DIN Grease Classification
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung eV – German Institute for Standardization) specifies the classification of greases in DIN 51502. According to this, greases are differentiated according to their field of application, type of base oil and additives, consistency class NLGI, the highest and lowest temperature of use and water resistance. Thickener type is not mentioned here.
DIN 51502 Designation for lubricating oils
Example specification: K PF 2 K -30
“K” – Lubricant application field
“PF” – Identification for base oil and additives
“2” – Consistency class according to NLGI
“K” – Designation of maximum operating temperature in °C, resistant to water
“-30” – Lower operating temperature of the oil in °C
Lubricant application areas
G – closed gears
OG – open gears;
K – roller and friction bearings, sliding surfaces;
M – friction bearings and seals; M – friction bearings and seals
Base oil and additive marks
The second identification letter indicates the type or types of additives used:
D – oils with detergent additives;
E – oils that are often used mixed with water, for example: water-soluble coolant lubricant;
F – oils with solid additives (graphite, molybdenum sulfide);
L – oils with active ingredients to increase protection against corrosion and/or aging;
M – for water-soluble coolants and with mineral oil components;
S – for water-soluble and synthetic coolants;
P – for lubricants with active ingredients to reduce friction and wear in mixed friction and/or to increase load stability;
V*, for lubricants that are solvent-soluble, e.g. DIN 51513-BB-V.
* Products with an additional identification letter V may require marking according to the regulations for hazardous substances.
Identification of maximum operating temperature
An additional identification letter indicates the maximum application or operating temperature: C, D, E, F, G, H, K, M, N, P, R, S, T, U.
| Letter | Maximum operating temperature, °С | Resistance to water, class* | Test temperature, ° С |
| C | 60 | 0 або 1 | 40 |
| D | 60 | 2 або 3 | 40 |
| E | 80 | 0 або 1 | 40 |
| F | 80 | 2 або 3 | 40 |
| G | 100 | 0 або 1 | 90 |
| H | 100 | 2 або 3 | 90 |
| K | 120 | 0 або 1 | 90 |
| M | 120 | 2 або 3 | 90 |
| N | 140 |
On special requirements |
|
| P | 160 | ||
| R | 180 | ||
| S | 200 | ||
| T | 220 | ||
| U | more than 220 | ||
* 0 means no change; 1 – slight change; 2 – moderate change; 3 – significant change
Lower oil operating temperature designation
The last digit after the “-” indicates the minimum use or operating temperature: -10 ºC to -60 ºC
Additional marking of synthetic base oils
Oils based on synthetic base oils may have an additional letter indicating the type of oil used. It is especially important to know the type of oil when it is incompatible with paints, elastomers or other types of mineral or synthetic oils.
E – organic esters;
FK – fluorinated hydrocarbons;
HC – synthetic hydrocarbons;
PG – polyglycols;
PH – phosphoric acid esters;
Sl – silicone oils;
X – other.