Dry Film Lubricants - PTFE & Molybdenum Disulphide

In many industrial applications, it is either impossible or impractical for components to be lubricated using liquid lubricants. Where liquid lubricants could fail due to load, temperature or the component environment, dry film bonded lubricants provide the answer.

Armourcote Hi-Tech Coatings provide friction control and surface release coatings by offering dry film lubricants such as Xylan (PTFE), Molycote and Everslik (both Molybdenum Disulphide). By reducing wear, galling, and heat generation on your components you can reduce your running and maintenance costs, machine downtime and operational limitations.

Armourcote Hi-Tech Coatings Facilities & Expertise

Our curing ovens have been designed to handle even large components, and reach the temperatures required to achieve a proper cure. They are equipped with internal temperature probes and chart recorders which allow us to keep detailed records of the temperatures reached and the times they were reached for. These can be included in the Certificate of Conformity if required, giving you or your client written evidence that the dry film lubricant will be fully functional when it is deployed in the field.

Our experienced operators have been trained by the manufacturers of these lubricants (such as Whitford Plastics) in the proper mixing and usage. The Quality Control department are able, depending on the individual specification, to carry out cure tests such as the MEK rub test, adhesion tests (such as ASTM D3359), or thickness tests to SSPC-PA2.

Dry Film Coatings - About PTFE Coatings

PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is used in un-reinforced fluorocarbon and fluoropolymer coatings applied directly to the substrate, and in the case of carbon steel on top of a phosphate coating.

PTFE Coatings for Surface Release
Composite coating techniques have been developed to overcome the inherent softness of fluoropolymers used for surface release. They minimise the unwanted adhesion of products to production machinery, and reduce cleaning time; product wastage; contamination of product; and damage to machinery.

PTFE Coatings for Friction Control
Minimises the use of liquid lubricants, and the wear that naturally results from two surfaces moving in contact. Reduces wear; heat generation; running costs; maintenance costs; machine downtime, and operational limitations.

PTFE Coatings for Corrosion Resistance
Provides sophisticated single or multipart surfaces which resist the attack of aggressive media and environments.

It has exceptional chemical and corrosion resistance, low coefficient of friction, resists abrasion, is flame resistant, can withstand extremes of temperature, and is chemically inert. These non-reactive qualities make PTFE a good candidate for use in containers and pipes used for reactive or corrosive chemicals. PTFE's good surface release and low friction properties make is useful in applications which do not have heavy mechanical demands.

Dry Film Coatings - About Molybdenum Disulphide Coatings

Coatings based upon molybdenum disulphide, and in combination with graphite, are sub micron sized particles of material dispersed through a blend of resins. This ensures good adhesion to the substrate.

Moly coatings are a combination of molybdenum disulphide lubricant and high performance resins. Moly coatings are thermally cured and thoroughly bonded to the base metal of the coated part. Molybdenum disulphide based coatings are used for friction reduction and control.

Moly coatings have traditionally been applied on components subjected to high-pressures, whilst graphite coatings have been used in applications at high temperatures. Pretreatment of the substrate, such as blasting to SA2.5, can have a marked effect on the end anti-friction quality of the component.

Dry-film lubricants like moly coatings are extremely useful for working parts which operate in an environment unsuitable for wet lubricants, or are positioned in awkward places that make wet lubrication very difficult. Different Molybdenum Disulphide coatings have variable degrees of corrosion and wear resistance qualities. The coating is suitable for heavily loaded mechanical applications, but not safe for food contact applications.