viscosity: NLGI for fats, ISO VG for oils.
- Conductive or insulating? Especially important in electrical applications.
- Residue behavior & wetting: Especially crucial in casting.
- Material compatibility: metals, plastics, elastomers.
- Standards & approvals: e.g. NSF H1, internal factory regulations.
Application matrix – quickly find the recommendation
Application | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
Hot/semi-hot forging | Graphite dispersion or dry lubricating film | Protection against wear, uniform layer formation, tool protection |
Die casting/molding | Release and lubricating agents with or without graphite | Clean mold filling, fewer adhesions |
Low-pressure casting | High-coverage graphite dispersion | Stable separating layer, wear protection |
Assembly/Disassembly | Anti-seize / high-pressure paste | Prevents seizing, defines tightening torques |
Electrical/Humidity | Dielectric silicone grease | Protection against moisture and stray currents |
Our Bonderite recommendations for your processes
Forging lubricants
- Bonderite L-FG 31 / Bonderite L-FG F 31 – The world's most widely used forging lubricant. Graphite for hot forming, consistent coating, long tool life.
- BONDERITE L-GP T 144 – Ammonia-free graphite solution for forging technology.
- Bonderite L-GP D31A Spray – Heat-resistant graphite spray for targeted lubrication.
For casting processes
- Bonderite L-CA CG 575 Acheson – Water-based mold coating for uniform release effect.
- Bonderite L-GP HKKS – High-coverage graphite dispersion for low-pressure casting.
- Bonderite L-FG ADAG C EU 18% – Specifically for die casting applications.
Dry lubricant films & coatings
- Bonderite L-GP 318 – Water-based PTFE film, abrasion-resistant, chemical-resistant.
- Bonderite L-GP 325EF – Resin-bonded PTFE coating with high adhesive strength.
- Bonderite L-GP 333-1 EU – PTFE dry lubricant with a very low coefficient of friction.
- Bonderite L-GP 580 – Conductive dry lubricant film for thread protection.
- Bonderite L-GP EB 020A EU – Premium coating for extreme requirements.
Graphite dispersions & special applications
- Bonderite L-GP 156 – Versatile graphite dispersion.
- BONDERITE L-GP 2404 – Separation and wear protection in forging.
- Bonderite L-GP 522 – Highly concentrated graphite solution.
- Bonderite L-GP OD – For high temperatures in wear protection.
- Bonderite L-GP YA – Strong coverage for demanding processes.
- Bonderite L-GP 323 / L-GP 386 – For dry sliding pairings.
Application & dosing technology – for maximum efficiency
- Manual application: Brush, spray, pressure cup – apply evenly, observe preheating temperature.
- Automated: Optimize spray lances, timing and nozzle pattern, stir dispersions.
- Ensure quality: Document pressure, time, flow rate, and temperature.
Storage & Quality Preservation
- Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed.
- Adhere to the FIFO principle.
- Homogenize dispersions before use.
- Check pastes for consistency and oil separation.
Avoid common mistakes
- Do not use insulating grease on live electrical contacts.
- Incorrect consistency leads to squeezing or assembly problems.
- Do not underestimate residue behavior – it can lead to rejects.
- Processing dispersions without stirring results in inhomogeneous layers.
Sustainability – also an issue in lubrication
Precise application, longer service life, and optimal product selection save you material, energy, and cleaning effort. We support you with suitable container sizes, packaging, and professional disposal.
Your next step
Briefly describe your application. We will determine the optimal lubricant, send samples, and support the practical test – directly on site.
