At the same time, too thick grease will not flow easily throughout the centralised lubrication system of forging press and will cause choking of press.

Greases that have good viscosity at ambient temperatures are used in the centralised lubrication of forging presses. However, it is important to check the efficacy of these greases at operational temperatures which may be over 100-150 deg. C near forging presses. Overflow, leakage and spillage of oil can be experienced due to quick melting of grease at high temperature, such that it loses viscosity and turns into free-flowing oil. A solution to this problem is found in the use of effective EP00 grade lithium grease that maintains its viscosity at high operating temperatures as observed in forging presses. The grease is neither too free-flowing nor too viscous. This also ensures optimum lubrication, reduced consumption of grease and prevents wastage. Recently, greases are being customised to suit the specific requirements of centralised lubrication system distributor nozzles and pumps of forging presses. This has given good all-round results, including reduced wastage and prevention of fire hazard due to grease overflow in forge shops.