SN350 and SN500 are mineral base oil grades that may be used as raw materials in selected industrial lubricants. Their main broad distinction is viscosity, or resistance to flow.
Understanding viscosity
SN350 has a medium-viscosity profile, while SN500 is generally more viscous. These different characteristics allow the grades to be considered for different lubricant formulations. Higher viscosity, however, does not automatically mean better quality.
General applications
Mineral base oils may be used in suitable machine oils, hydraulic fluids, gear lubricants and certain grease formulations. The appropriate base stock depends on the requirements of the finished product.
Product suitability
A commercial grade name does not describe every property of a base oil. Suitability should be evaluated using available technical documentation and the intended application.