Anti-wear coating for mechanical components

Citation

(2001), "Anti-wear coating for mechanical components", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 73 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2001.12773aad.013

Anti-wear coating for mechanical components

Anti-wear coating for mechanical components

Keywords: ICC, Coating, Anti-wear additives, Component manufacture

The deterioration of mechanical systems due to wear is very costly and can often present insoluble technological and industrial problems. Through the use of a diamond-like carbon coating, the company ICC considers that it is providing an answer to the most extreme requirements regarding surface properties. Known as Diamolith®, this coating claims increased lifetimes for treated parts by improving their hardness and their friction coefficient, while at the same time reducing their cost.

ICC explains that by using a plasma-based physico-chemical process the diamond-like carbon is deposited evenly on finished components, without the risk of distortion. They report that, with a standard thickness of 3 to 5mm (therefore without remachining), this coating remains stable up to 400°C and its treatment temperature varies from 200° to 300°C. Diamolith is also said to combine the exceptional properties of diamond and graphite: great hardness (4,000 vickers), high elasticity, and chemically inert. With a very low friction coefficient, it reportedly enables lower mechanical stresses. It also claims an excellent finish for the parts produced and preserves surface texture.

With its flexible organisation, ICC promises short turn-round times for processing; the company is keen to develop new applications, particularly in aerospace. Costs are believed to range from 10 to 25 per cent of the cost of parts manufacture and produce savings of between two and ten times the original cost, depending on the application.

As an example taken from the industrial valves and fittings field, in the feed system for filling liquid oxygen tanks, the two parts that control the plug valve (the packing gland and sleeve) cannot be lubricated because of their cryogenic environment. After about 100 opening or closing operations, problems occur with seizing owing to the low temperatures and the lack of lubrication, which makes the system inoperative. By applying a Diamolith coating to the 316L packing gland, the system reportedly can operate up to 11,000 times!

ICC inform us that it is seeking exclusive distributors.

Details available from: ICC. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7235 5330; Fax: +44 (0) 20 7235 2773.