Dry Film Lubrication Gives Critical Long-Term Protection

Dry Film Lubrication (DFL), also known as solid film lubrication, is the ideal solution for lubricating your parts when liquid-based lubricants fail to function properly. The dry film protective coating is more reliable for reducing surface friction between part surfaces.

For operations where cleanliness of your parts is critical, dry film coating offers a protective layer that won’t become easily contaminated by attracting dirt, metal, or other foreign particles. It provides long-term protection in conditions where damage occurs from lack of use, and interacting surfaces that are immobile seize up. Rust, corrosion, and oxidation are prevented in parts that could undergo damage before even being put into service.

Dry Film Lubrication advantages include:

• Unaffected by extreme hot or cold temperatures
• Excellent load-bearing capacity
• Long-term protection, including storage
• Effective moisture barrier
• Clean, dry, and odorless
• Appropriate for all metals, as well as plastic, wood, and synthetics
• Resists contamination or removal by most solvents
• Ideal for components that have to be removed repeatedly from inaccessible areas

PTI uses graphite and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), or moly, as effective dry film lubricants to protect your parts’ surfaces when liquid lubricants won’t survive. The effect of these dry film coatings is similar to a person trying to walk across a floor covered with layers of playing cards. Each card slides easily against its contacting card, creating a reduction in total surface friction and resistance.

The DFL can be applied by dipping, brushing, or spraying. PTI typically uses spray, because both graphite and moly are suspended in a solvent that acts as a sprayable carrier similar to paint. The solvent evaporates off your part, leaving the dry film coating as a protective coating.

Dry film lubricants are used in many applications, including engines and airframes for both commercial and military aerospace, ground engines for power generation, and laser components and heat exchangers.

Many specifications for solid film lubricants require an additional process before it’s applied. Precision cleaning, vapor degreasing, passivation, and other special processes are performed to ensure maximum results in adhesion and effectiveness of the dry film coating.

At PTI, your special processes are available at one stop, saving you time and money with qualified solutions to your manufacturing needs.

This is the first in a series providing detailed information on the special processes provided by PTI.

Part Two: Get Quality Control for Your Parts with Nondestructive Testing
Part Three: Liquid Penetrant Inspection Is Economical and Versatile
Part Four: Magnetic Particle Inspection