MicroLube (PTFE)
At Micro Plating, Inc., our team focuses on providing plating solutions that address challenges in high friction and wear applications. In addition to popular options such as high-phosphorus electroless nickel and mid-phosphorus electroless nickel, we have developed proprietary plating solutions to tackle unique challenges. One example is our MicroLube electroless nickel composite plating process, which incorporates PTFE. PTFE is a hydrophobic, friction-resistant compound that withstands high temperatures, is non-wetting, and has high density. In our proprietary MicroLube plating process, we have devised a method to ensure that PTFE is evenly distributed throughout the deposit for optimal performance. Along with this uniform application and complete coverage, MicroLube prevents edge build-up, even when applied to substrates with complex shapes. We can apply this proprietary coating within a thickness range of .00005” to .001”, although typical thickness ranges from .002” to .003”. With these advantageous characteristics, MicroLube is an ideal coating solution for a wide variety of applications.
Friction & Lubricity of MicroLube
When a substrate will face sliding wear or be involved in well-distributed mild weight loads and needs a coating with a low frictional value, MicroLube makes for an excellent choice. MicroLube is particularly useful for non-lubricated wear applications and can be used to extend part life by reducing the impact of friction. One situation where MicroLube has proven beneficial is as a plastic molding release coating thanks to its uniform application, its ability to handle friction, and its anti-stick properties. If you have a coating job that requires high friction resistance and uniform application, we recommend contacting us to learn more about how MicroLube can serve your anti-corrosion coating needs.
Corrosion Resistance of MicroLube
Often, a metal substrate can be ideal for an application due to its weight, malleability, or other qualities, but lacks the natural corrosion resistance its application demands. This is where a corrosion-resistant coating like MicroLube comes in. This coating provides 96 to 240 hours of salt spray resistance meeting the ASTM B-117 specification at 0.5mm to 1.0mm, and can protect against acids, solvents, and oils. In addition to the hydrophobic and friction-resistant qualities of MicroLube, its inclusion of high phosphorus content provides for enhanced corrosion resistance. When needed, we can provide a double layer of corrosion protection to a substrate by first depositing our standard high phosphorus electroless nickel coating followed by a deposit layer of MicroLube proprietary electroless nickel composite coating. This duplex coating solution is intended to provide an extra layer of protection from corrosion, sticking, wear, and galling for high-impact applications. Whether applied on top of our high phosphorus electroless nickel coating or as a single deposit, our MicroLube coating can be heat treated to further increase its inherent corrosion resistance.
Benefits & Features of MicroLube (PTFE)
- RoHS and REACH compliant coating proprietary to Micro Plating Inc.
- The hydrophobic nature provides dry lubrication, reducing sticking and galling
- Excellent for low-load and high-friction applications
- Provides excellent mold release, eliminating spray releases
- The coating is hydrophobic which helps resist corrosion
- Heat treatment can improve MicroLube’s inherent hardness
- Hydrophobic PTFE content can be adjusted depending on the application
- MicroLube is deposited evenly, even on substrates with complex shapes
- No expensive anodes, jigs, or fixtures are required for application
- MicroLube can be stripped from steel and aluminum without damage
- Provides low coefficient of friction for environments including mold releases
| EN PTFE | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property | Typical Value | Technical DS | Notes | |
| Physical Appearance | Matt finish | Matt finish | ||
| Density | 6.6 g/cm³ | 6.3 - 7.1 g/cm³ | ||
| Phosphorus Content | 11.5 - 12.5% | 7.0 - 13.0% | (weight %) | |
| PTFE | 7 - 10% | 1.5 - 10% | (by weight) | |
| Vickers | Knoop | Rockwell C | ||
| Hardness (as plated) | 325 | 250 - 350 | 33 | |
| Hardness (Heat treated) | 425 | 375 - 475 | 44 | 550°F for 4 hrs or equivalent |
| Electrical Resistivity | 150 - 250 | Micro ohm/cm | ||
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.1 - 0.2 | CoF | ||
| Corrosion Related Properties | ||||
| Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117) | 5% NaCl, >.001" deposit | |||
| Aluminum | 240 hours | 4" × 6" polished panel | ||
| Carbon Steel | 240 hours | 4" × 6" polished panel | ||
| Thickness Control | +/- 10% | (Accuracy) | ||
| Thickness (Range) | .00005" to .001" | |||
Industries Served
Medical
Manufacturing
Automotive
Aerospace
