What Is Lithium Grease?
Lithium grease is the most widely used industrial lubricating grease in the world, accounting for more than half of all grease production. It is made by thickening base oils with lithium soap, typically 12-hydroxystearate, which gives the grease excellent water resistance, high dropping point, and stable shear performance across a wide temperature range.
Types of Lithium Grease
When sourcing lithium grease for OEM or private label programs, buyers most often encounter these grades:
- Lithium 12-hydroxy grease — the industry standard multi-purpose grease for automotive and industrial bearings.
- Lithium complex grease — higher dropping point (above 260°C) and better load-carrying capacity for heavy-duty applications.
- EP lithium grease — with extreme-pressure additives such as MoS2 or graphite for shock-loaded equipment.
- Low-temperature lithium grease — formulated with synthetic base oils for cold-climate machinery.
How Lithium Grease Is Manufactured
Manufacturing begins with saponification: lithium hydroxide reacts with 12-hydroxystearic acid in a base oil at high temperature. The soap thickener is then dehydrated, cooled, and homogenized through a high-pressure mill to reach the target NLGI consistency grade (usually NLGI 1, 2, or 3). Finally, additives for anti-oxidation, anti-rust, and extreme pressure are blended in, and the finished grease is deaerated and filled into cartridges, pails, or drums.
Why Buyers Source Lithium Grease from China
China is one of the largest producers of lithium grease globally, offering mature raw-material supply chains, full NLGI range coverage, and flexible private label programs. B2B buyers typically evaluate:
- Quality certifications — ISO 9001 manufacturing systems and batch testing for dropping point, worked penetration, and water washout.
- Custom formulation — OEM clients can specify base oil type (mineral, semi-synthetic, full synthetic), NLGI grade, and additive package.
- Packaging flexibility — 400g cartridges, 1kg cans, 15kg pails, 180kg drums, and 1000L IBC totes under your own brand.
- MOQ and lead time — reliable factories support container-level MOQs with 15-25 day production schedules.
Common Applications
Lithium grease is used in electric motor bearings, automotive chassis and wheel bearings, industrial gearboxes, conveyor rollers, agricultural machinery, and general workshop lubrication. Its combination of water resistance, mechanical stability, and moderate temperature range makes it the default choice for maintenance teams worldwide.
Partner with a Lithium Grease OEM Factory
GUANGDONG MACAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD manufactures lithium grease under OEM and private label for distributors, importers, and industrial supply companies across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Our factory in Guangzhou supports:
- NLGI 0, 1, 2, and 3 lithium and lithium complex greases
- Mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic formulations
- Custom brand labels, colors, and packaging designs
- Export documentation, testing certificates, and global shipping support
Request a Quote
Looking for a reliable lithium grease manufacturer in China? Contact us at info@macanoil.com or WhatsApp +86 13005187218 to request samples, technical data sheets, and OEM pricing.