A unique plasma ceramic coating process		Precision, smooth ceramic coated bore
	4-Bore – Coated and honed		Motorcycle barrel

Apticote 3030

A New Concept for Cylinder Bores

The Apticote 3030 ceramic coating for cylinder bores represents a step change in bore surface engineering technology, providing superior performance to that given by conventional Ni/Ceramic composite electroplates. Power is increased, streaking is eliminated, and piston skirt and ring wear is reduced.

The coating is based on a revolutionary form of anodising. Because the aluminium surface is oxidised to form a hard ceramic, there is molecular adhesion between the coating and substrate. This means an end to any coating adhesion issues, such as those with electroplated coatings, and it allows reduced cost to quantity.

Apticote 3030 provides greatly reduced surface friction, as well as the ability to resist metallic pick-up from the piston rings and skirt. It is that phenomenon, particularly with chrome-plated rings, which causes the unsightly and damaging ‘streaking’ problem that undermines engine performance.

Benefits

Anti-Streaking

An end to this!

Apticote 3030 does not streak! This eternal problem that occurs with conventional bore coatings is caused by pick-up of metal from the bore by the piston ring, which then scores the bore surface.

With its unique composition, Apticote 3030 prevents cross transfer of metal, even with Chrome Plated rings, and eliminates the scoring.

Increased Power

By using a specialised coating composition and honing technique the friction between the bore coating and the piston ring is reduced, and the lubricant retention on the surface is increased. Together, they help the coating provide for increased engine power output.

The demonstration below was performed with a KX 125 engine on a Poeton dynamometer, with up to 2% increased power and no streaking.

	Monitoring the dyno	Coated liners
	Dyno in action	Dyno control room

Substrate materials

Poeton have developed all the pre-treatment process, so that Apticote 3030 can be applied with confidence to a range of aluminium alloys that are traditionally used for engine liners, barrels and blocks. However, please note that, as yet, we cannot process alloys with high Si (>8%) or the specialised MMC composites containing up to 25% SiC.

Hardness

Apticote 3030 coatings have a hardness value in the range 900 to 1,400Hv, depending on the alloy. It is very closely controlled within the deposition process and, together with the unique composition, provides the basis for the low friction and anti-streaking.

Honing

Apticote 3030 must be honed by Poeton. The specialised honing is part of the process and is an essential step in producing the unique low friction surface. Parts must be pre-hone to an accurate size before being processed.

Uniformity and Thickness

Apticote 3030 is applied as a highly controlled deposit, ensuring a minimum requirement for honing and maximum bore precision. The coating thickness after honing is typically 40 to 55µ.

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