Call 800.690.3600

The Advantages of Graphite as an Industrial Lubricant

8 Apr 2025

Lubrication plays a critical role in reducing friction and wear in industrial applications. Among the various options available, graphite stands out as a superior solid lubricant. Its unique properties make it an excellent choice for bronze bushings and other bronze components used in demanding applications where traditional lubricants might fail.

In this blog, we explore the key characteristics that make graphite a preferred lubrication solution.

1. Exceptional High-Temperature Stability

Unlike oil-based or grease lubricants that become ineffective at elevated temperatures, graphite remains effective at very high temperatures. It does not melt or liquify. In the absence of oxygen it remains solid up to 6,400°F, at which point it sublimes. This characteristic makes graphite ideal for bronze bushings and guide components used in applications such as:

Die casting and forging
High-temperature industrial ovens
Aerospace and automotive components

2. Self-Lubricating Properties

Graphite is carbon with a very unusual structure. It’s made up of layers of one atom thick crystal sheets. These are very slippery, the microscopic equivalent of wet leaves. When you rub a graphite pencil lead between your fingers, it seems oily but it’s not. What you are experiencing is a completely dry solid lubricant. This same phenomenon occurs in a graphite plugged bronze bushing, bronze gib or bronze wear plate

3. The Advantages of Dry Lubrication

Completely dry lubrication has some big advantages. First off, it's permanent. No need to perform periodic lubrication. That saves maintenance dollars. And if you're a machine designer, life just got a little easier. You don’t have to worry about locating grease fittings (there are none) or designing a lube system (not needed). This allows you to focus on coming up with a really great design.

The other advantage of dry lubrication is that it doesn’t attract grit and contaminants. This can greatly prolong the life of components that guide and control movement in machines, heavy equipment and large tools such as metal stamping dies and plastic injection molds. Longer life means less down time and less repair cost. For some applications use of long-life graphite is almost mandatory.

Difficult to service remote locations
Dirty environments where liquid lubricants would quickly attract contaminants
Hazardous environments that are dangerous to enter
Operating in a vacuum or in very dry conditions
Unattended devices

4. Chemical Resistance and Versatility

Graphite is highly resistant to chemical corrosion, making it suitable for use in aggressive environments. It does not react with most acids, bases, or solvents, ensuring long-term reliability in:

Chemical processing plants
Marine and offshore applications
Power generation facilities

5. Environmentally Friendly and Cost-Effective

You are regularly replacing grease and oil. So where did the old grease and oil go? Into the environment of course. There is no other place for it to go. But when you use long-life graphite as a lubricant there it’s different. When the device using the graphite lubricant reaches the end of its life-cycle and has to be scrapped out, the graphite will go into the environment as pure carbon in a safe sequestered state. This makes graphite a very eco-friendly alternative to traditional lubricants.

Saves money and protects the environment. It’s hard to get any better than this.

SelfLube: A Leader in Graphite Lubrication

SelfLube specializes in precision-engineered components that maximize the benefits of graphite lubrication. Our graphite-plugged bushings provide long-lasting, self-lubricating performance in high-friction applications, reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Graphite’s ability to form a stable lubricating layer ensures reliable operation even in demanding environments. However, to prevent oxidation, it is important to keep graphite components below 500°F in oxygen-rich conditions. For new installations, a light application of oil can help initiate the self-lubrication process without affecting long-term performance.

By providing high-quality, self-lubricating components, SelfLube helps manufacturers enhance efficiency, extend equipment lifespan, and reduce maintenance costs.