How do you lubricate plastic moving parts?
Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), typically work well with plastics. Esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, although there are exceptions based on the type of plastic material.
What is the best lubricant for plastic moving parts?
Lubricants with silicone or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are best for use on plastic surfaces. PTFE is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, so lubricants containing it are effective in damp conditions. Silicone lubricants make surfaces ultra-slippery while repelling water.
What lubricant is safe on plastic?
Silicone
Silicone and PFPE are generally safe with all plastics. Synthetic hydrocarbons and mineral oils are usually compatible with most plastics, though high and low operating temperatures may rule out mineral oils.
Does WD-40 lubricate plastic?
WD-40 Specialist® Silicone Lubricant safely lubricates, waterproofs and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as rubber, plastic and vinyl. This formula dries fast and leaves a clear, non-staining film that doesn’t stick or make a mess, so it won’t attract dirt.
What does vaseline do to plastic?
Petroleum jelly can attack hydrocarbon plastics but cannot dissolve them immediately. Petroleum jelly is slightly soluble in alcohol. To avoid damage to plastic and minimize ventilation issues, isopropyl (rubbung) alcohol can be used to remove or dissolve petroleum jelly.
Can you lubricate plastic gears?
Most plastic gears are capable of running without lubrication or can be embedded with lubricating materials (such as graphite, silicone, or PTFE). However, some operating conditions benefit from, or even require, lubrication.
Does WD-40 damage plastic?
It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
Can you use Vaseline instead of silicone grease?
Vaseline and any oil base grease will break down the Nitrile Butadiene Rubber in 6 months to a year. Oils, like olive oil or WD40 or 3-in-1 oils are too thin and will not stay in place for long at all. There is NO suitable substitute for Silicone Grease.
What grease is good for plastic gears?
The best grease for plastic gears is generally white high-temperature grease or high-viscosity silicone grease.
Can you use rubbing compound on plastic?
If you’ve wound up with a scratch in a plastic countertop, your car, or some other surface, have no fear. In many cases, you can buff the scratch out with some simple polishing compound. Step it up and use some fine grade sandpaper to remove deeper scratches.
What is a substitute for silicone lubricant?
Although it is best to purchase and use water-based or silicone-based lubricants, there are alternatives people can consider if they are unable to do this. These include aloe vera, yogurt, olive oil, and virgin coconut oil.
What is plastic lubricant?
Tips for Lubricating Plastic Parts Quick Overview Lubricants improve the performance and life of gears, bearings, slides, and other plastic parts — if they are formulated specifically for lubricating plastic components.
What is the best lubricant for plastic gears?
Keeping this in consideration, what is the best lubricant for plastic gears? Typically, lubricants based on silicone, PFAE (perflourinated), most synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), or mineral oils work well with plastics.
Do lubricants stick to smooth or polished materials?
Getting a lubricant to stick to a polished or very smooth surface can be very problematic. However, this really only becomes an issue if a lubricant needs to be placed between two surfaces with such characteristics. In this case, a solid lubricant may be a more reliable option.
What is the best lubricant to use to lubricate a motor?
In this case, a solid lubricant may be a more reliable option. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or, more commonly, Teflon) or Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) are two of the most commonly used solid lubricants.