Durable surface finishes cut friction and galling in high-value equipment

Citation

(2007), "Durable surface finishes cut friction and galling in high-value equipment", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779dad.017

Durable surface finishes cut friction and galling in high-value equipment

Durable surface finishes cut friction and galling in high-value equipment

A new range of high performance PTFE-impregnated finishes, specifically designed to alleviate the abrasion and galling caused by day-to- day metal-to-metal contact, has been developed by Tecan. Tecfin Anti Friction finishes is said to perform equally well in dry or wet environments and can be adapted to increase durability and anti-corrosion properties where required.

The flexible range of finishes directly addresses the protection needs of equipment in everyday use where friction, anti-galling and wear problems are critical issues. Six surface finishes are offered to ensure the best possible performance characteristics for application – specific needs. These include attributes such as low-friction, durability and corrosion resistance, as well as non-stick properties for areas such as injection moulding and tooling.

For example, Tecfin AFA targets applications requiring the low-friction and corrosion resistance of aluminium parts such as those used in medical equipment. Similarly, aerospace, defence, pharmaceutical and automotive applications requiring aluminium parts with a combination of low-friction, durability and corrosion resistance are covered by the Tecfin AFA HARD finish option.

Tecfin AFN and AFN+finishes are reported to be compatible with most materials and deliver anti-friction, anti- galling, corrosion protection and non- stick properties for components in all the market areas listed above in addition to areas such as industrial plant and marine arenas. Finally, Tecfin AFN HARD and AFN+HARD offer enhanced durability in all these areas.

Sophisticated in-house laboratory facilities are used extensively for process analysis, quality assurance and control. Qualified chemists and technicians use advanced systems and equipment to assure finishes are technically correct and meet the requirements of individual specifications.

Prior to processing, atomic absorption spectrometry is used to analyse all metal solution samples. Post-processing, non- destructive X-Ray fluorescence testing is used to ensure surface finish thickness meets with specifications. Salt-spray testing can be used to perform accelerated corrosion tests to ensure long-term performance requirements are met. Micro-hardness testing is a further tool in the QA portfolio.

This Nadcap-approved, purpose-built facility offers statistical process control throughout the life-cycle of all jobs. All work in progress is regularly subjected to atomic absorption wet analysis testing with all results being recorded on an individual job-specific database. Atomic solutions are tested to within 0.5 parts per million.

The company has also developed Tecfin Connect – a new range of gold- based finishes designed to provide optimum durability, reliability and/or solderability dependent on the application. The finishes have been exclusively developed to change surface properties for specific electronics applications from consumer electronics products to aerospace, medical and military needs.

Details available from: Tecan, Tel: +44 (0) 1305 765432, Fax: +44 (0) 1305 780194.