Does it replace grease in a bearing?

In bearings that rely on grease to dissipate heat, no. Where grease fails from temperature, run-off, or dust contamination, the dry film performs better and does not need renewing as often.

Why is it applied as a liquid if it lubricates dry?

Because the liquid carrier takes graphite into the contact, even through small clearances. As it evaporates only the solid film remains, and that is what lubricates.

Does it work in dusty environments?

It is one of its typical cases. Unlike grease, a dry film does not retain particles, so dust does not build up in the contact into an abrasive paste.

Industrial shaft and metal wheel with dry-film graphite lubricant

Lubrication applications

Shaft and axle lubrication

Dry-film graphite lubricant for shafts, axles, and metal wheels under load and temperature.

Request a quote

Rotating friction point lubrication

Also known as: Graphite lubricant for shafts · Dry lubrication for axles and bushings · Anti-friction for metal wheels · Solid lubricant for drives

Dry-film graphite lubricant for shafts, axles, and metal wheels under load.

[ Technical summary ]

Shafts, axles, bushings, and metal wheels concentrate load on a small contact area, and there conventional grease is displaced, runs off, or traps dust until it becomes an abrasive. A graphite lubricant penetrates as a liquid, dries, and leaves a solid film that stays in the contact: it carries load without running off and does not attract particles. It is especially useful at hard-to-reach points where frequent relubrication is not practical.

Shafts, axles, and metal wheels usually run where grease is a liability: it runs off, attracts abrasive dust, degrades with temperature, and the point to lubricate is hard to reach. A graphite lubricant penetrates as a liquid, dries to a solid film, and keeps working without a greasy residue that traps contaminants.

Selection and application

Load, rotating speed, and temperature determine the product and the reapplication interval. Apply to a clean surface and let it dry before returning to service. ESGRAF supplies LUBRISHAFT for shafts, axles, and metal wheels, and GRAFICOAT where a thicker paint film is needed.

[ Problem it solves ]

Keep a loaded contact lubricated without the lubricant running off or turning into an abrasive paste when it mixes with ambient dust.

Operating conditions

Shaft and axle lubrication
Metal wheels and rollers
Drivetrain maintenance
Bushing and bearing lubrication

When it is suitable

Grease runs off or is displaced from the contact point
A dusty environment turns grease into an abrasive
Access to the point makes frequent relubrication difficult
Temperature degrades the oil before the next service

When it may not be suitable

The bearing needs the lubricant to dissipate heat
The equipment specifies a liquid lubricant by design
The surface tolerates no black residue and there will be no cleaning stage

Process challenges

Wear from metal-to-metal contact
Greases that run off or attract dust
Limited access for relubrication
Temperature degrading the oil

Advantages

Dry film with no greasy residue
Withstands load and temperature
Does not attract dust or abrasives
Penetrates as a liquid, dries solid

Limitations

Not a hydrodynamic oil lubricant
Requires periodic reapplication
May stain light-colored surfaces

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Load and its distributionDecisive
Rotational speedDecisive
Operating temperatureRelevant
Presence of abrasives or solidsRelevant
Application methodRelevant
Reapplication frequencyRelevant
Counterface material and finishRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Lubricating film formation
Friction coefficient
Thermal stability
Particle size distribution

Secondary properties

Self-lubrication
Wear resistance

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

View all FAQs

Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: September 8, 2026

[ Quote ]

Need the right specification—not just material?

Tell us your application. Engineering response in under 24 hours.

Request a quote Talk to an advisor