Characteristics of Argos ST anti-friction coatings
Wear resistance, dry lubrication and corrosion protection may be effectively combined in a single coating that extends the life of mechanical parts.
Unlike traditional coatings, Argos ST anti-friction coatings not only coat the surfaces of the parts, but also impregnate them, eliminating the risk of peeling and flaking.
In fact, a series of thermal, chemical and mechanical treatments are carried out to increase the microporosity and roughness of the base material, allowing the coating to penetrate the substrate, while eliminating the risks of peeling and flaking.
With this Argos ST process, even after the surface layer has worn down, the properties of the treatment remain virtually unchanged.
Anti-friction treatments and coatings can be applied to a wide range of metals, except copper, for which preliminary tests must be carried out.
We recommend opting for anti-friction coatings when you need to avoid friction problems or solve problems related to dry lubrication, seizing or wear.
Anti-friction with polymers
Argos ST coatings consisting of polymers, self-lubricating fluoropolymers and fluorocarbons such as Antifriction Coating A101, have a very low friction coefficient and are designed for dry lubrication and to prevent mechanical components from seizing in a wide variety of sectors, thereby preventing stick-slip and fretting corrosion. Fluoropolymers are also highly anti-corrosive in chemical environments or aggressive atmospheres.
Anti-friction with nickel plating
Argos ST gives surfaces low-friction properties through special electroless nickel-plating processes: Niploy, Chenisil and Cheniflon.
Niploy
The advantage of this process lies in its very high ability to conform to all surfaces, even those with complex geometries. It allows less noble and cheaper materials to be used, benefitting in weight by replacing heavy alloys with light ones. It gives the surface corrosion protection and wear resistance, as well as microhardness.
Chenisil
A combination of electroless nickel and silicon carbide for an extraordinarily hard surface. The definitive answer to problems due to wear-related stress, it provides excellent corrosion resistance and high coating uniformity on any geometry. Maximum performance can also be achieved by choosing the actual thickness of the coating and the heat treatment that determines the final hardness.
Cheniflon
A combination of electroless nickel and PTFE microparticles for a surface that provides the maximum sliding, with exceptional hardness. High adhesion to the substrate ensures that it does not peel, even under high stress. Uniformity, hardness, resistance and conductivity are the main properties of surfaces treated with Cheniflon.
Very low friction can also be obtained with special surface treatments.
Anti-friction with anodizing
Hard anodizing is the term used to describe the functional finishing of aluminium components. This process creates a very thin oxide layer on the surface that bonds perfectly to the substrate, conferring elevated hardness and corrosion and wear protection.
Hard anodizing combined with the fluoropolymer PTFE guarantees very low friction due to reduced surface roughness.
Several areas of application are common: chemical/pharmaceutical, textiles and printing, food, automotive, aeronautics, oil and gas and packaging.
