Grease Held to a Higher Standard

The HPM specification includes more stringent testing than required to meet the NLGI GC-LB grease specification.

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AMSOIL Synthetic Grease
by Joel Youngman
January 23, 2026

Designed to address the elevated performance requirements of modern industrial and high-performance applications, the NLGI HPM grease specification represents a significant advancement in grease technology.

The HPM specification includes several additional and more-severe tests than required to meet the long-standing NLGI GC-LB grease specification, including…

Four-ball extreme-pressure testing evaluates protection under the high-load conditions encountered by bearings and components.

Copper-strip corrosion testing ensures compatibility with copper-containing alloys used in modern machinery.

Extended oxidation testing runs longer and at higher temperatures, simulating the thermal stress seen in modern high-performance applications.

Mechanical-stability testing is performed under higher temperatures for extended periods, ensuring greases maintain proper consistency in demanding conditions.

Contamination-resistance testing evaluates how well the grease maintains its protective properties when contaminated with common industrial contaminants like dust and debris.

Water-resistance testing goes beyond simple washout to include water spray-off testing, simulating the high-pressure washing conditions common with food-processing, marine and industrial applications.

HPM Performance Tags

Four specific performance tags may also be added to the HPM core specification, indicating the grease passed additional tests and offers enhanced performance in specific areas:

The HPM+WR Specification indicates enhanced performance in wet or water-wash applications.

The HPM+CR Specification indicates enhanced corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.

The HPM+HL Specification indicates enhanced load-carrying capability.

The HPM+LT Specification indicates enhanced low-temperature performance.

NLGI GC-LB Applications

NLGI GC-LB remains the standard for automotive and moderate-duty applications.

• Automotive service and maintenance
• Light-duty industrial applications
• Agricultural equipment facing moderate operating conditions
• Construction equipment operating in standard environments

NLGI HPM Applications

NLGI HPM addresses the enhanced performance requirements of modern commercial and industrial equipment.
• Heavy-duty industrial manufacturing applications
• Marine and offshore applications
• Food-processing equipment
• Mining and heavy construction equipment

AMSOIL Synthetic Greases

Specification compliance is just the starting point. Grease formulation and quality vary across the industry and affect real-world performance. AMSOIL synthetic greases offer superior protection and performance in a wide range of vehicles and equipment operating in severe environments.

AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease (GLC) meets the performance requirements of the NLGI GC-LB and NLGI HPM core specifications.

AMSOIL Synthetic Water-Resistant Grease (GWR) meets the performance requirements of the NLGI GC-LB and NLGI HPM+WR specifications.

by Joel Youngman

AMSOIL Lead Technical Writer for more than two decades.

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AMSOIL Synthetic Grease

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