Anti-Wear
Wear is the loss of material from a surface due to mechanical action. Wear can be caused by a number of factors, including friction, abrasion, impact, and corrosion.
There are two main types of wear: adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Adhesive wear occurs when two surfaces come into contact and the asperities on the surfaces adhere to each other. As the surfaces move relative to each other, the asperities are torn away, causing wear. Abrasive wear occurs when a hard particle or surface rubs against a softer surface, causing the softer surface to be worn away.
There are a number of surface treatments that can be used to improve wear resistance. Some of the most common methods include:
- Coating: This is a process that applies a layer of a different material to the surface. The coating can be harder or more wear-resistant than the base metal.
- Hardening: This is a process that increases the hardness of the surface. Hard surfaces are more resistant to wear.
Anti-Wear Treatments
HARD CHROME PLATING
Apticote 100
A low temperature electrolytic process that deposits a protective coating of hard chrome on to a variety of base materials that outperforms conventional hard chrome coatings.
Materials processed: Aluminium, titanium, copper, high strength steel, stainless steel/CRES
Key Features
- Corrosion resistance
- Extreme hardness
- Low coefficient of friction
- Precision plating
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Low adhesive wear
- No final grinding
POLYMER COATINGS
Apticote 200
A range of polymer coatings that comprises high technology polymer-based formulations offering outstanding properties.
Materials processed: Steel, Aluminium, Magnesium, Titanium
Key Features
- Abrasive wear resistance
- Chemical resistance
- FDA compliance
- Heat resistance
- Low friction
- Mould release
ANODISING
Apticote 300
A range of anodising processes, including hard, sulphuric and TSA, each offering its own unique performance benefits.
Materials processed: Aluminium, magnesium, titanium
Key Features
- Coats a range of aluminium alloys
- High hardness
- Uniform coverage
- Very low wear
- Dyed red or black
- Excellent paint adhesion
- Precise coating thickness
- Very good corrosion resistance
HARD ANODISING COMPOSITE
Apticote 340
Combines the hardness of aluminium oxide with the properties of fluorocarbon polymers to produce a hard and continuously lubricating surface.
Materials processed: Aluminium, titanium
Key Features
- Coats a range of aluminium alloys
- High hardness
- Superb control of thickness
- Uniform coverage
- Very low wear
HARD ANODISING POLYMER COMPOSITE
Apticote 350
Combines the hardness of aluminium oxide with the properties of fluorocarbon polymers to produce a hard and continuously lubricating surface.
Materials processed: Aluminium, titanium
Key Features
- Coats a range of aluminium alloys
- Extremely low friction
- Non-stick
- Uniform coverage
- Excellent corrosion protection
- High hardness
- Superb control of thickness
- Very low wear
ELECTROLESS NICKEL
Apticote 400
A complex solution producing a thin and even coating that continues to perform even in the most extreme operating environments.
Materials processed: Aluminium, carbon composites, steel, copper, magnesium, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- 5 to 50μm
- Can be hardened up to 1000Hv
- Completely uniform coverage
- Excellent corrosion protection
- High wear resistance
- No post-machining
NICKEL POLYMER COMPOSITE
Apticote 450
A slick composite Nickel/PTFE coating that outperforms its rivals due to its sub-micron PTFE particles that are evenly distributed throughout the coating.
Materials processed: Aluminium, carbon composites, copper, steel, magnesium, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- Even coverage
- High wear resistance
- Smooth
- Thickness range 5 to 20 μm
- Good hardness
- Low friction
- Superb anti-galling and anti-seizure
NICKEL COMPOSITES
Apticote 460
The protective benefits of low friction polymers are combined the natural hardness and corrosion resistance of nickel.
Materials processed: Can be applied to a wide range of base materials, including aluminium, steels (including stainless steels), copper alloys and titanium.
Key Features
- Corrosion resistance
- Excellent mould release and non-stick
- High hardness
- Permanent lubricity
- Superior adhesive wear resistance
- USDA and FDA approval
ADVANCED NICKEL COMPOSITE
Apticote 480
A composite coating offering the ultimate non-stick and low-friction properties of a revolutionary fluorocarbon with the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion protection of electroless nickel.
Materials processed: Aluminium, copper, steel, magnesium, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- Corrosion resistance
- High hardness
- Superior adhesive wear resistance
- Excellent mould release and non-stick
- Permanent lubricity
- USDA and FDA approval
THERMAL PLASMA SPRAY
Apticote 800
A family of high-performance ceramic, cermet and metallic plasma coatings that can be applied to a wide variety of substrates.
Materials processed: Aluminium, carbon composites, copper, magnesium, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- Corrosion protection
- Reduce fretting and surface fatigue
- Reduces abrasive wear
- Used to salvage parts
PLASMA POLYMER COMPOSITE
Apticote 810
The next generation of non-stick coatings; tougher, harder and with better release properties than conventional polymer coatings.
Materials processed: Aluminium, carbon composites, copper, magnesium, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- Corrosion protection
- High lubricity and low friction
- High temperature capability
- Non-stick to a wide range of products
- USDA and FDA compliant
- Wear resistance
- With high load-carrying capacity
NICKEL SILICON CARBIDE COMPOSITE
Apticote 2000
A metal matrix coating comprising a mix of nickel with suspended silicon carbide particles deposited using a tailored process to ensure superior adhesion.
Materials processed: Aluminium, carbon composites, steel, copper, metal matrix composites, stainless steel/CRES, titanium
Key Features
- Anti-streaking
- Coats a range of surfaces
- High hardness
- Little or no wear
- Low friction
