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22 January 2024
Oil Viscosity: Definition and Its Impact on Machinery

Oil viscosity is an important specification of oil products. But what is its function? Does it impact the performance of industrial machinery? Learn about oil viscosity and its effect on your industrial machinery’s performance! Read on for more details.

Definition of Oil Viscosity

Oil viscosity refers to the thickness or consistency of oil, indicating its ability to flow through machine components. Generally, oil acts as a lubricant, helping with combustion efficiency and preventing wear and tear on machinery, thereby extending the machine's lifespan.

Oils have varying viscosity levels, which can provide optimal performance for specific machines. However, viscosity can be affected by temperature, causing the oil to become thicker or thinner. Therefore, viscosity values indicate how thick the oil is at certain temperatures. Lower viscosity values suggest thinner oil, and vice versa.

Low-viscosity oils tend to result in higher friction but shorter durability, while high-viscosity oils offer longer-lasting protection.

Types of Oil Viscosity

Oils are categorized into two types based on their temperature adaptability:

  1. Monograde Viscosity

    • Monograde viscosity oils are adaptive to a single temperature range, either low or high.
    • The viscosity value for monograde oils indicates either low or high temperature, such as SAE 10W for low temperatures and SAE 40W for high temperatures.
  2. Multigrade Viscosity

    • Unlike monograde oils, multigrade oils are resistant to both temperature extremes.
    • Viscosity values for multigrade oils include two numbers, such as 5W-30, where 5W indicates low-temperature performance and 30 indicates high-temperature performance.

How to Read Oil Viscosity

Oil products typically have codes indicating their viscosity levels. Here’s an explanation of these codes:

  1. SAE Code

    • The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classifies oil viscosity using codes like SAE 20W-40 and 10W-40.
    • The number before “W” (winter) indicates the oil’s viscosity at cold temperatures. The number after “W” indicates the viscosity at 100°C.
  2. API Rating

    • The American Petroleum Institute (API) rates oil quality using a two-letter code after "API."
    • The first letter denotes the engine type (e.g., “S” for gasoline engines, “C” for diesel engines).
    • The second letter signifies the oil’s quality (e.g., API SN for 2010 and newer gasoline engines, CJ-4 for 2010 and newer diesel engines).
  3. JASO Code

    • The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO) provides quality standards for motorcycle oils.
    • JASO MB is for dry clutch scooters, while JASO MA is suitable for wet clutch sports and standard motorcycles.

How Viscosity Affects Industrial Machinery Performance

You might wonder if viscosity affects oil quality and industrial machine performance. Indeed, the right oil viscosity is crucial for industrial machines.

Temperature significantly impacts oil quality in industrial applications. Temperature changes can affect oil viscosity and pour point, making it essential to choose the right lubricant for each machine.

Consider the viscosity index as a benchmark when selecting high-quality machine oils. The viscosity index measures how much the oil’s viscosity changes with temperature. A high viscosity index indicates stable performance across temperature changes.

Ensure Reliable Industrial Machine Performance with the Right Oil Viscosity

Oil viscosity is critical for maintaining machine performance and longevity. The right viscosity ensures effective lubrication, efficient combustion, and wear prevention.

Choosing the right industrial machine oil is vital for maintaining your equipment’s performance. Look for oils with an ideal viscosity and advanced technology.

Verdeen Enhancement offers a breakthrough in lubricants with a superior formula. These lubricants contain 100% eco-friendly organic materials and “nano protection” technology, ensuring maximum performance for your industrial machines.

Verdeen Enhancement maintains machine durability with its high viscosity index, preventing corrosion, overheating, and rust.

Invest in Verdeen Enhancement lubricants to protect your company’s assets for the long term. Visit our website to explore more products or contact us for subscriptions!

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