Galling of Stainless Steels - Lubrication 1

[NGH]

Hi,

I know about the galling properties of stainless steels and other materials. However, if a stainless surface was un-plated and relied on an applied lubricant to help resist galling can anyone please substantiate or explain the following statement:

"silicone grease makes a good job of enhancing the galling properties on stainless steels".

Regards
NGH

 

[btrueblood]

We use a lot of silicone grease here, as it does not affect EPDM seals (which we use nearly exclusively). I don't think it is any better or worse than other greases in keeping stainless from galling. Once the grease is rubbed away, and you have metal-to-metal contact with stainless, you see galling.

 

[NGH]

Hello,

Thanks for the reply, your answer is what I was sort of thinking myself. I was just thrown by the statement, which has since been explained more to me a little more, in that the thought behind the statement was that something in the silicone grease actually perpetuates galling. The only way I can see this happening, is as you say, when the grease is dispersed and the bare stainless is left behind.

Regards
NGH