Low Friction Coatings are ideal in many industries because friction can cause quite the number of problems.

Excessive friction can lead to wear as well as increased heat from the kinetic energy of the contact between two surfaces. Both of these problems are very common, particularly in the engineering and manufacturing application industries.

That’s why Alphatek has developed a range of effective Low Friction Coatings solutions that will provide dry lubrication and reduce unwanted friction.

And in this blog, we’re going to give you the run down on Low Friction Coatings. We’ll discuss what they are and the reason why you should stop considering and actually get a low friction coating on your equipment.

What Are Low Friction Coatings?

Anti-friction coatings (AFC), or low friction coatings, contain solid lubricant particles in nanoparticle size which allows the coating to provide a smooth surface that reduces friction to the minimum.

These coatings are for metals, plastics, or combinations but they’re effective on all. They’re required wherever high efficiency and minimal wear is necessary or desired.

Friction is the main antagonist when it comes to the wear and tear of components. It can cause machines such as engines and electrostatic generators to operate when it’s present in the right amount. However, excessive friction works the opposite.

Of course the components will function, but it will lead to degradation of the parts.

In order to stop this a type of coating was created, enabling two surfaces to make contact with each other all while reducing the effect of friction. Low friction coatings are the solution. But the quality of the anti-friction coating is not only determined by the use of high quality materials but also by its application.

What Are The Benefits Of Low Friction Coatings?

Anti-friction coatings ensure smooth surfaces that result in less friction. The surface coating is quite durable which also brings further benefits.

Here’s some of the benefits of having a low friction coating applied to your components.

  • Low friction between two surfaces means less heat is generated, so fuel consumption is lower.
  • Coating thickness only needs to be very, very little in order to achieve long term friction reduction.
  • There’s various techniques for applying the coatings; spraying, vapor deposition, and component digging are some examples.
  • As machine parts are expensive to manufacture, purchase, or replace, using anti-friction coatings can extend the overall life of the machine component. This means that time between component maintenance and replacement is also extended.

Examples Of Applications

Reduction in friction, corrosion protection, and minimisation of wear are only a few areas were low friction coatings have had a positive impact.

They work extremely well on (and can be applied to) many different components, including sliding parts like rails and bearings as well as mechanical components such as hinges, hydraulic parts, gears, springs, and gear wheels.

Why Choose Alphatek For Your Low Friction Coatings?

The solutions we offer here at Alphatek are effective and functional.

Our solutions, which are typically applied by thermal spray processes, incorporate the application of metals, ceramics, or fluoroplastics. This creates a robust low friction barrier that is also super-thin.

In fact, we’ve created specialist low friction coatings for multiple kinds of challenges, both industrial and manufactural. From ball valves and gas turbines for the oil and gas industry, to jet engine components for aerospace applications.

Low friction coatings offered by Alphatek are world class and provide vital protection for your equipment. Especially where unwanted friction is causing a problem.

Here’s some of the reasons why you should choose us:

  • We provide a high level of service.
  • Our quality is consistently good.
  • Alphatek are low friction coatings experts.
  • We’re wholly responsive to each of our customer’s requirements.

Alphatek: Get In Touch

If you’re in the automotive or aerospace industry, that doesn’t matter. We aim to deliver the best in quality and performance. You can put your confidence in us – we have a cumulative of over 100 years of coating experience.

Reach out to us on +44 (0)1706 821021 or try sending us an email to postbox@alphatek.co.uk.

We are located 20 miles north of Manchester. Here’s our opening times in case you would prefer to visit us in person.