Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 ISO VG 68 Way Oil
Machine Tool Slideway Lubricant for Horizontal Ways, Linear Guides and Ball Screws
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is an ISO VG 68 way oil formulated for the lubrication of precision machine tool slideways. Its controlled frictional characteristics help reduce stick-slip and chatter, supporting smooth, uniform movement and consistent machining accuracy.
The formulation is designed for steel-on-steel, steel-on-polymer, cast iron, and other compatible way-material combinations. It also provides strong adhesion to lubricated surfaces, corrosion protection, and separability from many water-based machining coolants.
Key Benefits
- ISO VG 68 machine tool way oil
- Helps reduce stick-slip and chatter
- Supports smooth, consistent slideway movement
- Suitable for multiple slideway material combinations
- Helps maintain machining accuracy and surface finish
- Adhesive properties help keep lubricant on critical surfaces
- Separates readily from many water and aqueous coolants
- Helps reduce lubricant and coolant cross-contamination
- Provides rust and corrosion protection on lubricated surfaces
- Suitable for horizontal slideways, ball screws, linear guides, headstocks, and translating screws
- Can also be used in circulating systems and selected moderate-duty hydraulic applications
Controlled Friction for Machine Tool Slideways
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is specifically formulated for machine tool way lubrication. Its frictional characteristics help minimize the stick-slip motion that can occur when slideways alternate between static and dynamic friction.
Reducing stick-slip helps promote smoother machine movement, more consistent positioning, reduced chatter, and improved machining accuracy.
The lubricant is suitable for combinations of cast iron, steel, and compatible non-metallic way materials.
Water and Coolant Separability
Machine tool way oil can enter the coolant system during normal operation. Poor separation between the lubricant and aqueous coolant can shorten coolant service life and interfere with coolant performance.
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is formulated to separate from many water-based and aqueous metalworking fluids. This helps reduce the effects of cross-contamination and supports the service life and performance of both the way lubricant and coolant.
This characteristic makes Vactra No. 2 particularly useful in machine tools where way-oil contamination contributes to shorter coolant batch life.
Adhesion and Corrosion Protection
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is designed to remain on critical lubricated surfaces instead of being readily displaced during machine operation.
Its additive system also helps protect slideways and machine components from rust and corrosion in the presence of water and aqueous coolants.
Recommended Applications
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is recommended for:
- Horizontal slideways on small to medium-size machine tools
- Ball screws
- Linear guides
- Headstocks
- Translating screws
- Circulating lubrication systems in large machines
- Selected moderate-duty hydraulic systems
- Machine tools using aqueous coolants
- Applications where way-oil contamination reduces coolant batch life
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 can be applied manually, through a forced-feed lubricator, or by flood application through a circulation system.
Always confirm the required viscosity grade and lubricant specification in the machine or equipment manufacturer's documentation.
Specifications and Recommendations
Recommended for applications requiring:
Meets or exceeds the requirements of:
- DIN 51502 CGLP
- ISO L-GA (ISO 6743-13)
- ISO L-GB (ISO 6743-13)
Typical Properties
| Property |
Typical Value |
| ISO Viscosity Grade |
68 |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C |
68 mm²/s |
| Flash Point, Cleveland Open Cup |
228°C |
| Pour Point |
-9°C |
| Copper Strip Corrosion, ASTM D130 |
1B |
| FZG Scuffing Fail Load Stage |
13 |
Typical properties represent normal production values and should not be treated as product specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2?
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is an ISO VG 68 machine tool way oil designed primarily for slideway lubrication. It provides controlled friction, adhesion, coolant separability, and corrosion protection for precision machine tools.
What viscosity is Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2?
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is ISO VG 68.
Is Mobil Vactra 2 a way oil?
Yes. Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is specifically formulated as a machine tool way and slideway lubricant.
What is Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 used for?
Typical applications include horizontal slideways, linear guides, ball screws, headstocks, translating screws, circulating lubrication systems, and selected moderate-duty hydraulic applications.
Does Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 meet Cincinnati P-47?
Yes. Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is recommended for applications requiring Fives Cincinnati P-47.
Does Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 meet Cincinnati P-53 or P-50?
No. In the current Mobil Vactra Numbered Series specification table, P-47 is associated with No. 2. P-53 applies to No. 1, while P-50 applies to No. 4.
Does Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 help prevent stick-slip?
Yes. Its controlled frictional characteristics are designed to help reduce stick-slip and support smooth, consistent slideway movement.
Can Mobil Vactra No. 2 be used with water-based machining coolant?
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is formulated for separability from many water and aqueous metalworking fluids. This helps reduce the effects of way-oil contamination on coolant performance and service life.
Can Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 be used on linear guides and ball screws?
Yes. Linear guides and ball screws are among the identified applications for the Mobil Vactra Oil Numbered Series.
Can Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 be used as hydraulic oil?
It can be used as a moderate-duty hydraulic fluid in suitable applications, but it is primarily formulated as a machine tool slideway lubricant. Confirm the required hydraulic fluid specification and ISO viscosity grade before using it in a hydraulic system.
What is the difference between Mobil Vactra Oil No. 1 and No. 2?
One important difference is viscosity. Mobil Vactra Oil No. 1 is ISO VG 32, while Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is ISO VG 68. Both are recommended for horizontal slideways on small to medium-size machine tools, but the correct grade should be selected according to the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
What is the difference between Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 and No. 4?
Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 is ISO VG 68 and is primarily recommended for horizontal slideways. No. 4 is ISO VG 220 and is intended for applications such as large machines and vertical or inclined slideways where higher way pressures and lubricant drain-down are concerns.
What is the pour point of Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2?
The current ExxonMobil Product Data Sheet lists a typical pour point of -9°C.
Does Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 meet DIN 51502 CGLP?
Yes. Mobil Vactra Oil No. 2 meets or exceeds DIN 51502 CGLP requirements.
