High-Temperature Grease Shortlist: 6 Thickener Types Buyers Should Evaluate in 2026

Selecting a high-temperature grease for heavy industrial equipment is rarely a single-product decision. For procurement teams and maintenance engineers, the practical question is usually narrower: which thickener chemistry should be on the shortlist for bearings, gears, and centralized lubrication systems running above 150°C?

This guide evaluates the main high-temperature grease categories in current use, compares their operating limits, and outlines what XINGANG—a Chinese grease manufacturer with production experience across metallurgy and automotive applications—can supply for each type. The ranking is based on published thickener statistics, industry standards, and manufacturer specification data, not on unverifiable performance claims.

The problem: high-temperature grease selection is a chemistry decision, not a brand decision

When a bearing or gearbox operates above 120°C, conventional lithium soap greases reach their practical limit. Dropping point, oxidation stability, and structural stability become the deciding factors. Buyers evaluating high-temperature grease must first choose a thickener family, because the thickener determines the temperature ceiling, water resistance, and extreme-pressure behaviour.

From a procurement perspective, the selection process needs to answer four questions:

• What maximum working temperature must the grease withstand continuously?
• Is the application subject to water ingress or heavy shock loads?
• Will the grease be used in centralized lubrication systems or manual greasing?
• What replacement cycle is acceptable for the maintenance schedule?

These questions lead to different thickener choices. A steel plant's continuous casting line has different requirements than an automotive wheel bearing line, even though both may be described as "high-temperature grease applications."

Industry background: what the 2024–2026 grease market data shows

High-temperature grease demand continues to grow with industrial output. The global high temperature grease market was valued at approximately USD 28.04 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 48.71 billion by 2035. Asia Pacific led the market in 2025 with a 38% global share, driven by automotive manufacturing hubs.

Within the product mix, lithium and lithium complex greases remain the most widely used thickener systems, accounting for 38.3% and 18.6% of global production respectively in 2024—a combined 56.9% share. However, the market is shifting. Calcium sulfonate grease production grew by 7.7% globally in 2024, gaining traction in heavy-duty industrial applications due to superior water resistance.

Two additional trends matter for buyers. First, polyurea greases are increasingly specified for electric vehicle wheel bearings and turbine yaw drives due to oxidation resistance across cycles from −40°C to +180°C. Second, lithium prices surged 80% to 120% between 2021 and 2023, which has driven manufacturers to adopt polyurea and calcium sulfonate alternatives for high-temperature applications to avoid cost volatility.

China's finished lubricant exports also rose by 10% to 260,000 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on overseas markets. For international buyers, this means Chinese grease suppliers are now a more established part of the global supply base.

Six high-temperature grease types for the 2026 evaluation shortlist

1. Lithium grease — the multi-purpose baseline

Lithium grease is the most common grease type in the world. It is made of lithium soap and mineral oil, and is suitable for multi-purpose, automotive, metallurgy, and power tool applications. Its working temperature range is −20°C to 120°C, with a dropping point of ≥180°C.

For high-temperature service above 120°C, standard lithium grease is a baseline rather than a final choice. It remains relevant for mixed fleets and moderate-temperature plants where one grease must cover many points.

XINGANG supplies lithium grease under the models XG/L1 and XG/L2.

2. Lithium complex grease — the high-temperature workhorse

Lithium complex grease is designed for use in high temperature and extreme pressure applications. It is made of lithium complex soap and mineral oil. The working temperature range is −20°C to 180°C, with a dropping point of 300°C and a PD value of 315 kgf.

This makes it a practical option for automobile and metallurgy applications where temperatures exceed the limit of conventional lithium grease but where a widely available, cost-effective chemistry is preferred.

XINGANG supplies lithium complex grease under the models XG/HP and XG/HP-R, classified as high-temperature extreme pressure lithium complex grease.

3. Polyurea grease — the oxidation-resistant choice for sealed-for-life systems

Polyurea grease is a high-temperature polyurea grease made from polyurea thickener with mineral or synthetic oil. Its working temperature range is −20°C to 200°C, with a dropping point of 260°C.

Polyurea greases are increasingly specified for EV wheel bearings and turbine yaw drives due to oxidation resistance across cycles from −40°C to +180°C. They are also used in metallurgy, chemical, textile, printing and dyeing, automobile, mine, oil field, coast defence, sugaring, paper making, and plastic industries.

The main limitation is that polyurea grease is generally not compatible with conventional lithium or calcium soap greases. A changeover requires a full purge and flush to avoid thickener incompatibility.

XINGANG supplies polyurea grease under the models XG/U1, XG/U2, XG/U5, XG/U6, XG/U10, XG/U17, and XG/U18.

4. Calcium sulfonate complex grease — the water-resistant extreme-pressure option

Calcium sulfonate complex grease is made of calcium sulfonate and 150 BS oil. It has a working temperature range of −20°C to 250°C, a dropping point of 330°C, and a PD value of 500 kgf.

The 500 kgf PD value gives it the highest extreme-pressure rating in this comparison. Combined with its water resistance, this makes it suitable for mining, machinery, and automotive applications where heavy shock loads and water contamination are real risks.

Production of calcium sulfonate grease grew by 7.7% globally in 2024, reflecting its adoption in heavy-duty industrial applications.

XINGANG supplies calcium sulfonate complex grease under the models XG/C4 and XG/C5.

5. High-temperature bearing grease — application-defined rather than chemistry-defined

High-temperature bearing grease is not a single chemistry. The term refers to any grease selected for bearings operating above standard temperatures. In practice, it may be a lithium complex, polyurea, or calcium sulfonate complex grease depending on bearing type, speed, load, and re-lubrication interval.

The product is designed for high-temperature industrial lubrication applications, with typical scenarios including metallurgy, chemical, textile, printing and dyeing, automobile, mine, oil field, coast defence, sugaring, paper making, and plastic industries.

6. High-temperature gear grease — for gearbox spray and centralized systems

High-temperature gear greases operate through gearbox spray/spot application and manual greasing operation. They are used in slow-speed heavy-load sliding or rolling bearings and utilize centralized lubrication supply mode.

Supporting equipment includes centralized lubrication systems, grease guns, gearbox spray equipment, and grease injection/replacement equipment. This is a key installation consideration: the grease must be pumpable through the customer's existing lubrication infrastructure, and its NLGI grade must match the system design.

Comparison table: high-temperature grease thickener types

Grease type	Thickener / base oil	Working temperature	Dropping point	PD value	Typical applications
Lithium grease	Lithium, mineral oil	−20°C to 120°C	≥180°C	—	Multi-purpose, automotive, metallurgy, power tools
Lithium complex grease	Lithium complex, mineral oil	−20°C to 180°C	300°C	315 kgf	Automobile, metallurgy
Polyurea grease	Polyurea, mineral or synthetic oil	−20°C to 200°C	260°C	—	Metallurgy, chemical, textile, printing and dyeing, automobile, mine, oil field, coast defence, sugaring, paper making, plastic, EV wheel bearings, turbine yaw drives
Calcium sulfonate complex grease	Calcium sulfonate, 150 BS oil	−20°C to 250°C	330°C	500 kgf	Mining, machinery, automotive
High-temperature bearing grease	Chemistry varies by specification	Defined by selected chemistry	—	—	Metallurgy, chemical, textile, printing and dyeing, automobile, mine, oil field, coast defence, sugaring, paper making, plastic
High-temperature gear grease	Chemistry varies by specification	Defined by selected chemistry	—	—	Slow-speed heavy-load sliding/rolling bearings, gearbox spray systems, centralized lubrication

The table shows a clear decision pattern: as the required working temperature rises, the buyer moves from lithium grease to lithium complex, then to polyurea or calcium sulfonate complex. The PD value comparison is particularly useful for extreme-pressure applications: calcium sulfonate complex grease offers 500 kgf versus 315 kgf for lithium complex grease.

Step-by-step high-temperature grease evaluation process

Step 1: Define the maximum continuous operating temperature

Record the bearing or gearbox temperature during normal operation and during peak load. Use the working temperature range of the grease as the primary filter. If the peak temperature approaches the grease's dropping point, select a chemistry with a higher safety margin.

Step 2: Assess load and shock conditions

For applications with heavy shock loads, compare the PD value. A higher PD value indicates better extreme-pressure performance. Calcium sulfonate complex grease (500 kgf) and lithium complex grease (315 kgf) are the two EP-rated options in the XINGANG range.

Step 3: Evaluate water exposure

If the equipment is washed down or exposed to moisture, water resistance becomes a critical requirement. This is a documented strength of calcium sulfonate complex grease and a reason for its growing adoption in heavy industry.

Step 4: Check lubrication system compatibility

Centralized lubrication systems and gearbox spray equipment require the grease to be pumpable and to have the correct consistency. Confirm with the supplier that the grease is designed for centralized lubrication supply mode, grease guns, gearbox spray equipment, and grease injection/replacement equipment.

Step 5: Determine the acceptable maintenance cycle

A longer grease replacement cycle reduces shutdown maintenance interventions and lowers manual greasing labor. This is a documented benefit of certain high-temperature greases. For plants with limited maintenance staff, it can be as important as the temperature rating.

Step 6: Verify supplier quality control

Confirm whether the manufacturer applies 100% test quality control. This matters because grease failures are often invisible until a bearing seizes. A supplier that tests every batch reduces the risk of off-spec material entering the plant.

Use cases: where each high-temperature grease type fits

Use case 1: Steel plant continuous casting and rolling mills

A large Chinese steel plant environment has used XINGANG high-temperature greases for over 30 years across 40 units, covering continuous casting machines, rolling mills, kiln cars, gearboxes, conveyors, and vibrating screens. The reported results include reduced friction and wear, improved temperature resistance, water resistance, extended lubrication intervals, and enhanced equipment reliability.

The case also includes recognition as an excellent supplier from Wuhan Iron and Steel. For procurement teams, this is evidence of long-term qualification within demanding metallurgy environments.

Use case 2: Automotive component plants

The light vehicle segment is the largest application market for high-temperature grease, with a 42.6% share in 2025. Automotive applications benefit from lithium complex grease for chassis and bearing points, and increasingly from polyurea grease for EV wheel bearings.

Use case 3: Mining and heavy machinery

Mining equipment operates under heavy loads, shock, and water contamination. Calcium sulfonate complex grease, with a 500 kgf PD value and superior water resistance, is a strong candidate for this segment.

Use case 4: Textile, chemical, and paper plants

These industries operate dryers, calenders, and conveyors that generate sustained heat. Polyurea and lithium complex greases are commonly specified because they offer a balance of temperature resistance and oxidation stability.

Supplier evaluation notes: what to verify before ordering

Before committing to a high-temperature grease supplier, verify the following:

• Whether the grease range covers multiple thickener chemistries, not just one type.
• Whether the supplier's listed models have published working temperature, dropping point, and PD values.
• Whether quality control includes batch-level testing.
• Whether the supplier has experience in metallurgy and heavy industry.
• Whether the manufacturer holds relevant management system certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and IATF 16949.

Hangzhou Xingang Lubrication Technology Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise established in 1993, headquartered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. The company specializes in the research, development, production, and sales of high-performance lubricating greases and industrial lubricants. Its 16,000 m² facility employs 60 staff including 15 R&D engineers, with an annual output of 45,000 tons. Main products include industrial lubricants, industrial grease, high-temperature grease, lithium grease, polyurea grease, and calcium sulfonate complex grease.

XINGANG holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, and ISO 10012 certifications. The IATF 16949 certificate covers the design and manufacturing of lubricating oil with no permitted exclusions, issued by CASC on 2024-07-04 and valid until 2027-07-03. This matters for automotive buyers who require IATF-qualified lubrication suppliers.

XINGANG's exports have reached Türkiye, South Africa, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Peru. Current export markets for OEM supply include India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Africa, Turkey, Peru, and other countries. The company also offers OEM production with package and sticker customization, a monthly capacity of 3,000 tons, a lead time of 10–20 days, an MOQ of 2,000 kgs, and remote technical formula guidance as part of after-sales support.

For a full company profile, download the XINGANG company profile brochure.

FAQ

1. What is the best high-temperature grease for 200°C continuous operation?

Polyurea grease and calcium sulfonate complex grease are the two chemistries capable of continuous operation near 200°C in the XINGANG range. Polyurea grease has a working temperature range of −20°C to 200°C and a dropping point of 260°C. Calcium sulfonate complex grease has a working temperature range of −20°C to 250°C and a dropping point of 330°C. The final choice depends on load and water exposure.

2. How do lithium complex and calcium sulfonate complex greases compare?

Lithium complex grease is designed for high-temperature and extreme-pressure applications, with a working temperature up to 180°C, a dropping point of 300°C, and a PD value of 315 kgf. Calcium sulfonate complex grease extends the working temperature to 250°C, has a dropping point of 330°C, and a higher PD value of 500 kgf. Calcium sulfonate also provides superior water resistance, making it the heavier-duty choice. Lithium complex remains a cost-effective option for moderate high-temperature service.

3. Can I order XINGANG high-temperature grease with OEM packaging?

Yes. XINGANG offers OEM production with package and sticker customization. The monthly capacity is 3,000 tons, the standard lead time is 10–20 days, and the MOQ is 2,000 kgs. Quality control is 100% test, and after-sales support includes remote technical formula guidance, on-site usage technical consultation, quality problem compensation and replacement support, and product application solution matching. You can send an inquiry to admin@hzxg.com or contact Vera Wang at +86 135-8871-1880.

4. What documentation should I request before placing a high-temperature grease order?

Request the product datasheet with working temperature range, dropping point, PD value, and NLGI consistency. Ask for the batch test report if the supplier applies 100% testing. Confirm certifications relevant to your industry—for example, IATF 16949 for automotive supply chains and ISO 9001 for general quality management. If the grease will be used in metallurgy, request reference cases or supplier recognition evidence from steel plants.

5. How does XINGANG support buyers who need a high-temperature grease sample or quotation?

XINGANG supports samples, quotations, and inquiries through its sales team. Contact Vera Wang by email at admin@hzxg.com or by phone / WhatsApp at +86 135-8871-1880. The company address is 339 Yejia Rd., Xin'anjiang St., Jiande, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311600, China.

Conclusion

The shortlist for high-temperature grease should be based on thickener chemistry. Lithium grease covers general multi-purpose use up to 120°C. Lithium complex grease handles moderate high-temperature and EP requirements up to 180°C. Polyurea grease suits oxidation-sensitive applications up to 200°C. Calcium sulfonate complex grease provides the highest temperature ceiling, the strongest EP performance, and superior water resistance for the most demanding environments.

XINGANG supplies all four chemistries from a single source, with 100% test quality control, IATF 16949 certification, and more than 30 years of metallurgy application history in China. For procurement teams, this reduces supply risk and simplifies qualification. Review the product models listed in this guide, request the datasheets, and evaluate samples against your actual operating temperatures and load conditions before finalizing the vendor list.