46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil differences for machines include viscosity, applicable environment, working conditions, and other properties.
Injection molding machine hydraulic oil is an important part of the hydraulic system of the injection molding machine. Its function and performance directly affect the operating efficiency, product quality and equipment life of the injection molding machine.
The main function of hydraulic oil in injection molding machines is to drive mechanical movement by transmitting pressure, such as injection, clamping and pressure holding operations. Hydraulic oil plays the role of energy storage, lubrication, cooling and sealing in the hydraulic system. For example, after the hydraulic oil is pressurized by the hydraulic pump, it enters the pipeline system and drives the hydraulic cylinder to complete various actions. The details are as follows:

Oil viscosity of 46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil difference
Difference between 32 and 46 hydraulic oil: The viscosity of No. 46 injection molding machine hydraulic oil is higher than that of No. 32 hydraulic oil. This means that No. 46 hydraulic oil is thicker and has poorer fluidity at the same temperature, while No. 32 hydraulic oil is thinner and has better fluidity.
Viscosity difference
No. 46 hydraulic oil has higher viscosity: at a standard temperature of 40°C, the kinematic viscosity of No. 46 is 46 cSt (or 414-506 mm²/s), while No. 32 is 32.2 cSt (or 288-352 mm²/s). This means that No. 46 is denser and less fluid, while No. 32 is thinner and more fluid.
Difference in viscosity index (VI)
The viscosity index of No. 46 (101-102) is slightly higher than that of No. 32 (98), indicating that its viscosity is less affected by temperature changes and has better high temperature stability.

Applicable environment
No. 32 injection molding machine hydraulic oil is suitable for use at lower temperatures because its lower viscosity helps maintain good fluidity in cold environments. On the contrary, No. 46 hydraulic oil is more suitable for use at higher temperatures because it can provide better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions.
Temperature adaptability
- Low temperature environment: No. 32 has a lower pour point (-18°C to -33°C) and better fluidity in cold conditions, suitable for winter or low temperature areas (such as snow equipment, agricultural machinery in cold climates).
- High temperature environment: No. 46 has high viscosity and can maintain oil film stability and reduce internal leakage at high temperatures (>50°C), making it more suitable for summer or temperate/high temperature conditions (such as heavy construction machinery, high temperature workshops).
Pressure requirements
If high pressure is required, hydraulic oil from the No. 46 injection molding machine is recommended because it can withstand higher working pressures and is not prone to internal leakage. Meanwhile, No. 32 hydraulic oil may leak internally under high pressure and cannot provide sufficient pressure.

Working conditions of 46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil difference
Difference between 32 and 46 hydraulic oil of injection molding machine in working conditions.
Load
No. 46 injection molding machine hydraulic oil is suitable for high-load working environments, such as hydraulic systems of large equipment such as engineering machinery and ships, because it has better oxidation resistance and high-temperature stability.
Friction and shear stability
Hydraulic oil No. 32 has good friction and shear stability, and is suitable for use in mechanical equipment that requires fast response and lower loads.

Precautions for 46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil difference
No mixing
Due to differences in additive formula and viscosity, mixing may cause chemical reactions, deposit formation or lubrication failure, and damage the hydraulic system (such as pump valve wear). Although it is said to be mixable, most professional sources strongly oppose it.
Replacement cycle
- Normal temperature environment (0-32°C): Replace every 1000 hours or every year.
- High temperature environment (>32°C): Replace every 500 hours or every six months.
The effect of temperature on viscosity: High temperature will make the oil thinner, and low temperature will thicken it. If the wrong type is selected (such as No. 32 for high temperature), it may cause leakage; No. 46 for low temperature may cause difficulty in starting.
Other properties of 46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil difference
Types of hydraulic oil of injection molding machines in different other properties
Anti-wear
Injection molding machine hydraulic oil No. 46 generally has excellent anti-wear, anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties, and is suitable for use in harsh working environments.
Demulsification
The demulsification time of injection molding machine hydraulic oil No. 46 is slightly longer than that of hydraulic oil No. 32, which helps to maintain stability in water-containing environments.
Selection recommendations
- Prefer No. 32: low temperature environment (<0°C), light load equipment or precision hydraulic system.
- Prefer No. 46: high temperature/temperate climate, heavy load equipment or high pressure system (>40bar).
- It is strictly forbidden to mix oils of different grades, and strictly follow the viscosity recommended by the equipment manufacturer.
Conclustion
The choice of differences between 46 and 32 grade hydraulic oil should be determined based on the working environment, temperature conditions, and required pressure and load of the injection molding machine.If the injection molding machine works at a lower temperature or medium load, No. 32 injection molding machine hydraulic oil may be more suitable; in high temperature, high load, or higher pressure environments, No. 46 injection molding machine hydraulic oil should be given priority.










