Molykote 33M is a silicone grease designed for low-load, wide-temperature lubrication in metal-to-plastic applications. It is supplied as a smooth white paste that spreads easily into thin films, giving a uniform lubricating layer on small gears, seals and precision mechanisms. It offers excellent oxidation resistance, smooth low-temperature startup, and compatibility with most plastics, making it ideal for control cables, conveyors, motors, and refrigeration equipment.

• Wide range – Molykote 33M operates reliably from about –73°C to 180°C, supported by a silicone base oil with a kinematic viscosity of about 100 mm²/s at 25°C. This allows lubrication to remain fluid at low temperature and stable at elevated temperature. Torque testing on small gearboxes shows less than 20% torque rise at –50°C, significantly lower than mineral-oil greases that show several-fold increases. 

  
  

• Oxidation resist – The grease resists oxidation under long-term exposure to heat and air. In aging tests at 150°C for 1000 hours, worked-penetration change typically remains under 25 units with no sludge buildup, showing strong chemical stability. This preserves its original lubricating properties, ensuring predictable torque and smooth running over long intervals.

  
  

• Water resist – Molykote 33M maintains film integrity when exposed to moisture, condensation or occasional splashing. The grease’s resistance to washout makes it suitable for environments involving condensation, intermittent moisture or cold-to-warm cycling, maintaining lubrication where water exposure could otherwise degrade performance.

  
  

• Material safe – The grease is compatible with many plastics and elastomers used in light-load mechanisms. Immersion testing at 70°C shows polycarbonate, acetal and nylon typically exhibiting less than 2% volume change, while elastomers such as nitrile and silicone rubber maintain hardness within 5 Shore units. This compatibility prevents swelling, cracking or softening that could impair motion accuracy. It allows direct use on polymer gears, seals and sliders without risk of material degradation, supporting long-term reliability in devices that combine multiple polymer components.

  
  

• Low volatility – Evaporation testing at 99°C for 22 hours shows weight loss typically below 1%, confirming low volatility. This ensures the lubricating film remains intact under warm operating conditions and reduces the risk of vapor contamination on optical surfaces, sensors or electrical contacts. Because the base oil remains within the thickener matrix rather than evaporating, the grease does not dry out quickly, preserving smooth motion and low friction in enclosed or open systems over long duty cycles.

• Automotive systems – Used in control cables, HVAC flaps and small motor drives that experience both cold starts and elevated temperatures. The wide temperature capability keeps mechanisms flexible in sub-zero conditions while maintaining lubricity near warm engine compartments. 

  
  

• Consumer electronics – Suitable for plastic gear trains, cams and selectors in cameras, audio equipment and compact devices. The grease offers uniform torque, low noise and stable film strength over time. 

  
  

• Office equipment – Used in printers, copiers and multifunction machines containing many small plastic gears and cams. Molykote 33M preserves smooth motion after thousands of operating cycles. The wide temperature tolerance and oxidation stability support reliable torque under continuous use.

  
  

• Precision instruments – Applied in fine-adjustment screws, micro-positioners and calibration mechanisms requiring extremely stable torque without stick–slip. The controlled viscosity and material compatibility preserve accuracy in metrology or optical alignment tasks. 

  
  

• Home appliances – Used on hinges, sliding guides and dampers in refrigerators, dishwashers and air-conditioning units. The grease maintains lubricity in cold freezer zones as well as warm compressor-adjacent areas. Water-resistant properties prevent washout from condensation or splashes. 

  
  

• Optical devices – Ideal for focus rings, sliders and rotating optical assemblies in microscopes and binoculars. The low volatility avoids vapor deposition on lenses, preserving optical clarity. Smooth torque at low temperature supports use in field and laboratory conditions. Long-term stability ensures consistent focusing action without frequent servicing.

  
  

• Laboratory equipment – Applied in stirrers, valve stems, guides and adjustable controls exposed to refrigerated or heated environments. Molykote 33M maintains lubricity from low-temperature chambers to warm incubators.