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View the specification details HERE.

The High-Performance Multiuse Grease (HPM) certification offers a core specification and four performance tags. See details below. Greases must meet the core specifications in order to add a performance tag. There is no limit to the number of performance tags for each certified grease as long as the meet the specification(s).

HPM Core:

In the HPM core Specification, seven tests are common to the GC-LB specification, but may have more restrictive limits: Cone Penetration (ASTM D217), Elastomer Compatibility (ASTM D4289), Water Washout (ASTM D1264), Oil Separation (ASTM D1742), 4-Ball Wear (ASTM D2266), 4-Ball EP (ASTM D2596), and Corrosion Prevention (ASTM D1743). Other tests, not included in the GC-LB specification include two mechanical stability tests: Extended Worker Penetration (100,000 strokes by ASTM D217), and Roll Stability (ASTM D1831). Two corrosion tests were added: EMCOR Rust Test (distilled water by ASTM D6138) and Copper Corrosion (ASTM D4048). Two high temperature tests were added: Oxidation Stability (ASTM D942) and High Temperature Oil Bleed (ASTM D6184). And finally, Low Temperature Torque of Ball Bearing Grease (ASTM D1478) replaced Low Temperature Torque of Wheel Bearing Grease (ASTM D4693). All of these tests are intended to raise the level of performance compared to GC-LB and to make the specification more relevant to multiuse industrial applications.

HPM + WR (Water Resistance)

The HPM+WR Specification includes three tests intended to demonstrate an increased level of performance over the HPM core Specification in wet or water wash environments. Water Washout (ASTM D1264) isthe same test as used in the HPM core Specification, but has a more restrictive limit. Water Spray Off (ASTM D4049) demonstrates a grease’s ability to resist water spray, while Wet Roll Stability (ASTM D8022) evaluates the effect of water on grease mechanical stability.

HPM + CR (Salt-Water Corrosion Resistance)

The HPM+CR Specification includes three tests intended to demonstrate improved corrosion resistance over the HPM core Specification in saltwater environments. Saltwater Rust (ASTM D5969) is similar to ASTM D1743 in the HPM core Specification, but uses 10% synthetic sea water. Two versions of EMCOR Rust (ASTM D6138) evaluate corrosion protection in both 100% synthetic sea water and 0.5 N sodium chloride solution.

HPM + HL (High Load)

The HPM+HL Specification includes five tests intended to demonstrate improved load carrying capability over the HPM core Specification. Both the 4-Ball Wear (ASTM D2266) and 4-Ball EP (ASTM D2596) tests are the same tests as in the HPM core Specification, but have more challenging limits. Extreme Pressure Properties by SRV (ASTM D5706) and

Fretting Wear by SRV (ASTM D7594) are included to further demonstrate improvement in these properties over the HPM core Specification. Fretting Wear by FAFNIR test (ASTM D4170) is also included with a tighter limit than the same test in the LB Specification.

HPM + LT (Low Temperature)

The HPM+LT Specification includes three tests intended to demonstrate improved low temperature performance over the HPM core Specification. Low Temperature Torque of Ball Bearing Grease (ASTM D1478) is the same test as used in the HPM core Specification, but is run at a lower temperature. Grease Mobility (U.S. Steel method) demonstrates grease resistance to flow at low temperatures, while Flow Pressure (by Kesternich method DIN 51805) is another way to look at flow at low temperatures.

Test Labs North America
Test Labs Europe

• The list of laboratories and testing capabilities provided here is not a list of “approved labs” but is provided by the test laboratories for awareness to the grease industry.
• When submitting manufacturer’s data for HPM certification on Form HPM03, the data can be generated internally by the manufacturer or from any other lab that the manufacturer deems reputable.
• For GC-LB audit submissions, NLGI requests that an appropriate size sample of the grease, from a commercial production batch, be sent to an  independent laboratory of your choice for verification of the following tests for compliance with ASTM D-4950 requirements.

GC-LB vs. HPM Comparison

The document provides a comparison between the NLGI’s HPM (High-Performance Multiuse) grease specification and the GC-LB grease specification, which has been widely recognized for automotive greases. The comparison highlights key differences in testing requirements, performance benchmarks, and intended applications.

A full repository of the HPM webinar series is available to NLGI members.

Below are a few available to all.

HPM Webinar Recording
HPM Webinar Slides

HPM Panel Discussion
HPM Panel Discussion Slides

STLE CMF Webinar Recording
STLE CMF Webinar Slides