Design Engineering

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.