MOLYKOTE® Anti-Friction Coatings Explained
You may be familiar with traditional greases and lubricants but these are susceptible to wash out in extreme conditions and can attract dirt and grime which will eventually wear away components.
There is another option though. MOLYKOTE® Anti-Friction coatings or AFC's as they are sometimes known provide a dry film coating that is resistant washout and thanks to its dry characteristics will not attract dirt and grime. AFC's are often referred to as 'lubricating paints' as they can be painted onto surfaces using a number of methods including:
- Spraying
- Dipping
- Dip-Spinning
- Printing
- Coil Coating
This makes anti-friction coatings easy to apply, they also do not require an oven to cure them although for applications where corrosion protection and chemical resistance are required it is recommended that the coatings are cured in an oven.
The ability to easily apply these coatings makes them a cost-effective and economic solution for many applications. They are also able to withstand higher temperature ranges than traditional greases and pastes making them ideal for applications where extremes of temperature are in play.
Solid Lubricants
MOLYKOTE® Anti-Friction Coatings use solid lubricants that keep the surface of the substrates separated from each other to form the dry film and in turn provide lubrication. These solid lubricants can withstand high loads and high temperature ranges that tradition lubricants cannot achieve. You can find out more about solid lubricants here.
By using solid lubricants the anti-friction coatings provide:
- Dry, clean lubrication that is not effected by dust, dirt or water
- Rust prevention without the need for other processes like galvanising
- Excellent dismantling ability
- A coating that will not stain metal, plastic or elastomers
- Controlled film thickness
Curing
When it comes to curing AFC's there are advantages and disadvantages to air curing and heat curing. These are detailed below.
| Curing System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Air Curing |
Process is easier Can be applied with spray cans |
Curing time Storage stability |
| Heat Curing |
Corrosion Protection Chemical Resistance |
Equipment (Oven) is necessary Energy Costs Handling |
Application Methods
As mentioned above there are a number of methods for applying anti-friction coatings, these too have their advantages and disadvantages which can be found in the table below.
| Method | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Spraying | Good appearance, even film thickness | Over spray and an exhaust cabinet is required |
| Dipping | Good appearance and even film thickness | Bath control and stirring equipment required |
| Dip-Spinning | Bulk goods and can be automated making it economical | Poor appearance, Needs two layers, bath control |
| Printing | Exact design, automated and no overspray | Defined Area and a specific machine is required |
| Coil Coating | Outside treatment, Economical, ideal for big quantities (m2) | Expensive equipment, lots of spaces needed. |
Product by application
| Industry | Application | Product |
| Automotive | Piston skirt coating | D-10-GBL / D-6024 / PA-744 |
| Automotive | Starter motor anchors | D-6600 |
| Automotive | Exhaust Manifold Gaskets | D-6900 / D-7620 |
| Automotive | Lock mechanisms, catch plates, locking-levers and safety hooks | 3400A LF / D-708 |
| Automotive | Door panels, arm rests, consoles and interior trim | D-96 / D-9630 |
| Automotive | Seat belt components | D-6600 / D-708 |
| Automotive | Caliper springs and brake clips | D-708 / D-709 |
| Automotive | Air Conditioner swash plates | D-6818 / D-7409 |
| Automotive | Air conditioner pistons | D-6927 |
| Engineering | Gears | D-7409 / 7400 / D-321R |
| Engineering | Threaded Connections | D-708 / D-3484 |
| Engineering | Chains | D-7409 / D-3484 / D-321R |
| Engineering | Springs | D-321R / D-3484 / D-7409 |
| Engineering | Valves | D-7409 |
| Engineering | General Assembly | D-321R / 3402C LF |
| Engineering | Rubber and plastic components such as O-rings and seals | D-9100 |
If you would like to find out more about anti-friction coatings contact us on 01827 255200. To see our full range of MOLYKOTE® anti-friction coatings click here.