Definition - Lubrication is the introduction of a substance between
the contact surfaces of moving parts to reduce friction and to dissipate
heat. A lubricant may be oil, grease, graphite, or any substance-gas, liquid,
semisolid, or solid-that permits free action of mechanical devices and prevents
damage by abrasion and "seizing" of metal or other components
through unequal expansion caused by heat. In machining, process lubrication
also function as coolants to forestall heat-caused deformities.
Lubrication and Coatings - Most of our engineered coatings offer some level of lubricating properties. These lubricants are functional combinations of Molybdenum Disulfide, Graphite, PTFE and other engineered materials. Originally designed as aerospace lubricants, these dry film lubricants are now used in a wide variety of applications.
Solid film lubricants are films of resin, which bind lubricating powders
such as MoS2 (molybdenum disulfide), graphite or fluorocarbon to a surface. Solid film lubricants provide lubrication in many situations where oils
and greases are ineffective.
The following is a graphical example of lubrication and Bonded Coatings
:
Example: When using coatings for Lubrication purposes, the lubricant
acts as a buffer to assist with motion such as in the above bearing example.
Environments for Lubrication
High and Low Temperatures
Our engineered coatings lubricate effectively over a wide temperature
range - from -395° to over 2000°F. When operating temperatures
exceed the range of fluid lubrication, solid film coatings should be used.
High and Low Loads
We offer engineered coatings that lubricate effectively while withstanding
loads in excess of 250,000 psi, and they typically exhibit a lower coefficient
of friction as load is increased. We also offer products that are very
effective with extremely light loads.
Dry and Wet Environments
We offer engineered coatings that lubricate effectively in wet environments
such as offshore drilling or in very humid locations. We also offer products
that lubricate effectively in extremely dry environments such as desert
climates.
Radiation and Vacuum
We offer engineered coatings that lubricate effectively in a high vacuum,
as well as maintaining their lubrication ability in an environment exposed
to radiation.
Environmental Conditions
The following table shows the wide variety of environmental conditions
that E/M solid film lubrication can withstand while providing the necessary
lubrication.
| Coating Type |
Temperature Range |
Load Capacity |
Dry / Wet Environment |
Radiation |
Vacuum |
Speed |
| MoS2 |
Cryogenic to 750° F (in air) or 1200°
F (in inert environment |
Up to 100,000+ psi |
Dry |
Poor |
Good |
Low to High |
| Graphite |
cryogenic to 1200° F (in air) or 2000° F (in
inert environment) |
Extremely light to 40,000 psi |
Dry |
Good |
No |
Low to Very High |
| PTFE |
from -150° F to 500° F |
Extremely light to 10,000 psi |
Wet |
Poor |
Fair* |
Low |
*varies with formulation
Application Examples
The following are examples of components with lubrication problems
and the engineered coating services that solved the problem.
|
| Component / Part |
Problems Solved
|
Industry
|
| Ball Valves & Seats |
Lubrication |
Pump & Valve |
| Bolts for Lock Assemblies |
Lubrication, Wear, Decorative |
Fasteners |
| Bullets |
Better Accuracy, Speed, Less fowling |
Industrial |
| Elastomeric Seals |
Lubrication |
Industrial |
| Main Springs for Subsurface Instruments |
Lubrication |
Industrial |
| Missile pneumatic actuation systems |
Lubrication, Corrosion |
Military |
| Press Nuts |
Lubrication |
Fasteners |
| Rubber Bumpers |
Lubrication |
Automotive |
| Screw Fasteners |
Lubrication, No Shedding |
Fasteners |
| Screw Shafts for High Speed Printers |
Lubrication |
Fasteners |
| Vane Motors & Bearings |
Lubrication, Friction |
Medical |
Questions
Please see identify problems for a quick response to any type of lubrication
and/or other questions that you have on how Everlube Products' coatings
can help solve your design challenges. |
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