How Much Does Synthetic Grease Cost?

This table helps estimate the per-device cost of specialty greases. The dots, whose diameters are noted in millimeters, represent various “dollops” of grease. The volume of each dollop is given in milliliters in the second column. The next two columns indicate the weight of grease in pounds needed to lubricate 100,000 devices, if each device uses the amount of grease shown in the first column.

Calculating the Approximate Cost of Synthetic Grease in U.S Dollars

“LD” stands for low or standard-density grease, that is, a grease with a density close to 1g/ml, such as most synthetic hydrocarbon, silicone, or ester-based greases. “HD” stands for high-density grease, that is, a grease with a density closer to 2g/ml, such as fluorinated ether-based greases. (Some fluorocarbon-gelled greases are intermediate in density; some hydrocarbon greases have densities lower than 1g/ml) Note that the volume is equivalent to the weight of the dollop in grams for an LD grease; an HD grease would weigh twice as many grams. The last two columns list the grease cost per device in cents, not dollars.