Dry Film Lubricant Coatings

PTFE Coatings & Other Dry Film Industrial Coating Specifications

The first dry film lubricants used graphite or molybdenum disulfide as a lubricant that was mixed into an epoxy or other liquid resin. As industries demanded longer lasting, highly corrosion-resistant dry film lubricants, microencapsulation of the lubricant particles allowed specialized Military specifications (MIL specs) with very high corrosion resistance. These sophisticated lubricant coatings work by allowing slight ablation or particle dispersion at the surface of the industrial coating. Very high load capacity is achievable. However, liquids can disperse the lubricant particles.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of dry film lube coatings is that they mean parts no longer need regular lubrication once coated. This helps cut down on downtime for the maintenance required for many machines, thereby reducing production costs. Dry file lubricants also remove one of the most frequent sources of contamination: grease and oil. These types of lubricants start collecting dust and dirt almost immediately after they are applied, which over time can lead to a buildup of grime and foreign debris that must be cleaned off metal surfaces before it impacts the equipment’s performance. Coatings such as Teflon™ PTFE dry film lubricants also offer more versatility because they won’t degrade or freeze under extreme temperatures.

Typical applications are firearms, aircraft sliding surfaces, automotive door hinge pins, solenoid plungers, seat belt cams, and many dry applications. Many manufacturers choose PTFE dry film lubricant coatings when they need lubrication that doesn’t trap debris or particulates. This is especially helpful in applications including equipment used for food processing, components used in aerospace and defense manufacturing, and other applications.

Some newer PTFE dry film lubricant coatings and other solid lubricant particles in a liquid resin are spray and oven cured much like the original dry film lubricants. However, these newer materials do not disperse particles and use particles of materials like PTFE, PFA, carbon whiskers, polymer fibers, and many synthetic particles, including diamonds that are low friction and abrasion resistant. These non-abrasive dry film lubricants function either dry or wet. Many automotive parts are coated with these newer industrial coatings like air conditioner pistons, cables, supercharger rotors, rubber and plastic components, shock absorber pistons and rod guides.

Orion’s advanced capabilities mean we can offer dry film lubricant coatings for a wide range of situations. We have a team of experts ready to help you find the industrial coating solution that will be the best possible fit and protection for your application needs.

Contact us to speak with an engineering consultant about dry film lubricants for your project.