Specific Requirements for Lubricating Grease in the SMT Industry

The Surface Mount Technology (SMT) industry is a cornerstone of modern electronics manufacturing. Its machinery demands high levels of precision, cleanliness, and reliability. Lubricating grease plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of key components like pick-and-place heads, linear guides, feeders, bearings, and motors.

1. Main Lubrication Points in SMT Equipment

2. Five Core Requirements for Grease in SMT Applications

1. Low Volatility

   • Grease must exhibit ultra-low evaporation to avoid oil mist contaminating PCBs, optical sensors, or cleanroom air.

   • Recommended: PFPE-based greases (e.g., DUPONT KRYTOX series)

2. Excellent Material Compatibility

   • Must be safe with plastics, elastomers, and wires to prevent corrosion or swelling.

   • Use silicone-based or plastic-safe low-friction greases

3. Long Life & Wear Resistance

   • SMT machines often operate continuously—grease must offer high anti-wear and oxidation resistance to reduce downtime.

4. Low Noise Performance

   • Ideal for precision mini-motors, ball screws, and other high-speed systems to reduce vibration and acoustic noise.

5. Cleanroom Suitability

   • Grease must be clean and non-contaminating for use in ISO class cleanrooms and sensitive electronics production areas.

3. Recommended Grease Types and Brands

4. Usage Best Practices

• ✅ Use specialized greasing tools to prevent contamination

• ✅ Follow scheduled re-lubrication intervals

• ❌ Avoid mixing different base greases or brands

• ❌ Do not use metal-filled or abrasive greases on precision parts