“Industrial wax” covers many different products. A rubber factory, a PVC pipe plant, a cosmetics brand and a spinning mill all buy wax, but each needs a different type. This guide explains the main types of industrial wax and where each one is used.
1. Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is the most common industrial wax. It is a white, solid petroleum wax that melts at about 56–66 °C.
- Uses: candles, rubber and tyre compounds, match sticks, board and paper coating, waterproofing, packaging, hot-melt adhesives and polishes.
- Grades: fully refined (FRPW, under 0.5% oil) and semi refined (SRPW, 1–5% oil).
2. Microcrystalline wax
Microcrystalline wax (micro wax) has much finer crystals than paraffin. It is flexible, sticky and holds oil well, with a higher melting point of about 70–90 °C.
- Uses: shoe and furniture polish, lipsticks and creams, rubber compounding, adhesives, sealants and candle blends.
3. PE wax (polyethylene wax)
PE wax is a synthetic wax with a softening point of about 100–115 °C.
- Uses: lubricant for PVC pipe and profile extrusion, pigment dispersion in masterbatch, inks, coatings and hot-melt adhesives. Oxidized PE wax is used in emulsions and coatings.
4. Micronized paraffin wax (wax binder)
Micronized wax is fully refined paraffin ground into a very fine powder.
- Uses: wax binder and pressing lubricant in powder metallurgy and carbide tools, plus powder coatings, inks and plastics.
5. Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is a soft, semi-solid blend of oils and waxes.
- White grade: creams, balms, lip care and personal-care products.
- Yellow grade: industrial lubrication, rust protection and leather finishing.
6. Textile wax rolls
Spinning mill wax rolls are made from paraffin-based wax blends. They sit on autoconer and cone winding machines and put a thin wax film on yarn to reduce friction and breaks in knitting.
Quick comparison
| Wax | Main industries |
|---|---|
| Paraffin wax | Candles, rubber, packaging, matches |
| Microcrystalline wax | Polish, cosmetics, rubber, adhesives |
| PE wax | PVC pipes, masterbatch, inks, coatings |
| Micronized wax | Powder metallurgy, coatings, inks |
| Petroleum jelly | Cosmetics, lubrication, anti-rust |
| Textile wax rolls | Spinning mills, winding, weaving |
Get the right industrial wax
Maruti Industries in Jamnagar, Gujarat manufactures and supplies all of these industrial waxes in bulk. Tell us your application on WhatsApp and we will suggest the right grade, or order online.