Mold & Part Coatings
To address the unique needs of our customers, our team developed two proprietary mold and part coatings, MicroLube and MicroSlik, that provide additional benefits beyond those already provided by electroless nickel plating. Whether addressing wear and tear concerns with the boron nitride protection of MicroSlik or adding MicroLube for high-friction applications, these innovative plating solutions have allowed Micro Plating to expand into new and exciting industries. Both of our proprietary mold and part coatings are RoHS and REACH-compliant and meet various AMS, ASTM, and MIL specifications.
MicroLube (PTFE) for High-Friction Applications
MicroLube is a RoHS and REACH-compliant proprietary coating that is hydrophobic and provides dry lubrication and is excellent for low-load and high-friction applications. MicroLube is an ideal coating solution for rubber and plastic molding applications, eliminating the need for expensive and unreliable mold-release sprays. Additional heat treatment, also available through Micro Plating, can increase the hardness of MicroLube to meet unique specifications. With no expensive anodes, jigs, or fixtures required, MicroLube is a cost-effective coating with incredible versatility and can be easily stripped from steel and aluminum parts as needed without damaging the part or mold.
MicroSlik (Boron Nitride) for Enhanced Lubricity
The second proprietary mold and tool coating solution from Micro Plating, MicroSlik is a boron nitride-enhanced product that provides exceptional wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high hardness for applications that require a low coefficient of friction. Parts coated with MicroSlik feature a uniform coverage that allows for additional polishing and simplifies machining. With a plated hardness between 48-52 Rc, parts coated with MicroSlik can be heat-treated up to 62 Rc to meet specialty requirements. The integrated boron nitride particles offer a distinct advantage over other coatings when wear and tear occurs to the plating surface. Rather than become a problem area, the MicroSlik boron nitride coating acts as a self-renewing feature that helps to avoid costly repairs or production delays.
Benefits of Proprietary Coatings
- Versatile: MicroLube and MicroSlik solve unique challenges in various manufacturing industries due to their inherent beneficial properties of added hardness, wear resistance, and lubricity while remaining RoHS and REACH-compliant.
- Robust Protection: Just like electroless nickel plating, both MicroLube and MicroSlik provide complete protection against corrosive agents and offer impressive Rc hardness levels that can be further enhanced through heat treatment.
- Cost Savings: The cost savings from using Micro Plating’s proprietary coating solutions are seen over the long term as they prevent parts from wearing out and necessitating replacement or leading to wasted materials on rubber or plastic molding projects.
- Uniform Coating: Both MicroSlik and MicroLube provide 100% coverage with a uniform thickness that thoroughly penetrates recessed areas including threading without producing build-up that impacts tolerances or performance.
Industries Served
Medical
Manufacturing
Automotive
Aerospace
