Surface solutions for friction control

Coating system in the area of friction

Friction control for greater efficiency of machines and tools

Surface effects such as friction and wear have a significant influence on the functionality of machines and tools. Modern surface technology improves energy efficiency, drive performance, maintenance intervals and resilience. Advanced coatings replace liquid lubricants, minimise friction and offer wear protection. Technologies such as galvanic and chemical coatings, PVD/PACVD and thin films are central to machine components, plain bearings and tools. Sometimes an increase in friction coefficient is required for precise screw connections, for which dispersion coatings with particles are used. Our development department creates customised surface solutions for individual requirements, as there are also a wide variety of approaches to friction control.

Friction

Our different coating solutions

Galvanising

Electroplating technology is essential for reducing friction in coating technology. It comprises electrochemical processes for depositing electrically conductive metal layers on metal substrates. The relevant coatings include hard chrome, pearl chrome, bright chrome, nickel and anodising. These coatings effectively reduce friction, which is crucial in areas such as bearings and precision mechanics. This technique improves sliding properties and reduces wear caused by friction, which increases the service life and efficiency of components.

PVD/PACVD

PVD/PACVD is an advanced coating process that is particularly effective in controlling friction. Plasma deposition in a vacuum chamber produces thin, uniform ceramic hard coatings that improve hardness and wear resistance and thus reduce friction. The removal of oxides or water from surfaces optimises adhesion, which makes PVD/PACVD useful for various industrial sectors. PVD/PACVD is a key technology for low-friction industrial solutions.

Chemical layers

Chemical nickel coatings are of great importance in friction control. These coatings have uniform layer thicknesses, high hardness and pronounced wear resistance. These properties are crucial for reducing friction in applications involving components with complex shapes, holes, cavities and undercuts. Electroless nickel plating creates layers that not only provide wear protection, but also minimise friction between moving parts.

Hybrid

Hybrid coatings that combine galvanic, chemical and PVD/PACVD processes offer effective friction control. These coatings adapt to customer-specific requirements and enable precise coating thickness control and improved adhesion through galvanic processes. Chemical processes contribute to friction reduction with corrosion protection. PVD/PACVD technologies improve resistance to abrasive influences. This synergy of different technologies results in coating systems that minimise friction between materials while providing corrosion protection.

Our products

An overview of our product solutions in the field of medical technology.

Combination of high wear resistance with low friction and high load-bearing capacity.
PlanoTek CNB is an innovative coating solution for processing low and non-reinforced thermoplastics (PP, POM, PA6) and thermosets. It is characterised by excellent demoulding properties that make the component removal process considerably easier. The use of PlanoTek CNB reduces adhesion between the plastic and the mould surface, resulting in efficient demoulding. The coating also minimises the formation of unwanted deposits and coatings on the mould surfaces. The use of release agents can be significantly reduced thanks to the excellent non-stick properties of PlanoTek CNB. In addition, the coating offers emergency running properties that provide temporary protection for the tool surfaces in the event of malfunctions. Overall, PlanoTek CNB contributes to optimised production by increasing efficiency, improving quality and increasing profitability.
DLC-LF coatings are a special variant of DLC with extremely low coefficients of friction down to 0.05. They reduce wear, energy losses and heat generation, reduce sticking tendency and cold welding. Applications include bearings, gears, seals, pistons, tools and food and medical technology. DLC-LF offers high hardness and good wear protection.
Electroless nickel-PTFE coatings combine the hardness and corrosion protection of nickel with the friction-reducing properties of embedded PTFE particles. They are suitable for applications with lubrication requirements, offer wear protection and prevent adhesion.
Amorphous diamond-like carbon coating - exhibits high hardness and low dry friction losses.
Electroless nickel coating with DLC topcoat: Amorphous diamond-like carbon layer - high hardness and low dry friction combined with excellent corrosion protection.
Diamond-like carbon layer with CrN intermediate layer. Resistance to wear with increased load-bearing capacity.
CrN-DLC multilayer coatings offer superior wear and corrosion protection, high hardness and excellent tribological properties for industrial applications
CERODEM WCH is a diamond-like carbon with fine metal carbide inclusions. This enables the simple reduction of friction, surface fatigue and tribo-oxidation in a proven manner.
High-performance coating for high wear protection and good corrosion resistance. Ideally suited for coating aluminium.
Hard chrome plating is an electrolytic process for applying a hard chrome layer to ferrous materials, aluminium, stainless steel, copper or brass. In contrast to decorative bright chrome plating, the layers are thicker and are applied directly to the material without intermediate layers. They are primarily used to improve the functionality of mechanically stressed surfaces.
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Innovative solutions for tribological challenges

Efficient coatings to reduce friction and wear in industrial applications

Figure: Coating systems friction reduction

Challenges in the area of friction

High friction in machine components leads to energy loss, increased wear and rising operating costs. This is a critical factor for efficiency and profitability, especially in demanding industrial sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries.

Coating components with special layers to reduce friction offers an advanced solution. These coatings must be carefully selected and applied to maintain the functionality and efficiency of the machines.

The transformative effect of friction-reducing coatings

By reducing the coefficient of friction, these coatings improve energy efficiency, extend the service life of components and increase the reliability of machines and systems. They enable higher performance and reduce operating costs at the same time.

Technically speaking, friction-reducing coatings enable machines to be optimised and promote innovation. Economically, they lead to savings in energy consumption and maintenance costs, strengthen the market positioning of products and contribute to sustainability.

Friction-reducing coatings are an effective solution for tribological challenges. They improve the performance and efficiency of machines and contribute to more sustainable production.

Figure: Electroless nickel-DLC hybrid coating on a copper component

We have the solution

Our team will be happy to help you find the right solution for your product.

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