Hardcoat and Clear Aluminum Anodizing Example

Aluminum Hardcoat Anodizing/PTFE

Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing is a special application of a controlled oxide film on aluminum with the inclusion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) molecules. The resultant coating offers the dense, hard protection of Type III hardcoat anodizing coupled with the excellent dry lubrication for which PTFE is so well known. Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing provides a very good surface for aluminum molds, as the lubricity of the surface translates into superior release characteristics, and the coating remains stable at high temperatures. Additionally, the mechanical synergy between the crystalline formation of the oxide film and the molecular structure of the PTFE yields very good wear characteristics. The coefficient of friction of the Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing is 50% lower than that of hard anodizing alone. Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing is highly resistant to atmospheric and marine corrosion and serves as an electrically insulating coating.

Note: Chem Processing's Hardcoat/PTFE anodize conforms to MIL-A-63576 Type I. To better understand the properties of this coating versus other Types please reference this specification (available as a free download here). The PTFE fills surface asperities and penetrates into the pores of the freshly anodized film, but is not a codeposit in the manner of electroless nickel/PTFE. Engineers should account for reduced available PTFE as the film is removed in high wear applications. 

Chem Processing Inc. Hardcoat/PTFE  Anodizing Capabilities:

  • Conforms to SAE AMS 2482 Type 1 and MIL-A-63576 Type I
  • Precision masking for selective surface coating
  • Relatively uniform thickness across part surface
  • Internal salt-spray corrosion testing per ASTM B117
  • Thickness analysis with alcometer and standard metrology
  • Coating weight analysis
  • Taber abrasion testing
  • Dielectric testing

Typical hardcoat Anodizing/PTFE Applications:

  • Aerospace/Astrospace/Aviation: wear resistance, dry lubrication, longevity and electrical insulation
  • Firearms/Ordnance: corrosion and wear resistance
  • Machinery: abrasion resistance for high-speed machine parts
  • Electronics: uniform emissivity and a high dielectric
  • Marine/Naval: corrosion resistance in salt-water environments
  • Oil and Petrochemical: corrosion protection and wear resistance.
  • Molds and Dies: improved release properties and abrasion resistance at high temperatures
  • Food & Agriculture: long service life, easy-to-clean surface and release on molds
  • Chemical Industry: corrosion resistance in extreme environments

Chem Processing Inc. offers hardcoat anodizing/PTFE services to Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, the Midwest and beyond. CPI is strategically located by highway routes to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, St. Louis, and Minneapolis. The CPI facility is minutes from Rockford Chicago International Airport, a major Midwestern air freight hub, enabling efficient door-to-door delivery across the United States or across the globe.